10 Reasons to volunteer by a volunteer

10 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer

This post was contributed by Donna Scott, a Met Council volunteer.

1. There are many different volunteer opportunities to suit everyone. You can volunteer your time to soup kitchens, animal shelters, food and clothing drives, or even become part of a team to build homes for those in need.2. It’ll make use of your free time. If you find yourself at home and bored with nothing to do, volunteering will make productive use of your free time. Instead of watching old reruns on the television, you can be out doing something that will help yourself and help others.3. It looks good on your resume. Those wanting to get into college can boost their chances of acceptance when they volunteer regularly. Universities look for students with dedication, motivation, and beliefs, and volunteer activity provides an indicator of those traits.4. It is a great way to become part of the community. Your community will take care of you as long as you take care of it. When you volunteer, you will come into contact with people who are striving to make your town better for everyone, and you will become part of the force that will help change things for the better.5. It is a great way to meet people. When you volunteer at a place that interests you, you will meet others who share that interest. Volunteering is casual and hands-on, so those who give their time to the cause will inevitably form a strong bond.6. You will become more cultured. Out of your own social circle, you will meet those who are the benefactors of your time and work. It will make you wiser and more compassionate towards the less fortunate.7. You will feel good afterwards. No matter how trying and boring you may find volunteering, you will inevitably feel good for donating your time and effort afterwards. Now imagine if you volunteered at a place you enjoyed. You would feel wonderful while you volunteer and afterwards, too.8. You’ll live longer and healthier. Older people who volunteer live longer lives and are less likely to suffer from heart disease and depression, U.S. News reported. Volunteering will keep you active and social, two things that have been proven to ward off elderly dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
9. It’ll keep your brain sharp. If you are no longer working or going to school, the lack of mental stimuli can lead to forgetfulness or depression. Volunteering will put you back in a work-like setting, allowing you to keep those neurons fit and healthy.10. You will make a difference. Even if you just answer phone calls at a shelter or pass out dinners at a soup kitchen, you will have made a difference to somebody. Remember, good will to all should not only come during Thanksgiving and Christmas. After all, charity, love, and dedication are needed year-round.