The Impact of Volunteerism
Our spotlight is on VOLUNTEERISM this month.
On a personal note, I recall being in the hospital a long time ago and feeling a lot of pain and being very depressed because I was being given a blood transfusion. I was a new mother and I hadn’t been eating and my spirits were low. Suddenly there was a knock on my door and in walked a very cheerful lady bearing a dozen red roses from my husband. She smiled, and talked to me for a while and then was gone.
Little did this volunteer know what her visit did for me and I never forgot it. This volunteer suddenly made me so happy by her cheerful presence…and the flowers too.
Simply put, it matters when we give of ourselves to others. When you volunteer it's so important. You can make new friends, learn new skills, and feel happier and healthier. The benefits are enormous. For instance, hospitals depend on volunteers as well as so many other organizations.
As seniors, sometimes we can feel lonely, discouraged or unhappy. One way to feel less alone is to help someone or encourage someone. There is such a huge need for volunteers in so many areas such as Museums, Food Banks, Hospitals, Animal Shelters, Meals on Wheels, Schools, Children and Youth Organizations, Churches, Local Communities and so many more. Volunteering fosters a culture of service to others and provides a purpose in life. You can volunteer at your own time and schedule. Choose something you are interested in or passionate about and get started.
To summarize, I hope you will consider volunteering and I think you will get so much more in return than you can imagine.
Some books about volunteering include: Just Help! How To Build A Better World by Sonia Sotomayer or Make A Difference: America’s Guide to Volunteering and Community Service by Arthur Blaustein.
~ LaVern Wallace ( Co-Founder of SFFA )
Disclaimer: Our Foundation neither endorses nor is compensated for these suggested books.
