V stands for Volunteering

The nonprofit agencies in Kootenai County and the surrounding areas do amazing work with very little. Living in a caring community, we often hear of the many fundraisers and campaigns taking place to provide financial support to ensure the lights stay on and the doors stay open. But what we don't often hear about is who does the work. It takes thousands of hours of volunteering at these locations to provide the greatly needed programs and services. Serving the most vulnerable in our community is a commitment that many agencies continue to make even when funding is hard to come by. We have heard of organization leaders taking pay cuts because they know how valuable the work is that is being done. Volunteers that serve the community can provide a skilled workforce and receive a return on investment even greater than a monetary contribution.

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, "The first and biggest benefit people get from volunteering is the satisfaction of incorporating service into their lives and making a difference in their community and country." Pride, satisfaction and accomplishment are all intangible benefits resulting from sharing our time and talents. In addition, the ability to solve problems, strengthen communities, improve lives, connect to others, and transform our own lives are all worthwhile reasons to serve.

In recent decades, research has confirmed that volunteering is a great way to help ensure healthy, active and independent living throughout your life. Studies have shown there is a significant relationship between volunteering and good health, especially in older adults. For example, a report by UnitedHealth Group, Doing Good is Good for You: 2013 Health and Volunteering Study, found that 76 percent of U.S. adults who volunteer report that volunteering has made them feel physically healthier, and 78 percent report that volunteering reduces their levels of stress, leading to feeling better than adults who do not volunteer.

Another study, presented by CNCS in a report titled The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research, also shows volunteers having lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer.

Incredibly rewarding experiences - both for you and those you serve await. So, how do you get started? United Way of Kootenai County is committed to CONNECTING PEOPLE through the Volunteer Center. The Center plays a vital role as a "One Stop Volunteer Resource Center" that continually links individuals and groups to a wide variety of ongoing and one-time volunteer opportunities throughout our community. United Way knows that finding the opportunity that best suits your skills and expectations can make all the difference in your experience.

Our volunteer programs and our agency volunteer opportunities are primarily about engaging in hands-on, face-to-face activities in the communities where we live and work. For United Way of Kootenai County, volunteering is a year-round activity where individuals can participate in projects that benefit our local nonprofits. Our Day of Caring event, held this year on Sept. 18, will highlight corporate players that put in their A-Teams to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in our community. We invite you to BE A PART OF THE CHANGE and join them in LIVING UNITED. Turn your A-Team into a V-Team, Corporate Volunteering strengthens teams.

Volunteer Opportunities: Day of Caring

The seventh annual Day of Caring will be held on Sept. 18. United Way is bringing everyone together to celebrate volunteering and the "LIVE UNITED" spirit in our community.

Join more than 300 business leaders and community members as they roll up their sleeves and grab their tools to spend the day giving back to our community by helping local nonprofits. Projects are lined up, don't miss this exciting Call to Action. United Way's Volunteer Center will match the best volunteer groups to get the job done.

The 5K Run for the Angels is Oct. 5 at noon beginning at Riverstone Park in Coeur d'Alene. The Inland Northwest SIDS Foundation is dedicated to educating the public on safe sleep practices for infants, bringing awareness to SIDS/SUID and providing grief support to those who have experienced a SUID/SIDS loss. Volunteer opportunities include manning a water station, directing racers, or helping at a booth. This is an inspirational afternoon. It is not just a 5K - it is a silent auction, educational opportunity and a remembrance ceremony is held for the Angels who inspired this Foundation. Volunteer for this fun event today.

For more information on how to register for these volunteer opportunities, visit www.kootenaiunitedway.org, click on the "VOLUNTEER" link to view this listing and other volunteer opportunities in YOUR community, or contact Jeanette Laster at United Way of Kootenai County, (208) 667-8112, Ext. 101.