“A Responsibility to Help Each Other:” Volunteerism and Community
United Way’s annual Days of Caring is coming up — a chance for individuals and companies to serve with Lane County nonprofits alongside hundreds of other volunteers around the county. The benefits of volunteerism are clear—both for our community, and ourselves!
Studies show that people who volunteer tend to report higher levels of well-being, including mental and physical health, life satisfaction, self-esteem, and happiness. To those who frequently volunteer, this will come as no surprise. Volunteering has the power to connect us to a greater purpose and to the community around us.
“Giving back to the community is an essential part of ‘being community,’ and this a small way that I can do that. I am thankful for the opportunity.”
Volunteers from Summit Bank serving at the Food For Lane County Youth Farm during Days of Caring 2021.
For some, volunteering is a way to help in the midst of crisis. “I've been looking for more volunteer opportunities for a while,” said one Days of Caring 2021 volunteer, “so this is a great time to get started with United Way volunteering. Our community is suffering so much with COVID right now and we all have a responsibility to help each other.”
For others, volunteering is personal. “United Way programs are what helped me survive my childhood,” said another Days of Caring 2021 volunteer. “I want to give back.”
And for some, volunteering is a way to take ownership of our community. “I have never volunteered before in my life,” recalled another Days of Caring 2021 volunteer. “When I saw the flyer by United Way of Lane County for Days of Caring, I knew I had to sign up and try my best to give back to the community in however way possible. Dealing with the pandemic helped me realize the importance of a connected community and our communal ties. It’s all we’ve got. And this definitely seems like the best way to do it.”
Volunteers serving at Pearl Buck Center during Days of Caring 2021.
GET INVOLVED
Want to experience the benefits of giving back, while connecting with other community-minded folks? Sign up for United Way’s annual Days of Caring 2022, happening September 22-24. All across Lane County, nonprofits will be hosting volunteer projects, and we need your help to make it happen!
The deadline to sign up is Friday, September 9. Sign up to volunteer with your coworkers, friends, or family, and help make a difference for kids and families all around Lane County.