Volunteering is something that resonates deep within me, as I have been an avid volunteer for most of my life. Mostly it was with the organization, Special Olympics.

My sister has Special needs and so I was raised with a heightened sense of the world of disabilities. For this awareness, I will remain the luckiest individual on the planet. What I appreciate about the Special Olympics population is that they try so hard to accomplish whatever is in front of them. For example, I was coaching Floor Hockey (my favorite S.O. Sport) and this young man whom I was coaching was struggling to make a goal, instead of getting down on himself, he chose to continue to attempt the challenge of the sport. This determination of spirit is not only with the athletes, but also with most of the volunteers within the organization. Determination is one word that really has sunk into my own existence.

Recalling that day on the floor hockey court, I was faced with a young boy who chose to continue to face his challenge, and wasn't looking for some easy way out, he was searching within himself to find his own ability to complete the task at hand. Who does this? What population of people search within themselves for strength? I believe that these questions are valid. I learned this through volunteering.

The fortitude of the human spirit can be found, if you step outside of your comfortable box and place yourself in the hands of an organization that needs you. Humanity isn’t something that just comes to you it is something you must seek.

Thankfully my sister was born, which gave me a life full of giving and greatly receiving.

I had not thought of this aspect of volunteering until I read this post on your blog. I am a psychology student and this term I am taking a social psychology class which focused on volunteering and the benefits of it, including altruistic behavior. This research you just talked about helps to prove my point that true altruism does not exist. Even as people do things that do not pay off in monetary or tangible rewards, they do receive benefits in the form of good feelings and a sense of accomplishment. The "helper's high" you talk about is one of those benefits, along with the improved health we can receive from doing good deeds. Please do not take this wrong. I am all for helping others, volunteering, and doing good for the community and others. I just do not think that anyone ever does anything without receiving a reward. And that could be a good thing, becasue as humans, if we do not have a positive pay off for our actions, we will be unlikely to continue them.

I had not thought of this aspect of volunteering until I read this post on your blog. I am a psychology student and this term I am taking a social psychology class which focused on volunteering and the benefits of it, including altruistic behavior. This research you just talked about helps to prove my point that true altruism does not exist. Even as people do things that do not pay off in monetary or tangible rewards, they do receive benefits in the form of good feelings and a sense of accomplishment. The "helper's high" you talk about is one of those benefits, along with the improved health we can receive from doing good deeds. Please do not take this wrong. I am all for helping others, volunteering, and doing good for the community and others. I just do not think that anyone ever does anything without receiving a reward. And that could be a good thing, becasue as humans, if we do not have a positive pay off for our actions, we will be unlikely to continue them.

Hi Paula,

I could not agree with you more. Several years ago, my husband, my son, and I began the tradition of volunteering at a local homeless shelter on Thanksgiving Day. The first year was so wonderful for us that we have continued to return for the last 5 years.
Often friends and family in their planning for Thanksgiving will ask what we are doing after we are finished volunteering because they all know that we place volunteering before our own plans on Thanksgiving. For me, volunteering brings a greater meaning to being thankful.
What I like most though is how much son 10 year-old enjoys volunteering. The first year he went he did not understand and he really did not want to go. Once we got there though he has loved it. In January he is already asking me how long more until we get to go back. I did not realize the high that is associated with volunteering until I read your post and it now makes sense why we are so passionate about returning year after year.

Hi Paula. I'm a Navy wife and a full time student. Because I do not work outside of the home I have dedicated many hours to volunteering. I have volunteered with the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society and I am currently a very active part of the Family Readiness Group attached to the air craft carrier my husband is stationed on. Not only does my volunteering help others, but it also gives me a purpose other than being a mother and wife. I feel like I have made a positive contribution to society and you're right, I do get that warm fuzzy feeling deep down inside. Not only providing for others, I am also adding experiencing to my resume for when I am ready to go back to work. Volunteering is a win win situation.

I totally concur. I am the type of person that enjoys doing for others without always seeking reciprocation. It is a rewarding experience to be a blessing. I am thankful to be able to help.