by JD Burke

Created on: September 20, 2008

My husband and I both volunteer in our free time. My volunteer experience includes Meals On Wheels, Hospice, and an adult daycare. For the past two years, I have served as a Hospice volunteer and it has proven to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I also serve as a volunteer for an adult daycare program at my church. I guess you could say that I hang out with senior citizens in my free time, but I enjoy every minute of it. I became a volunteer with the belief that I could give something back or that I could help make a difference in someone's life. Yes, I am sure all of that is true on one level or another. However, I never expected to be the one who received so much back in return. While volunteering isn't about me or what I get out of it, I do benefit from it on many levels.

I have a drawer of thank you cards I have received from patients or families. From time to time I pull them out and look at them. I feel a sense of accomplishment and awe that I was able to touch someone's life in some way. It just plain feels good to make other people feel good. It is heart-warming to bring a smile to someone's face. It is moving to hold someone's hand and say goodbye as they see their way out of this world. I feel a sense of contentment when I play dominoes with the seniors at my church and listen to their laughter or see their smiles.

My husband serves as volunteer for a local fire department and we often share stories of our volunteer experiences. When my husband is on duty as a volunteer, he is there with families in the aftermath of a fire, death, car accident, altercation, car trouble, flat tires, etc. While he has seen some horrible things volunteering in such a capacity, he also experiences the rewards of serving people at their most vulnerable.

Do we enjoy that people are vulnerable or hurt or suffer just so we can benefit as volunteers? Absolutely not. In a perfect world, people would not need a helping hand in the darkest hours of their lives because there would be no dark hour. As it is, we all experience those dark hours and we all need a helping hand to see us through. Brian and I simply choose to be there for others when we don't have to be. And, just by being there, our own lives are touched and changed by the people we serve.

Volunteers are desperately needed all over the country. Hospitals, animal shelters, hospices, homeless outreaches, non-profit organizations, and charities all need helping hands to reach out to the community.

If you have ever thought about becoming a volunteer, I encourage you to jump in with both feet. If you have no idea where to begin to look for volunteer opportunities, Volunteer Match might be able to help you find a place to serve. Make the phone calls, get involved, and you will most likely be pleasantly surprised by the impact your volunteer service has on your life.

There are also many volunteer opportunities designed for teenagers. Volunteering is a great way to get teenagers involved in their community. Teenagers who serve as volunteers generally get better grades, earn college scholarships, have a healthy self-esteem, and have healthier friendships.

Being a volunteer is truly one of life's greatest gifts for everyone involved.

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