Volunteering Helps the Giver and the Recipient  

In high school and college I used to volunteer for causes I was passionate about. Then I had children and my volunteer efforts revolved around their interests. I enjoyed spending time with them and getting to meet their friends and other parents but it wasn’t the same as volunteering for causes I believed in.

Creating comfort cases for foster children

Recently I had the opportunity to do both — volunteer for my daughter’s Girl Scout troop and help a cause that was close to my heart. I used to be a counselor for children. Some of these children were involved with the foster care system. Through my writing for the Signature Mom blog, I met Deirdre Littlefield, who is a foster parent. She told me that when a foster child goes to their house they receive a comfort case which is a backpack filled with items such as pajamas, tooth brush or other things they might need for their first night in foster care.

My daughter’s Girl Scout troop agreed to create 25 comfort cases for the foster children. I contacted organizations requesting donations and one donated more than $1,000 worth of pajamas, socks and underwear. From big box and small stores, we received 25 flashlights, along with gift cards for $25, $100 and $200 — all to be used to buy items for the comfort cases. Our local library donated books.

The girls created supportive cards to place in each bag. Some of the messages opened with the greeting, “Dear Friend.” Other messages said, “I’m thinking of you.” On the cards there were pictures of hearts, smiley faces and flowers.

During a Girl Scout meeting the troop sorted through all the donations and made 25 comfort cases. Deirdre was there to accept the kits. She shared a personal story with the Girl Scout Troop about how a young foster child came to her house feeling scared and nervous. When Deidre gave her the comfort case, the child’s demeanor changed and she was able to engage with the family. The comfort case helped the child to feel safe. After hearing the story one of the Girl Scouts shouted out, “I feel so happy right now.”

Volunteering brings many health benefits

According to a recent review of research by the CNCS (Corporation for the National and Community Service) volunteering can lead to health benefits. Some of the health benefits of volunteering are great life satisfaction, lower levels of depression, higher levels of happiness, and a longer life span.

I was overwhelmed with the generosity of the businesses. I loved the supportive cards the Girl Scouts created for the foster children. Everyone in the troop came together to help other kids. All the negative news stories and politics can leave me feeling sad and helpless. This experience restored my faith in the goodness of people. It helped me feel of sense of something I could control to help others.

It’s easy to volunteer. It could be as simple as offering to help someone you just met. Just ask, “How can I help you?”

Thinking of volunteering?

Be sure to check out the many local groups looking for volunteers in the Volunteer Opportunities listings. Milta Aguilar, who works as Director of Operations for the Chico Children’s Museum, says her organization is one that depends on volunteers to offer new and expanded programs to the community. And, she says, volunteering is a way to give back while getting the personal satisfaction of knowing you’ve made a difference: “The Children’s Museum gives you the opportunity to explore an imaginative world while leaving an impact on our loving community.”