The Keep Liberty Beautiful Staff, Dr. Karen Bell, Lisa Choeun, and Theresa Rapolla, would like to thank all the Boat Captains that participated in the 2021 Beach Sweep on St Catherine’s Island. KLB could not have transported the volunteers to clean up St Catherine’s Island without these outstanding captains. They gave their time, gas, and boat and made sure we all returned safely. So, thank you, John Gaskin, Michael Mack, Hector Soto, Mickey Youmans, Mike Womble, Michael Friend, Ben McMillen, Andrea Friend, and David Choeun.
Volunteering is good for the soul, and what volunteers do makes such a difference in the community. I can remember volunteering with the Girl Scouts when I was younger and how that also helped me learn to give back. I was able to pass that lesson to my son, Bryan, who was “Voluntold” for many years until he started to volunteer on his own. I believe I have volunteered all my life and would not change a thing.
Keep Liberty Beautiful is fortunate to have over 3,000 volunteers engaged in our programs and community events each year. I have had many people ask me how I do that, but the reality is that I cannot take the credit for making that happen. Keep Liberty Beautiful is a program that has a message at its core that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds who care about our world and our community. These caring people are naturally attracted to being involved in the KLB projects. The KLB Staff just makes sure that we make events available to anyone who wants to connect.
For some people volunteering has been a natural part of their lives. Others may be new to the idea of volunteering. There is always room for someone who wants to give back to their community. People who volunteer have many different reasons for becoming involved. There are many unselfish reasons to want to volunteer and to help others. Still, the big secret about volunteering is that you not only help others and help improve the world, you also can help yourself in so many ways.
No matter who you are or what age you are, volunteering is a great way to improve your life. It can bring together people from all walks of life. So, volunteering helps others, but have you considered how much it can help you? Loads of research findings promote the many benefits that volunteers gain from their experiences:
It strengthens your community and your social network
It improves self-esteem, confidence, and feelings of self-worth
Volunteering enhances mood and makes us happier
Volunteering can improve skills, educational opportunities, and job potential
It reduces loneliness and a sense of isolation
It improves mental and physical health
It can strengthen your immune system
Volunteering together creates stronger bonds between friends, family, and coworkers
Volunteering reduces stress and improves well-being
Some research has shown that volunteers may be at a lower risk of dementia from 65 years on Volunteering appears to improve brain function
Long-term volunteers have longer lived, less disease, and better overall health. One report says that people who volunteer over 100 hours a year are some of the healthiest people in the U.S., and it also keeps you young!
After reading this list of reasons on what volunteering can do for you, I know KLB has an event you can sign up for. Please check out our website: www.keeplibertybeautiful.org for information on our upcoming events. You can start this weekend at our Rivers Alive Cleanups on September 25, 2021. One is at Bryant Commons, and the other is at Fort Morris State Historic Site from 9:00am to 1:00pm. The countywide Rivers Alive cleanup is on October 23, 2021. To sign up, contact us at the Keep Liberty Beautiful office at (912) 880-4888 or email klcb@libertycountyga.com.