Q: What is the importance of National Volunteer Month?
A: National Volunteer month is held in April every year and is a time to celebrate and recognize the impact of volunteers in our community. It serves as a reminder not only to thank the volunteers we see but also to encourage everyone to get involved and give back.
More than 60 million Americans volunteer each year, contributing over 4 billion hours of service. These numbers are impressive, reflecting the powerful role volunteers play in strengthening services nationwide. Yet the true impact is seen on the local level, where we can see how each individual volunteer brings a personal story of connection, compassion, and meaningful impact.
Jim is a volunteer for Meals on Wheels in Thousand Oaks. He delivers meals every week to older adults who are homebound. Each delivery comes with a friendly check-in from Jim. One of the people he delivers to said, “I look forward to Mondays and Wednesdays because I know I’m going to see someone.” She knows Jim is not just delivering her food; he is keeping an eye on her well-being.
For Jim, volunteering is deeply personal, inspired by the memory of his wife, who passed away more than seven years ago. At her funeral, he read a quote she loved from Princess Diana: “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”
Jim often says he receives far more from volunteering than he gives. This is a sentiment shared by many who dedicate their time to causes they value.
Volunteering offers numerous benefits to overall well-being. It can foster a strong sense of purpose, enhance self-esteem, and help reduce feelings of isolation. Additionally, it creates opportunities to build community and connect with others who share similar interests.
At Senior Concerns, volunteers in our Adult Day Program play a vital role in enriching the participant experience through meaningful one-on-one interactions. They may facilitate activities or simply spend time engaging in conversation, providing companionship that helps participants feel supported, comfortable, and valued.
One of the volunteers in our Adult Day Program told me, “Coming here is the highlight of my week. I love the relationships I have formed, and I know that I am really needed.
Similar to Senior Concerns, many non-profits rely on volunteers to provide extra support, augment programs, and offer a personal touch to those in need. If you have time, energy, and heart to share, consider looking for an organization near you that supports a cause you care about. Ensure it aligns with both your passions and your skills.
Be realistic about how much time you can commit to, the skills you can offer, and what you are unable to do. Some volunteer opportunities may include lifting and physical work, while others may ask for computer skills. Think of it as a job interview and be clear about your strengths as well as your boundaries.
Volunteering is beneficial for our hearts, our minds, and our self-esteem. If you are a volunteer, we thank you for all you do for our community, not just during National Volunteer Month, but every month.
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
