Volunteerism is more important than ever. Running a nonprofit such as the United Way is a significant feat, and with a small staff, there is no way all of the work could be accomplished without involvement of local volunteers.

In 2015, our United Way engaged 417 volunteers with 8,223 hours of service, which equates to over $189,000 contributed back to the community.

The need for volunteers with specific skillsets has increased over the years, especially as issues have become more complex and long-term resolution needs to be found.

One example is the local Rocking the Block collaborative project — our United Way worked to engage local businesses so employees could help with housing rehabilitation at different sites throughout the week.

In 2015, two businesses in particular, Minnesota Corrugated Box and Wells Fargo, sent several employees to volunteer every day over the week-long project. The employees offered a variety of skills including drywall, woodworking, painting, design, etc. Their work helped an older woman in our community have a safe, sustainable, beautiful home and also made the house secure for future occupants.

The long-term impact of the work of volunteers such as this group can be hard to measure, but the impact it had on the homeowner, her friends and neighbors was very apparent. It’s a gift that so many local businesses allow their employees to engage in the community on a deeper level through volunteerism. We need people from all backgrounds and experiences, all ages and capabilities, to get involved in something that is meaningful to them.

Volunteers help create a future narrative for our community and its residents — whether they are serving on a board, mentoring a child, cleaning the lakes or knitting hats for premature babies. Volunteerism is an expression of love, care and a desire to create a better world.

If you haven’t found a way to get engaged yet, feel free to take a look at some of the opportunities available in our community at: http://www.unitedwayfc.org/volunteer/ or figure out what you really love to do and find a way to express it to help others. The world will thank you.

 

Ann Austin

executive director

United Way of Freeborn County