Why Now is the Perfect Time to Volunteer

​Have you been spending more time lately reflecting on what is important? We are in that window of time when one year is wrapping up, and a new one is beginning; a time when many of us pause to reflect on our goals and our gratitude.

Because of this, it’s also a time of year that many of us start to think about some additional ways we can give back to our community through volunteer opportunities!

​End-of-Year Giving

As the holidays approach, many of us struggle to find the perfect gift. Instead of purchasing another item that may be forgotten, have you considered giving the gift of time? Volunteering on behalf of a loved one at an organization they care about is a meaningful tribute. It lets them know you honor their values and want to embody the same spirit of generosity you admire so much. What could be more meaningful than that?

The Volunteer Center of Brown County makes it easy to find volunteer opportunities in the area by matching people with opportunities that fit their interests and schedules. You could spend a few hours helping out at a food pantry, mentoring a young person, or assisting seniors. Each act of service becomes a gift that ripples beyond the moment.

New Year, New You!

After the holidays, we start to think about the kind of life we want to live during the year ahead. Along with the traditional personal finance and self-improvement goals, many of us think about ways we can give back to the community. And it’s good that we do this! Studies show that volunteering 100 hours a year or more significantly reduces the risk of chronic illnesses in older adults and that volunteers have a 76% lower risk of feeling isolated.

If this is something you’ve been thinking about, but you’re not sure where to start, the Volunteer Center of Brown County is always happy to help connect you with organizations that need help right now. You might be asked to serve meals, help out at an animal shelter, or who knows, work a regular shift in the Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity ReStore!

Setting a goal to volunteer more in the new year means that you are thinking beyond yourself and looking for ways to enrich the lives of those in your community. And unlike many resolutions that fade by February, volunteering might just become a lifelong habit!

Other Ways to Give Back

Volunteering your time isn’t the only way to contribute. This time of year is also a popular time for people to declutter their homes or storage units. Donating your gently used items to local nonprofits keeps resources circulating in the community. For example, Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts furniture, working appliances, and building materials, then sells them at 50%-75% off retail prices to support Habitat for Humanity’s Homeownership Program. Other organizations in the community are happy to accept donations of gently used clothing, food, and household goods.

Financial contributions are another great option. Cash donations help nonprofits cover operating costs and expand their services, and these charitable gifts may even provide tax benefits! This is a great way to extend your impact beyond what you can give in person, ensuring organizations have the resources to serve more people throughout the year.

Finding Opportunities in Greater Green Bay

As you can see, there are countless ways to get involved with local organizations who need support. Indoor options like the ReStore are especially appealing during the winter months, while food pantries, senior services, and youth programs are always looking for extra hands. There is even such a thing as virtual volunteering! In fact, 18% of volunteers are now serving completely or partially online according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

If you would like to know about volunteering at Habitat for Humanity or the ReStore, please visit greenbayhabitat.org/volunteer. Here, you can choose whether you want to volunteer as an individual or group and see the opportunities available on our calendar. 

All volunteers must attend a one-hour orientation meeting before getting started (these are offered several times per month and are also listed on our calendar).

Volunteering doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming. Whether you commit to a few hours a month or take on a regular role, it all makes a difference. And with so many opportunities available, there has never been a better time to get involved. Now is the perfect time to invest in your community with your time, your talents, and your generosity.