Long Island Cares, Inc | The Harry Chapin Food Bank’s Post

While a lot of people are groaning about #taxday, today is also International Microvolunteering Day! 🗓️ And that is something to celebrate! Did you know that volunteering is great for your mental health? Studies show that giving back to causes you believe in and/or helping people in your community can reduce stress, combat depression, increase self-confidence, and provide a sense of purpose. 🧠 You might not have time to volunteer for big projects, but we're sure lots of people could get involved in micro-volunteering - bite-sized volunteer tasks that only take 1-30 minutes. It's a great way to give back to your community while also taking care of your own wellbeing. Whether it's picking up litter around your neighborhood, or buying a few extra things to donate to a local food bank the next time you're headed to the grocery store, every small act of service can make a difference! 💚 Join us in celebrating International Microvolunteering Day by finding a quick and easy way to volunteer. You never know who you might impact. Little acts can have huge ripple effects! #PathwaysCounselingServices #MicroVolunteeringDay #MentalHealthMatters #Volunteer #Giveback #helpothers

Compassion for the homeless This morning, I had the privilege of helping out at Truro Homeless Action Group for Veggie Friday, alongside the brilliant Nigel Unwin and Sarah Wetherill. It’s always heartening to see familiar faces and be part of something that makes a tangible difference in the community. Every morning, the team of volunteers provide a cooked breakfast to those in need - a small gesture, but one that means so much. Whilst serving today, I had the chance to hear Nigel’s inspiring vision for his CIC, Garden Share - which aims at maintaining volunteered gardens in the community and the plan going forward is to grow enough local food to help feed those in need. His determination to create sustainable change is truly inspiring. At the breakfast club today, we welcomed a mix of clients. One gentleman came in soaking wet, his sleeping bag and clothes drenched, yet he remained in good spirits. Another arrived stressed after liquids spilt in his rucksack, but found a moment of respite with us. Many came into the kitchen to personally thank us, their vulnerability and gratitude shining through. It was humbling to witness. Moments like these remind me that we must approach others with compassion, even when they’re angry or frustrated. Sometimes, their actions reflect the immense challenges they face rather than who they are. A bit of understanding, a kind word, or simply listening can make an enormous difference to someone at their lowest. For most of us, having a roof over our heads is something we take for granted. Let’s practise gratitude for what we have and reserve judgement for those who don’t. You never know the battles someone might be fighting. If we all extend a little more compassion, imagine how much brighter the world could be. #Compassion #Community #Gratitude #TruroHomelessActionGroup #endingfoodpoverty #volunteers

Did you know this week is National Volunteer Week? Our latest blog post dives into the incredible impact of volunteering for families in need. In Maine, where 42% of households struggle to make ends meet, lending a hand can transform lives and communities. Here's how: - Addressing Immediate Needs: From warm winter clothing to household essentials, volunteers ensure families have what they need to thrive. -Fostering Empowerment and Dignity: By offering support with respect and compassion, volunteers empower individuals and honor their dignity. - Building Social Connections: Volunteering creates bonds within communities, fostering a sense of belonging for all involved. - Promoting Health and Well-Being: Access to basic items is crucial for overall well-being, and volunteers play a vital role in ensuring families have what they need to stay healthy. - Empowering Sustainable Change: By volunteering, we not only address immediate challenges but also work towards creating a more equitable society for all. Learn more about the impact of volunteering and how you can get involved with Maine Children's Home: https://lnkd.in/eJyc63bB #Volunteer #communitysupport #makeadifference #volunteerappreciationmonth #volunteerweek #thankyou

