Column: Giving Back Through Volunteerism

What is a volunteer, and what comes to mind when you think about volunteering? You might picture an unpaid worker serving meals at a local soup kitchen or cleaning up litter along the roadside, and you would not be wrong. Volunteerism, however, is much more than that, and it offers real benefits for both volunteers and the communities they serve. At United Way of the Adirondack Region, giving back is central to our mission. We believe in stepping up, asking, "How can we be of service?" and partnering with agencies that share our commitment to easing the burden for our neighbors. Barriers can make it hard to get involved, whether it is time, transportation, or physical ability. The good news is there are meaningful opportunities that take very little time and, in some cases, no physical activity at all. For example, calling an older adult who lives alone to say hello and ask how they are doing might take only 10 minutes, but it can make a big difference for someone who feels lonely or isolated. You can also start by looking at the skills and interests you already have and thinking about how you could share them. Maybe you enjoy painting in your spare time, and you could use that creativity to brighten a shared space, support a community project, or create something for a local program. When you begin with what you love, the options are truly limitless. Each year, United Way of the Adirondack Region promotes and participates in Day of Caring, a community-wide call to action for volunteerism. This year, we partnered with Project HELP at SUNY Plattsburgh on projects that included park cleanups and yard work at residential homes for older adults and people with disabilities. Individuals and organizations can also give back by hosting food drives and bringing donations to local food pantries. Clothing and household items that are no longer needed can make a difference, too, especially when they are donated to those in need. Many local churches accept clothing and household item donations. Volunteerism is powerful because it creates a two-way impact. For the community, it can mean cleaner parks, safer homes, stronger programs, and neighbors who feel seen and supported. For the volunteer, it builds connection, purpose, and perspective, and a small act of service can grow into a lasting sense of belonging. Whether you can give a day, an hour, or a quick phone call, every effort helps strengthen the Adirondack Region, one person, one project, and one kindness at a time. —Jennifer Galietta, Program Assistant, United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc.

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Column: Giving Back Through Volunteerism

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