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Like most people do at the beginning of every year, you’re probably making your resolutions – a long list of vague ambitions like exercising more, eating less, starting a new hobby, getting more organized – all things that are full of possibilities and good intentions. But by the end of January, many of those good intentions have faded into the winter blues and we revert to our old ways. So this year, why not resolve to do something that will help you meet all your personal goals and give back to your community at the same time?!? It’s called VOLUNTEERING!!
That’s right folks. Volunteering offers an assortment of opportunities to improve your own life while also helping others. The possibilities are limitless! Do you want to get more exercise this year? Maybe volunteer as a dog walker at the Caroline Humane Society. Do you want to eat healthier? Perhaps volunteering at a food pantry like Aaron’s Place, with the Maryland Food Bank or packing backpacks for Food For Learning will help you learn more about nutrition. Do you want to make more time for reading? Try volunteering with Appleseed Books to read books to kids or with a local senior center where you can read books to older people who might be visually impaired. The societal benefits of volunteering are rather obvious, but it’s something that can be equally beneficial for YOU, the volunteer.
Here are some of those benefits:
• Personal Well-Being – Volunteering supports mental and physical activity. Studies have found that volunteers over the age of 60 experience greater satisfaction in life and positive changes in health. Doing something positive for others increases happiness and decreases depression.
• Sense of Purpose - Volunteer work fills many needs and gaps in services within the community. By being a part of something bigger than you, you will feel a renewed sense of purpose and reason to get out of bed every morning. Volunteering helps create and support healthy communities and who doesn’t want to be a part of that?
• Social Relationships – Volunteering can help build rapport between team members, connection with family, and establish new friendships and relationships. By doing a fun activity together like serving meals at His Hope Ministries, you can create lasting bonds with folks who have shared interests, whether that be people you already know of new ones you meet. Dedicating your time as a volunteer will help you expand your network and develop your own social skills.
Ushering in a new year offers a great opportunity to make new choices and take new chances in life. Volunteering can easily become one of those back burner resolutions that fizzles out by February. Make it a reality this year. You can find opportunities on Volunteer Match or simply by checking out any one of the hundreds of nonprofits right here in Caroline County, including CASA of Caroline. What’s holding you back? Make 2025 the year you make a huge difference right here in your own community. We all have a role to play in making and keeping Caroline County one of the strongest and most supportive communities on the Shore.
