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Nose for News by Sarah Stultz

If you’ve never volunteered before or have some extra time that you’d like to fill with a worthwhile cause, please consider volunteering — whether on a board, at a food pantry, at the animal shelter, at your church, for a youth sports association or with whatever organization interests you.

Without volunteers, many efforts in our community would not be possible.

Think of all of the festivals and events that are put together by volunteers, all of the youth sports that happen thanks to people who have a passion for helping youth in their free time and all of the organizations that fulfill their missions thanks to the help of volunteers.

We can make our community a better place to live by giving back when we can.

Volunteering not only helps various organizations and causes, but it can also serve as a stress reliever and create relaxed feelings.

According to the Mayo Clinic, research shows that volunteering offers significant health benefits, including improved physical and mental health. It can also provide a sense of purpose and teach valuable skills and nurture new and existing relationships.

I can attest to this after volunteering throughout my life at a variety of places.

I was taught the value of giving to others from my parents as a child.

Whether it was at church or in other ways, my parents always exmplified giving of their time and talents to help others. I remember even as a teenager feeling good in my heart after volunteering and will be the first to tell people to find a way you can volunteer and give back if you’re looking to feel more content

This month during Volunteer Appreciation Month, I thank all of the volunteers in our community. We are a city filled with generous, kind-hearted souls, and your efforts do not go unnoticed.

Without you, our community would not be the same.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead, anthropologist and humanitarian

“Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” — Author unknown

Sarah Stultz is the managing editor of the Tribune. Her column appears every Wednesday.