Volunteering is a connection with the community

People become involved with volunteering for a range of reasons - for some serving their community is an honor, for some it is part of the mission of the club or organization for which they belong, for some volunteering is just a way of life.

The connection and relationship with the community that develops from volunteering adds an invaluable layer to education. "Through volunteering, I learn what it means to be a part of something bigger than myself" - this is a quote from a 2014 Leadership High School student.

Volunteering is generally considered an unselfish activity and is intended to promote goodness or improve human quality of life. In return, this activity can produce a feeling of self-worth and respect.

It is understood that we all have a limit on the amount of time that we have in a day. With our busy lives and it sometimes seems there just is not enough hours in a day to get done what we must get complete. At the end of some days - attending another meeting isn't high on a to-do list. But, we step up and go because we believe in the project or event that is being discussed. And know we have the opportunity to make a difference. Volunteering is about giving time and talents to make the place we call home even better, a place that we are proud of.

Some of the ways to make a difference through volunteering are:

Help in your community 

• Repair an abandoned park.

• Organize a food drive.

• Plant a community garden.

• Organize a book drive for a local library.

• Join a neighborhood watch program

• Clean up a park.

• Clean up along highways.

• Clean up graffiti.

Help the environment

• Plant a tree.

• Clean up trash from a park, sidewalk or other public area.

• Recycle.

• Plant a garden and share the produce with your neighbors.

• Start a community garden and invite neighbors to plant produce and help tend the garden.

• Start a compost pile.

Help the elderly

• Make a craft and give it to an elderly person.

• Rake an elderly neighbor's yard.

• Help an elderly person carry in groceries.

• Go to the store for an elderly person.

• Spend some time talking to an elderly person.

• Sing Christmas carols for an elderly person close to Christmas.

• Pick flowers for an elderly person 

Help those in need:

• Give a homeless person food.

• Give a homeless person a blanket.

• Have a yard sale and donate proceeds to a homeless shelter.

• Buy a gift for a needy child at Christmas.

• Volunteer at a soup kitchen or the food bank.

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Volunteering gives you an opportunity to change lives, including your own. If you'd like to support a cause but can't afford to donate money, you can donate your time instead.

Helping others in need is such an important part of the American way of life. Find what's right for you.

Like most nonprofit organizations, the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce relies heavily on volunteers to help with a variety of activities. Those activities include helping with the many Chamber events, as well as serving on the Board of Directors and the various committees that help drive the efforts of the Chamber toward fulfilling its mission. Without these hundreds of enthusiastic volunteers actively involved, our organization could not exist.

National Volunteer Week is April 12-18. Help us honor the many volunteers in our community by saying thank you.

I would like to thank everyone who volunteers in our community, at the hospital, at their child's school, at their church or with membership in a local service organization.

And I close with a heartfelt thank-you to all the Chamber volunteers. Our organization could not function without you. Thanks for all you do. It's all because of you.

Debbie Vandeberg is executive director of the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce.