Do you know how National Volunteer Month came to be? It started in 1991, with President George H.W. Bush's 1000 Points of Light Campaign to support volunteerism.
Do you know how National Volunteer Month came to be? It started in 1991, with President George H.W. Bush's 1000 Points of Light Campaign to support volunteerism.
Think about it. With volunteers, you can make a difference in the day and life of someone else - a complete stranger or even someone close to you. Maybe your childhood has memories of volunteering out at a local nursing home or at a local venue, making the day brighter for another. Those appreciative smiles given to you have a resounding effect, lasting through your lifetime and making you want to help out again. Your heart swells, thinking of the feeling you get for donating your time, energy and skills in a rewarding and effective way.
Growing up, we are taught to always help out each other. Perhaps you remember hearing "Share your toys." "Make sure you hold your classmate's hand," may have also been said to you during a kindergarten field trip to the local farm. How about that lemonade stand? A percentage of those funds you raised may have been given to a local organization, teaching us as children how to budget our money and give back. As you got older, maybe you helped with your church or scout troop by delivering meals to the elderly who can no longer cook for themselves. We join groups as we become adults, giving back to the communities where we reside or frequent. You might even have used some of your holiday and vacation time to serve at a soup kitchen, or clean up at the beach or local park. Habitat for Humanity is a very popular volunteer group, providing much needed upgrades through skilled workers and helpers.
Bake sales, high school fairs to raise money, car washes. The possibilities are endless to donate time while having fun!
Do you know who else relies on volunteers? Our rural ambulance and fire departments. They are staffed through the efforts of volunteers.
Anyone can be a volunteer. A cause is chosen and then plans are made to help make a difference. The support is invaluable to a community, especially in a time of need. Think of Habitat for Humanity, The American Red Cross, 4-H clubs, Scouts, school and college organizations. Always thank a volunteer! They are committed to providing a better experience through their work.
Everyone should try out volunteering! It's a one size fits all effort, and the effects ripple through time.
#NationalVolunteerMonth