Be the Change: Volunteer with Us Do you want to make a real difference in the world? Volunteering is one of the most powerful ways to give back! At Nourishment for Needy Trust, we believe that change starts with individuals like you—those who are willing to lend their time, energy, and heart to help those in need. When you volunteer with us, you’re not just serving meals—you’re offering kindness, hope, and compassion to people who need it most. Every hour spent volunteering helps build a stronger, more connected community. Why Volunteer? -You create real impact, helping us serve food to the hungry and uplift lives. -You’ll form meaningful bonds and be a part of a dedicated, compassionate team. -It’s a chance to grow, learn, and contribute to a better future. Whether you have a few hours or a few days to spare, your time can change lives. Ready to get involved? Join us and experience the joy of giving back firsthand. Together, we can create a community where no one goes hungry! #VolunteerWithUs #BeTheChange #GiveBackToCommunity #ServeWithLove #ActsOfKindness #MakeADifference #CompassionInAction #HelpTheHungry #CommunitySupport #GiveYourTime #SpreadKindness #SupportTheCause #JoinTheMission #TogetherWeCan #VolunteerSpirit #ServiceToOthers #InspireChange #HumanityFirst #HelpingHands #ServeTheCommunity #MakeAnImpact #GoodDeeds #VolunteersInAction #EmpowerThroughService #ImpactfulVolunteering #KindnessMatters #GiveBackWithLove #VolunteerOpportunities #ServeWithPurpose #GiveHope #ConnectAndServe

🌟 Giving Back to Our Communities Through Community Service 🌟 Community service is a powerful way to make a positive impact and foster connections. Here are some tips to get involved and make a difference: 1. **Find a Cause:** Choose a project that resonates with your team and addresses a local need. - **Example:** If you love animals, consider volunteering at the humane society to help care for pets in need. 2. **Get Involved:** Volunteer your time, skills, or resources. Every little bit helps! 3. **Collaborate:** Partner with local organizations to maximize your impact. 4. **Share Your Story:** Inspire others by sharing your experiences on social media. Giving back enriches our lives and builds stronger, more connected communities. Let’s make a difference together! 🌍❤️ #CommunityService #GivingBack #Volunteer #TeamSpirit #MakeADifference

What is the right age to introduce volunteering to our kids? The recent flooding here in Valencia has devastated so many families, and it’s had me thinking about when—and how—to involve my boys in volunteering. At 4 and 7, they’re naturally curious and eager to learn, but volunteering introduces big ideas to children around suffering and responsibility. Volunteering isn’t just about pitching in; it’s about understanding others’ struggles and learning to step outside of our own bubble. I want my kids to experience what it means to help others, but I also wonder: When can kids start to neurologically understand empathy, rather than just imitate it? At what age do they really grasp what it means to be fortunate, or to give without expecting anything in return? How can we use volunteering experiences to build a foundation of gratitude and perspective? How do we balance introducing them to these experiences while still letting them be kids? And how do we help them understand that sometimes just showing up makes a difference? I’d love to hear how others have introduced volunteering to their children. At what age and in what ways? Let’s share ideas for raising a generation that understands empathy, connection, and community. #volunteering #parenting #community #empathy #raisingkids #fatherhood #dads #leadership

Hey community! 👋 Discover the profound benefits of volunteering in the latest HENSLEE blog! 👀 From fostering community bonds 👥, to boosting mental health 🧠 and driving career growth 🚀, volunteering offers remarkable rewards. We also chat with our Co-Founder Lee Turner, SHRM-CP about his personal experiences with volunteering. 🗣️ Check it out and get inspired to make a positive impact today! 💡 Link to the blog in the description below! 👇 #Volunteerism #CommunityImpact #HENSLEE #PeopleOps

Empowering Residents to Give Back Who says volunteering is only for outsiders? Some of the most impactful programs in senior living communities are those where residents themselves become the volunteers. 🙌 Whether it’s reading to children at local schools, knitting blankets for shelters, or organizing community events, these programs allow residents to stay active, share their skills, and feel a deep sense of purpose. 🧶📚 When residents give back, they gain more than just new connections—they experience the joy of making a difference in someone else’s life. 🌟 What volunteer programs have you seen be most successful? #SeniorLiving #ResidentEmpowerment #VolunteeringWithPurpose #CommunityImpact #ActiveAging

Did you know that humans have an innate need to improve their communities? It's called "prosocial behavior," and it’s hardwired into our brains. Studies show that acts of kindness and community involvement not only benefit society but also boost our own happiness and well-being. Interestingly, neighborhoods with higher levels of volunteerism report stronger social cohesion and lower crime rates. It's proof that our instinct to help isn't just beneficial for others but also for creating safer, happier communities. Reach out to learn more about our involvement in helping non-profits and communities around the globe! #mrx #marketresearch #volunteerism #communitybuilding #researchforgood #tgif