Volunteer for yourself

We're big on volunteerism for two outstanding reasons.

One, it helps the individual volunteer become a more integral part of a community. And two, in that way the community also reaps great rewards.

This being National Volunteer Week, we thought we'd voluntarily point you in the right direction to get started down the volunteer path if you're so inclined.

Our friends at United Way of Kootenai County have just the thing for you. It's the Volunteer Action Center, an online service that matches willing people with volunteer opportunities.

Simply go to kootenaiunitedway.org and click on the "Volunteer" button at the top of the home page. A quick search of the opportunities under "A" shows that TESH Inc., is seeking an Activity Center Volunteer, someone who can help adults with disabilities enjoy activities safely. That's just one of almost 70 volunteer opportunities now available locally.

So far the Volunteer Action Center has helped connect 415 volunteers with opportunities, and on the Day of Caring last year, more than 300 volunteers participated.

Why volunteer? Because it makes you feel good - figuratively and literally. Increasing research shows volunteers have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer.

There are seemingly endless inspirational quotes on the value of volunteerism. We leave you with one of our favorites.

This is the true joy in life - being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. ~George Bernard Shaw