As I walked into the grocery store last week, I heard the familiar bell one associates with the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign. A young woman was ringing the bell and smiling as people walked into and out of the store. Some people scurried by avoiding eye contact, while others dropped coins or bills into the kettle. Tis the season to volunteer.

What motivates some people to step up and answer the call to stand in the cold and ring that bell? For that matter, what inspires any of us to volunteer our time, our talents, our treasure to help others? When we could so easily just look away, proclaim our busyness or assume there are plenty of other people who will help.

For many, volunteerism is woven into the fabric of their lives. They feel compelled to give back. To make a positive impact in their community. They want to feel that they are making a difference in the lives of others who aren’t as fortunate. They crave purpose and holiday season just seems to accentuate that feeling.

According to Beverly Baker, the Chief Impact Officer for the United Way, Champaign, “People in Central Illinois are some of the most generous I’ve ever known with their time, talent and treasure. They want to help – whether it’s a stranger or a friend. Volunteering is way to gain experience for youth and a way for older adults to stay engaged and active.”

I asked friends and readers to share their thoughts on volunteering – where and why they pitch in and what it means to them. 

Finding the best fit

Many people gravitate towards volunteer opportunities that fit their interests, life stage or professional expertise. It makes sense that doing something you’re good at that will help others is a win-win situation.

For Kathy Plecki, that means putting her accounting experience to good use; “I like serving where my left-brain dominant strengths are. I get involved in the financial side of organizations, working with the numbers. I serve on the finance committee at Holy Cross Church and School and have served on other committees collecting money, setting budgets and prices and making sure they take in more than they spend.”

Former P.E. Teacher Randi Lundstedt enjoys volunteering her time to teach Yoga to grade-school children at Barkstall elementary school. She loves seeing the smiles on their faces as they learn a new pose.

In fact, many with teaching backgrounds look to mentoring or tutoring when looking for ways to help children.

Cathy Murphy taught grade school for many years before switching careers. She now spends time tutoring students at Novak Academy. “Interacting with the kids is fun and rewarding. It’s also amazing the way they give the kids a path to success. The principal, Christina Mables, and her staff are top notch.”

Another educator, Deb Goss, enjoys mentoring school age students. “Most schools have a program. I was with one student for five years until he moved out of the district. So many kids need an adult who care and shows up for them. One they can rely on.”

Retired teacher, Sharon Dill shares that she “mentored a boy from the time he was in first grade until he graduated from high school. He was enrolled in six schools and I worked with him as he moved. He is now planning on joining the Army. I am so proud and excited for his future. I encourage anyone who loves children to look into their local mentoring program.”

Volunteer opportunities are varied and far-reaching

Like many, Rebecca Nef Heffernan sees the need to help the hungry. “I shop for the food pantry at Good Shephard Lutheran Church. There are so many people in our community who do not have enough food to eat. When I make a food delivery to an individual or family, they are so thankful and appreciative.”

Mark Palmer has had a great experience volunteering for the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois. “It has literally opened doors to see how so many local organizations serve our community.”

Welcoming visitors to her community is a great fit for Martha Kay Stock Yeakel. She volunteers at the Arthur welcome center, greeting visitors when they come to town. “I get to share with them all we have to offer. I think it’s important and hope to give a good first impression of our town for newcomers.”

For Dave Barr, it’s all about helping those who break the cycle of poverty and generational trauma. A passionate advocate of local organizations, he works with several groups. “These local organizations are changing lives on a daily basis; the Urbana Neighborhood Connection, DREAMM, the Anti-Violence Collective, Restoration Urban Ministries and others.” When in Vero Beach, Dave volunteers at The Source, a facility to assist the homeless. “I guess what is most important to me is the maintain a constant commitment to others – to have this be the fabric of my life.”

Carol Bosley believes that bipartisanship is needed more than ever “in these polarizing times.” She is involved with Braver Angels, East Central Illinois Alliance and the League of Women Voters. “Both are non-partisan organizations that work toward making democracy work.”

Cindy Magsamen volunteers with Make a Wish Illinois. “I sit on our local council and also am a “wish granter.” Wishes can create better health outcomes for kids fighting critical illnesses. As a wish granter, I’ve met some amazing kiddos.”

Angela Schweighhart Reinhart participates in the iCount and iRead programs offered through Champaign Unit 4 School District. “It’s my small way of giving back to the community my family has served for many generations. I love giving my time and attention to the children in the program and having a positive impact on their future.”

Finding the right fit at the right time

There are those stages of life when volunteering comes naturally. Pitching in at our kids’ school carnival. Signing up for a fund-raiser sponsored by your employer. Joining a women’s auxiliary with a friend group. Spending a free morning at the food bank.

For Tera Holm, that meant tutoring students to read while her daughter was in grade school at Westview Elementary. “I tutored about three children in reading every morning. Later, I spent about twelve years on the board of Project Goodstart, a program which paid for snacks for teachers to give their students.”

For Jill Kemper, focusing on one area of need makes sense. “At this moment, all of my volunteer efforts go toward the High School of St. Thomas More. In the past, I’ve volunteered at the Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club, CU@Home and the Salvation Army. And lots of one day stints through the Champaign Rotary. I enjoy working with youth.”

Nelena Liff volunteers at her kids’ school so she can interact with the staff. “I believe that if they are comfortable with me, they are more likely to come to me with issues concerning my kids.”

The opportunities to help with things that fit into our daily lives are convenient ways to share our time, talents and treasure. But there are also those years when life pulls us in other directions and there’s little time to focus on philanthropy. These are the times that even the most seasoned volunteer needs to step back, recalibrate and prioritize.

As Leslie Barr so beautifully sums it up; “I’ve had seasons when I volunteered a lot – kid’s school, church, junior league. I now find myself in a season where my loved ones need my help and traveling to them takes time and energy as well. That makes committing outside organizations too complicated. Eventually, a new season will roll around and I’ll find something I can get excited about giving my free time to.”

When asked why they volunteer, most people will say something along the lines of, “I get at least as much out of volunteering as I put into it.” It’s as simple as connecting with others who need a little help to get through a tough time. And sometimes, it’s as simple as knowing someone cares.

There are countless other local organizations looking for dedicated volunteers. To find options that fit your personal interests, abilities, availability and locations, visit www.volunteermatch.org  and choose from a wide variety of volunteer options ranging from one time needs to weekly shifts.

Volunteering is a win-win proposition benefiting entire communities. Helping those who need assistance gives them hope, builds relationships and gives volunteers a sense of purpose.