Shari's Update - 3/23/2023

When I grew up in the 1970’s and 1980’s, many people volunteered their time to help people through their churches and social organizations.  When I first started working in the 1980’s, my employer at that time, strongly suggested that each employee select a community project and provide community service hours.  This was not mandatory, but many of us did volunteer a couple hours a month. 

As the years moved on, I have seen less people volunteering and many have totally gone away from volunteering altogether.  People’s lives are busier than when I grew up, but the need for volunteerism is still strong.  I am happy that the schools require community service hours.

Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative is a 100% volunteer organization.  We could never do any of our programs that help our Whitehall and Coplay residents without our Volunteer’s continued support, time, and talents. Our volunteers are a wonderful group of selfless people.  And they all are really nice and work well together!!

Would you be able to help WCHI help others? All our volunteers must have state required criminal background clearances since we work with children.  For a full list of our requirements and to register, please go to our website https://tinyurl.com/WCHIvolunteer   Questions, e-mail Sylvia Lee, Program Chair, at [email protected]

I googled to see what benefits occur when people volunteer, and this info is from https://tinyurl.com/42avw7u2  Once on the site you may need to scroll up.  The site is Helpguide.org and you may need to type in Volunteer. 

“WHY VOLUNTEER? - With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering can be enormous. Volunteering offers vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for you, the volunteer. The right match can help you to find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career.

Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day. Giving in even simple ways can help those in need and improve your health and happiness.

VOLUNTEERING CONNECTS YOU TO OTHERS - One of the more well-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals, and organizations in need. And volunteering is a two-way street: It can benefit you and your family as much as the cause you choose to help. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills.

MAKE NEW FRIENDS AND CONTACTS - One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity together. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. It strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities.

INCREASE YOUR SOCIAL AND RELATIONSHIP SKILLS - While some people are naturally outgoing, others are shy and have a hard time meeting new people. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice and develop your social skills, since you are meeting regularly with a group of people with common interests. Once you have momentum, it's easier to branch out and make more friends and contacts.

VOLUNTEEREING AS A FAMILY - Children watch everything you do. By giving back to the community, you'll show them firsthand how volunteering makes a difference and how good it feels to help other people and animals and enact change. It's also a valuable way for you to get to know organizations in the community and find resources and activities for your children and family.”