My personal thanks to all the volunteers I work with every day

 April is volunteer appreciation month. Many seniors volunteer. These statements from volunteers highlight the personal and social benefits of volunteering, as well as the positive impact it has on both volunteers and the recipients of their support. I work with two senior organizations in my community; I am President of one and Chair of the other. We could not do what we do without the support of our volunteers. So I asked them what is it about volunteering that appeals, and their answers are below. My thanks to those who responded and a huge thank you to all of the volunteers I work with who support the work we do to help seniors overcome challenges with food insecurity, isolation, loneliness and abuse.

I enjoy using my time and skills to volunteer for organizations that focus on improving people’s lives and I am thankful I have the time, skills,and capabilities to volunteer.

I enjoy helping people and it’s a good feeling at the end of a session when people have a breakthrough and know what they did to help resolve the issue.  It’s like the old proverb about teaching a man to fish.

"Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I cherish everyday."

"Being able to make a positive impact in someone's life, no matter how small, is incredibly rewarding."

"Volunteering has introduced me to amazing people and expanded my social circle in ways I never imagined."

"Seeing the gratitude in someone's eyes after receiving help reminds me of the power of kindness."

"Volunteering keeps me active and engaged, both mentally and physically, which is essential for healthy aging."

"Knowing that my efforts contribute to a greater cause makes every moment spent volunteering worthwhile."

"Volunteering has taught me valuable skills and experiences that I can apply to various aspects of my life."

"I encourage fellow seniors to join me in volunteering; together, we can make a significant difference in our community."

Volunteering has given me a sense of purpose and belonging in my community, and I would encourage other seniors to experience this fulfillment.

I've learned new skills and expanded my horizons through volunteering, all while making a positive impact on others' lives.

The connections I've made while volunteering have enriched my life in ways I never expected. I encourage other seniors to meet new people and form meaningful relationships through volunteering.

Giving back to my community through volunteering has brought me immense joy and satisfaction. I urge other seniors to discover this happiness for themselves.

Volunteering has allowed me to stay active and engaged, both physically and mentally. I encourage other seniors to maintain their well-being and contribute to their communities through volunteering.

Sharing my life experiences and wisdom with others through volunteering has been incredibly rewarding. I encourage other seniors to recognize the value of their own experiences and share them with others.

Volunteering has given me a chance to make a difference in the lives of others, no matter how big or small. I encourage other seniors to see the impact they can make by giving their time and skills.

I've found that volunteering has helped me stay connected to the issues and causes that matter most to me. I encourage other seniors to stay engaged and make a difference through volunteering.