April 21 – 27 is National Volunteer Appreciation Week and is an opportunity to pause and reflect on all the volunteers who touch our lives. From our MCVFD firefighters to Jon Wolz our local C&O Canal Association volunteer guide, to your WUMCO volunteers and 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 Poolesville Seniors’ volunteers are the heart and soul of our mission. We depend on the generous donation
s of time and talent that our volunteers provide to accomplish our mission to keep seniors socially, mentally and physically active. From our volunteer Board of Directors to our volunteer presenters and those volunteers who assist in our events and committees, Poolesville Seniors benefits greatly because of the dedicated service of these individuals.
Poolesville Seniors is governed by a volunteer
Board of Directors. With the aid of a full-time Program Director, 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:
Decrease 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.
Increase 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.
Expand Your Connections. Many have felt a loss of connectivity if you are new to the area or newly retired. 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, sign up on our website Volunteer tab and we will add you to our volunteer email list. If you have something particular in mind you can always email us at info@poolesvilleseniors.org.