Why Volunteer?

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.