National Volunteer Week

Volunteers are the backbones of our communities and the nonprofit world relies heavily on their time and many talents and now it’s time to honor them; it’s National Volunteer Week!

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 62.6 million people over 16 years of age volunteered at least once from September 2012 to September 2013, which represents about 25.4% of this segment of the population.

We are taught to care about others very early in our lives. “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” our parents instruct us. In our younger years, charity begins at home and at school. As we grow older and more aware of the world, we gravitate to organizations that help those with illnesses or who live in unfortunate circumstances. These organizations share our beliefs and address the issues that are important to us. We view their causes as significant and feel passionate about the good work that they do.

Silver Hill Hospital Volunteers

At Silver Hill Hospital, over 230 volunteers provide a variety of services that enhance the quality of patient care and support hospital operations. Each week, approximately 75 volunteers are on our campus contributing between 150 to 170 hours per week providing a variety of patient activity and recovery discussion groups; everything from running patient baking groups, art groups and pet therapy to hosting AA groups.  Our volunteers’ time amounts to 8,800 hours per year. Meet Marcia, one of our volunteer flower arrangers who helps brighten spaces across our campus.

The Independent Sector, a national research and resource center for nonprofit organizations like ours, puts the value of volunteer hour at over $21 per hour-maybe a little bit more for Fairfield County. At Silver Hill Hospital, that means our volunteers’ time is worth about $185,000 per year. That is quite a substantial contribution and a very generous gift.

Volunteering is good for your health!

Volunteering produces a sense of gratification, but it is also good for you.

• Live Longer: A team of researchers at the University of Michigan has found that giving promotes longevity. The giving of our time and tenderness benefits not only others, but also each of us. It doesn’t matter whether the support is in the form of emotional support shared between loved ones or the physical help one might provide to a neighbor or a stranger, it all has a significant impact on the giver.

• Boost Physical & Mental Health: Helping others also reduces distress and improves both mental and physical health. It enhances positive emotions, and we know now that positive emotions release endorphins, which can promote cardiovascular health and boost the immune system.

• Improve You Sense of Self-Worth: Giving establishes a connection with others and raises our feelings of self-worth. It gives us a sense of belonging and of mattering. We benefit intellectually, spiritually and physically, as do those you help.

Make a difference

As we move into spring, a time of growth and renewal, consider giving your gift of time, unique talents and compassion to an organization that shares your beliefs. Your gifts will truly make a difference to those in need, including each of us.