Volunteer, make difference in community
Columnists, COLUMNS--FEATURE SPOT, Opinion
 By  Staff Reports Published 
10:44 am Friday, July 8, 2022

Volunteer, make difference in community

Are you a volunteer? What is the definition of volunteerism?   

Volunteerism is defined as a concept or practice of offering services in a charitable organization or social agency without accepting any pay for it.

Volunteer work is one of the best ways of bringing transformational change in a community. It encourages a strong civic sense and the willingness to give something without expecting a monetary return.

You do not have to be a member of an organization or club to volunteer; however, most of these organizations are motivated by values like freedom, citizenship, promoting equality and improving education that propel them to do something good for others.

I have been an advocate of volunteerism throughout my career – starting in high school, where I had dedicated teachers who were my mentors and encouraged me. I was involved in numerous clubs and learned leadership skills, which prepared me for future volunteer opportunities.

As a retired teacher, it’s been a pleasure to see my former students achieve success and makes me even prouder witnessing them as they give back to the community through their volunteerism.

What are some volunteer works?

  • Raising funds for worthy causes
  • Planting trees and creating awareness about the benefits of the environment
  • Cooking and serving food at community halls
  • Talking and guiding the younger generation on a path that will help them to achieve desired goals
  • Assisting with Vacation Bible School or church events
  • Helping at an animal shelter
  • Taking part in relief projects

What are some benefits you receive as a volunteer?

Dedicating your services for community work helps in making new friends, strengthening existing relations and improving social skills.

Children watch their grown-ups doing volunteering work, and it fosters in them the same feeling from an early age.

The significant advantages of volunteer work are that it helps to fight depression and anxiety. Volunteer work is a booster and builds self-esteem and self-confidence, and it often requires a person to stay physically fit.

Volunteering is all about helping others without any ulterior motive. It is the best way to bring a smile to everyone’s faces. Through volunteering, you can make a difference.

Also on Franklin County Times
Gray named president of Red Bay, Helen Keller hospitals
Main, News, Red Bay
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
July 15, 2026
SHEFFIELD — Red Bay hospital will soon be under new leadership as Jeremy Gray, who has been hired as the new president of the Franklin County facility...
5 properties are designated nuisance
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 15, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Five properties within the city have been designated public nuisances, and city workers soon will begin tearing down a burnedout partia...
Condemned downtown building to be demolished, replaced
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 15, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — The condemned building that used to house the Faith Mission Outreach will be demolished and a new structure rebuilt in its place. In an...
Jones says he’ll listen to Alabamians
Main, News
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
July 15, 2026
SHEFFIELD — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Doug Jones shared a vision July 9 of an Alabama government who listens to its constituents and focuses ...
Stage being renovated for W.C. Handy Fest
News
By Ella Seaton For the FCT 
July 15, 2026
SHEFFIELD — Stage renovations at Riverfront Park face a fast-approaching completion deadline prior to the W.C. Handy Music Festival. With “Riverside J...
A $174M penalty families can’t afford
Columnists, News, Opinion
July 15, 2026
Recently, the federal government published “scores” that will determine how much each state will have to pay toward its SNAP program starting in 2027....
Friendships more precious as years pass
Columnists, Features, Lifestyles, ...
HERE AND NOW
July 15, 2026
Friends are wonderful gifts. Throughout different stages of life, friends serve as anchors, confidants and sources of strength. While many people come...
Sparks is youngest miracle worker yet
News
By Addi Broadfoots For the FCT 
July 15, 2026
For 65 years, audiences have watched the story of Helen Keller come to life on the outdoor stage behind Ivy Green in Tuscumbia. This summer, that trad...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *