Abraham Lincoln once said, “To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.” Those were wise words from Honest Abe. 

April 18 – 24 is officially National Volunteer Week 2021. What better time to consider supporting your community or favorite cause? You might find that you get back even more than you give.

In fact, psychiatrists tell us that there is real value in helping others. Volunteering is an excellent way to fill idle time, gain experience, and support your community. It can also reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated and provide a sense of purpose.  

With Summer just around the corner, if you find yourself with extra time on your hands, consider some of these options to keep your spirits high while lifting up others. 

• VolunteerMatch: As the world leader in volunteerism, VolunteerMatch offers a wide variety of virtual volunteering opportunities to support your community.
• Points of Light: Another great resource for finding local and community-based virtual volunteer opportunities for individual volunteers and community-minded corporations.
• American Red Cross: The Red Cross is in constant need of donors, and even more so during the summer months. Check here for available dates and times in your area. 
• Crisis Text Line: This organization provides free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. If you’re over 18 and can commit to four hours of volunteer support per week, you can apply for free training. 
• DoSomething.org: As the largest not-for-profit exclusively for young people and social change, DoSomething’s members volunteer to make real-world impact on causes they care about. 

Whether it’s getting involved with a national organization or giving neighbors a hand, helping others is a way to give back to your community while improving your mental well-being. Stay well!