Volunteerism: Getting by with a little help from a friend!

28 March 2017

Thank the Volunteers in Your Life During National Volunteer Week

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads is encouraging community members to use National Volunteer Week (April 23-29, 2017) as a way to take a moment and thank the volunteers in their lives.

“Without volunteers, the Y wouldn’t be the same; they’re the heart and soul of our organization and without their hard work, dedication and selflessness we couldn’t do the work we do every day to help kids, families and communities thrive,” said Ed Lee, Vice President of Social Responsibility, YMCA of South Hampton Roads. “By bringing people together from all walks of life around a shared purpose to do good, the Y is creating a stronger, more cohesive community.”

As one of the leading nonprofits and volunteer organizations in the country, nearly 600,000 people volunteer at the Y each year, and here in South Hampton Roads nearly 7,000 people give back through activities such as mentoring teens, coaching youth sports, serving on our boards, and helping to raise funds for our Annual Giving Campaign. In South Hampton Roads alone, over 50,000 volunteer hours were spent in 2016 making the Y and community stronger. These opportunities also help volunteers enhance their personal well-being and develop meaningful relationships – all while making an impact in the communities they care about.

Here in South Hampton Roads, Y volunteers feed families during the holidays, send kids to school with enough supplies, distribute care packages to those in need, and truly make a better us.

National Volunteer Week is a great time to get involved and give back. Here some key ways individuals can take an active role at the Y and in their community:

1. Get involved in your Y’s next Togetherhood Project—an opportunity to join others in the shared commitment to help the community through volunteer opportunities, led by fellow volunteers.
2. Help with Y Annual Giving Campaign efforts to ensure those in need can access essential programs and services to reach their full potential.
3. Get involved with a Y mentoring or tutoring program to help youth learn new skills, build confidence and achieve their goals.
4. Coach a sports team, teach a class or ask Y staff about other ways to get involved with a program of interest.
5. Invite friends and neighbors to join you in contributing to a stronger community. 

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, visit http://www.ymcashr.org/pages/volunteer-opportunities.