Did you know people who volunteer are healthier and live longer? A recent study, “Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research” found a connection between volunteering and good health. The report shows that volunteers have greater longevity, higher functional ability, lower rates of depression and less incidence of heart disease.
That is all great, but, in my opinion, the best reason to volunteer is that warm and fuzzy feeling that volunteering gives me. I guess people volunteer for other reasons — work experience or to look good to others. Some people probably even volunteer just to get T-shirts. Whatever their reasons, I am glad people volunteer because there are so many good causes out there that need help.
In this hectic world of ours, it may seem hard to find time to make a difference. That is why the USA Weekend magazine created “Make a Difference Day,” an annual event on the fourth Saturday of every October. This year’s action day is Oct. 24.
Each year, approximately 3 million people care enough about their communities to volunteer on that day and accomplish thousands of community projects. Everyone can get involved. A project could be collecting truckloads of clothing for the homeless, spending an afternoon helping an elderly neighbor or participating in a roadside or waterway cleanup, like Rivers Alive. USA Weekend features volunteers and their projects in articles and photos. To participate, register online at www.usaweekend.com.
And let’s not forget the true meaning of our actions. “Make a Difference Day” is designed to be a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. What the world needs is people caring and reaching out to make a difference for others and for our planet without being told to do so.
Call Keep Liberty County Beautiful at 368-4888 or e-mail klcb@coastalnow.net to register for one of the 12 cleanups in our area. We provide the supplies and instructions and our sponsor, SNF Chemtall, prepares lunch for the volunteers. We also have official Rivers Alive T-shirts.
If you can’t help with Rivers Alive, consider volunteering with one of the many groups or churches in our community. Remember: Volunteering is good for your health and your heart ... and you might even get a T-shirt.
KLCB announcements that you can use to help save the environment:
• Thursday, Oct. 22: Progress through People Luncheon. The program will address the impact of people on coastal waters. Call 368-4445 for reservations.
• Oct. 24: The Rivers Alive Cleanups in Liberty County. For information or to volunteer, call the KLCB office.
• Saturday, Oct. 31. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Recycled munchkin scarecrows contest.
• Saturday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Recycle it! Fair We will accept electronics, phones, ink cartridges, paint, fluorescent bulbs, used motor oil and more at the old hospital site in Hinesville.
• Nov. 9-12: Business electronics recycling collection. We’ll accept old computers and other electronic equipment for recycling.
For more information on Keep Liberty County Beautiful programs, contact Swida at 368-4888 or klcb@coastalnow.net.
That is all great, but, in my opinion, the best reason to volunteer is that warm and fuzzy feeling that volunteering gives me. I guess people volunteer for other reasons — work experience or to look good to others. Some people probably even volunteer just to get T-shirts. Whatever their reasons, I am glad people volunteer because there are so many good causes out there that need help.
In this hectic world of ours, it may seem hard to find time to make a difference. That is why the USA Weekend magazine created “Make a Difference Day,” an annual event on the fourth Saturday of every October. This year’s action day is Oct. 24.
Each year, approximately 3 million people care enough about their communities to volunteer on that day and accomplish thousands of community projects. Everyone can get involved. A project could be collecting truckloads of clothing for the homeless, spending an afternoon helping an elderly neighbor or participating in a roadside or waterway cleanup, like Rivers Alive. USA Weekend features volunteers and their projects in articles and photos. To participate, register online at www.usaweekend.com.
And let’s not forget the true meaning of our actions. “Make a Difference Day” is designed to be a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. What the world needs is people caring and reaching out to make a difference for others and for our planet without being told to do so.
Call Keep Liberty County Beautiful at 368-4888 or e-mail klcb@coastalnow.net to register for one of the 12 cleanups in our area. We provide the supplies and instructions and our sponsor, SNF Chemtall, prepares lunch for the volunteers. We also have official Rivers Alive T-shirts.
If you can’t help with Rivers Alive, consider volunteering with one of the many groups or churches in our community. Remember: Volunteering is good for your health and your heart ... and you might even get a T-shirt.
KLCB announcements that you can use to help save the environment:
• Thursday, Oct. 22: Progress through People Luncheon. The program will address the impact of people on coastal waters. Call 368-4445 for reservations.
• Oct. 24: The Rivers Alive Cleanups in Liberty County. For information or to volunteer, call the KLCB office.
• Saturday, Oct. 31. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Recycled munchkin scarecrows contest.
• Saturday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Recycle it! Fair We will accept electronics, phones, ink cartridges, paint, fluorescent bulbs, used motor oil and more at the old hospital site in Hinesville.
• Nov. 9-12: Business electronics recycling collection. We’ll accept old computers and other electronic equipment for recycling.
For more information on Keep Liberty County Beautiful programs, contact Swida at 368-4888 or klcb@coastalnow.net.