You may ask yourself, “Why should I volunteer?”
The many benefits of volunteering
Volunteering offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond the immediate impact on the community. Here’s an overview of the advantages supported by research and expert insights:
🌟 Mental Health & Emotional Well-being
- Elevates Mood and Happiness: Engaging in volunteer work can lead to the release of endorphins, often referred to as the “helper’s high,” enhancing overall mood and satisfaction. Verywell Mind
- Reduces Stress and Loneliness: Regular social interaction through volunteering can decrease feelings of isolation and lower stress levels, contributing to better mental health.
- Combats Depression: Particularly among older adults, volunteering has been linked to reduced symptoms of depression, providing a sense of purpose and community connection. Franciscan Health
🧠 Cognitive and Physical Health
- Enhances Brain Health: Staying mentally active through volunteer activities can help maintain cognitive functions and may delay age-related decline. Iona
- Improves Physical Health: Volunteers often experience lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease, attributed to increased physical activity and decreased stress. Summa Health
- Promotes Longevity: Studies suggest that individuals who volunteer regularly may enjoy longer lifespans compared to those who do not engage in such activities.
👥 Social and Community Benefits
- Builds Social Connections: Volunteering provides opportunities to meet new people, fostering friendships and expanding social networks. Strengthens Community Ties: Active participation in community service enhances social cohesion and promotes a sense of belonging among members. Wikipedia
🎓 Personal and Professional Development
- Develops New Skills: Volunteering can help individuals acquire and refine skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving, which are valuable in both personal and professional contexts.
- Enhances Career Prospects: Experience gained through volunteer work can bolster resumes and improve employment opportunities, demonstrating commitment and initiative to potential employers. Wikipedia
❤️ Sense of Purpose and Fulfillment
- Provides Meaningful Engagement: Contributing to causes and helping others instills a sense of purpose, leading to increased life satisfaction and personal fulfillment. Mayo Clinic News Network
- Encourages Personal Growth: Volunteering challenges individuals to step out of their comfort zones, fostering personal development and self-awareness. Verywell Mind
Whether you’re seeking to improve your health, expand your social circle, or develop new skills, volunteering offers a pathway to achieve these goals while making a positive impact on others.
Volunteer at the
Economy Shop!
1. Support Local Claremont Charities
Proceeds from non-profit groups are granted to local organizations that assist area residents in need. For example, since its establishment in 1933, the Economy Shop has donated over $1 million to more than 65 non-profit organizations.
Your volunteer efforts can directly contribute to these causes, making a tangible impact on the community.
2. Engage in a Variety of Tasks
Volunteers at take on diverse responsibilities, such as seen at the Economy Shop:
- Rearranging merchandise
- Cleaning and painting
- Upgrading fixtures and displays
These activities not only keep the shop inviting for customers but also provide volunteers with hands-on experience in retail operations and store maintenance.
3. Foster Community Connections
Volunteering offers the chance to meet and collaborate with fellow community members who share a commitment to service.
4. Contribute to a Historic Institution
The Economy Shop is an example of such an institution. It has been a staple in Claremont since 1933, operating continuously for over 90 years. By volunteering, you become part of a longstanding tradition of community service and support.
5. Personal Growth and Fulfillment
Engaging in volunteer work can enhance your interpersonal skills, provide a sense of purpose, and offer the satisfaction of contributing to meaningful causes. It’s an opportunity to develop new skills and gain experience in a supportive setting.
- Volunteering at The Economy Shop is not only a way to give back but also an opportunity to grow personally and connect with the vibrant Claremont community.