Sometimes focusing less on yourself can lead to a better you. With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits can be vast.
Volunteering can offer vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for the volunteer. The right match can lead to new friendships, connections and skills.
Additionally, giving to others can also help protect mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, combat depression and provide a sense of purpose.
Volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment. Even setting aside a small amount of time or giving in simple ways can improve health and happiness.
Looking to volunteer in Warren County? Here are a few volunteering opportunities in our county where you can help make our community a better place to live, work and play.
If working with kids ignites your giving spirit, Kids of the Community always needs volunteers. Kids of the Community vice president Christie Allison says the area they need volunteers the most is with homework help.
“I just need someone to sit with elementary kids and let them read to you for 20 minutes,” said Allison. “Tell them they did a good job and just be a positive role model. If you can’t volunteer, consider sponsoring a child for a month.”
A volunteer must be 15 or older. Kids of the Community is located on 681 Cadillac Lane and is open from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 931-273-4586 for more information.
Would you rather help the elderly? Retired Senior Volunteer Program has volunteers in various stations including delivering hot meals and making packages for hospice patents.
“If our grant is renewed on April 1, we hope to add a station that will check on the elderly or disabled who are homebound,” said program director Donna Anderson. “We want to add visits and phone calls to these people to make sure they are OK and that their needs are being met.”
To volunteer for RSVP, you must be 55 or older. If you are interested in helping, contact Anderson at 473-5367 or 931-808-2384. The office is located at 100 Center Street, Suite C across from the county administrative building.
Are you less of a people person and more of an animal lover? Warren County Animal Control and Adoption Center welcomes volunteers. From housekeeping needs to spending time with neglected and abandoned animals, the organization relies on the help of volunteers.
“Come out and walk them, take them to the play area or simply pet the animals,” said County Commissioner Blaine Wilcher. “You can also foster or sponsor an animal.”
To volunteer, you must be 18 or older. If you are 16 or 17 years old, a waiver is required for you to volunteer. If you’re interested, call 931-507-3647 or leave a Facebook message. Its location is 169 Paws Trail.
