April 18 – 24 is National Volunteer Appreciation Week and is an opportunity to pause and reflect on all the volunteers who touch our lives. From our local volunteer firefighters to Jon Wolz our local C&O Canal Association volunteer guide to your WUMCO volunteers to your volunteer Town Elected Officials, our lives are touched and improved every day by their generosity in sharing their time, talent, and voice to make a difference in our community. We salute and thank them!
As a nonprofit, our volunteers are the heart and soul of our mission. Poolesville Seniors is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. With the aid of a part-time communications and social media specialist, the Board directs and manages the corporation, develops, and presents a myriad of programs, and finds funding to keep the organization afloat.
In addition, to the added benefit to our community, the personal benefits of volunteering are many:
Volunteering Decreases Your Stress. As the Mayo Clinic’s “6 Health Benefits of Volunteering” article notes, interacting with new people and donating your time to help others develops a new sense of appreciation for yourself. Learning to appreciate all you’re doing for the community not only decreases your stress, but it teaches you healthy ways to manage your time and biggest priorities.
Increases Your Confidence. Confidence comes from having the courage to help others through volunteering your talents and developing new skills. In addition, you will have a sense of satisfaction and pride in the impact your time and talents have on the ones you serve.
Expands Your Connections. Many have felt a loss of connectivity, especially during the isolation of the Covid pandemic. Volunteering opens new doors that can help you make great new friends and connects you with a side of your community that you might not otherwise have a chance to meet.
So, to celebrate National Volunteer Week, thank a volunteer and become one! To volunteer with Poolesville Seniors, send your contact information, and which talents and how much time you want to donate to info@poolesvilleseniors.org.