The perks of volunteering are many. The primary purpose is to be of service to others, but much else happens along the way.
Beginning with an old cliché, though distasteful, seems appropriate at this time: “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.” Oh, how true this is; however, I don’t think any of us auxilians ever gave much thought to not volunteering for such an extended period of time. Now, at the start of spring, over a year after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down in-person volunteering, the ice is cracking and we’ve just received word that we can indeed head back, though to limited service areas. It’s a beginning, and we’ll gladly take it!
As well as the toll the pandemic has taken on patients and the Athens community, we know it has been exhausting for the doctors, nurses, and staff of St. Mary’s. And we have not been there to lend a helping hand, a very sad situation for staff and volunteers alike. Understanding, as we do, that Trinity Health and St. Mary’s Health Care System truly care about the health and safety of their volunteers, we have patiently, or sometimes not so patiently, awaited the “go ahead” signal.
So, here we are at long last dusting off those blue jackets in expectation of a return to service.
A passion to serve
Why are volunteers so anxious to return to the hospital and/or Thrift Store? It takes up time, and there’s commitment to a schedule, something many of us were happy to leave behind when we retired. There are committees, fundraisers, and other time-consuming activities to contend with. Each volunteer more than likely has his or her own reasons for doing so, but I think there are some fairly universal truths as to why we spend our hard-earned retirement years in service to others.
Once retired, individuals have a big world out there to explore and experience more than ever before. But once the newness of so much unfettered time wears thin, they look for something more productive to add to their lives.
They want to give back to the community, to make a difference in the lives of others.
I believe these are the primary reasons why people seek to volunteer. Don’t we all want to be needed, to KNOW that what we’re doing has real value to those who need it most? Giving back expands your heart, your mind, and your own feeling of self-worth. Of course, I’m looking at volunteerism from a retirement perspective, but God bless all those who work, are raising families, and still find the time to incorporate volunteering into their busy schedules!
Surprising benefits of volunteering
The perks of volunteering are many. Always, the primary purpose is to be of service to others, but much else happens along the way. /p>
Volunteering is known to combat loneliness, depression, and reduce stress.
Having a real sense of purpose and using your God-given abilities and talents builds self-confidence, community, and improves health. Volunteers form bonds, connections, and friendships with others. I can personally attest to this!
Did I mention that volunteering is FUN! Whether attending a special event, working a fundraiser, brainstorming with others on future projects, it’s fellowship at its best.
So, I, like many others in the upcoming days, will pull my blue jacket out of the closet, locate my ID card, affix it with pride, and head happily back to St. Mary’s where I know I, and my fellow auxilians, will make a difference.
St. Mary’s loves our volunteers! Although in-person volunteering remains limited, COVID-19 rates continue to improve and we expect to slowly expand volunteer opportunities. Learn more and apply to volunteer at any of our hospitals, with our Auxiliary Thrift Store, or with Hospice Services. We look forward to hearing from you.
Auxiliary member Brenda Steele arranges magazines in St. Mary's Emergency Department waiting room pre-COVID.
Volunteers who staff St. Mary's Auxiliary Thrift Store pose for a photo in 2019.