Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love—not just the romantic kind, but the love we share through kindness, generosity and connection. While many people will be exchanging cards and sweet treats, there’s another way to spread love this season: by giving your time to help neighbors in need. In fact, numerous studies show that acts of kindness, like volunteering, can reduce stress, boost happiness and even improve your overall health (Mayo Clinic Health System). Giving back has real personal benefits in addition to enriching our communities.
Read on to learn some of the special ways sharing the love as a volunteer can have a lasting impact on our lives, too.
Connection
Participating in group activities is a fantastic way to deepen existing connections, meet new friends and enjoy quality time with family. Whether you are looking for a team-building activity for your staff, a fun way to spend a few hours with friends or teaching your children how they can make a difference in their community, the Food Bank has many unique opportunities to get involved.
Friends like Carole, who began volunteering at the Food Bank over two years ago, often share that one of the best parts of volunteering has been the friends she’s made along the way. “I’m happy to do what I can. It’s nice to not only meet the people that come in that need the food, but it’s also reassuring to meet new friends.” She says, “You know, you meet people that you enjoy working with and it’s nice seeing them every week and you kind of become part of a family.”
Wellbeing
You’ve likely felt a sense of satisfaction and a boost in mood after doing something kind for someone in your life. The same applies to giving back to your community through volunteering. “I take it as a personal challenge to get neighbors to smile. I really enjoy it when we’re smiling and talking and laughing by the time we’re done,” says Tony, a volunteer since the early 2000s.
Volunteering can also help alleviate stress, anger and anxiety while promoting a sense of relaxation. According to Mayo Clinic Health System, volunteering can reduce stress to such an extent that it lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, depression and other illnesses.
Skill Building
All you really need to get started as a volunteer is compassion. As a volunteer, you’re often the first point of contact for many neighbors seeking help. You’re the bright moment that gives hope and strength when people are facing tough times. Though not always a necessary outcome, another benefit of volunteering is the opportunity to learn new skills or share some of your own expertise. At the Food Bank, volunteers can learn about food safety guidelines, develop customer service skills and even advocate for anti-hunger policies.
Impact
Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. The Food Bank’s work would truly be impossible without them. In fiscal year 2024, volunteers fulfilled 70,500+ hours of service equating to the work of 34 full time employees! By staffing community distributions, packing products in our warehouse, assisting neighbors as they shop in The Market (the Food Bank’s on-site pantry), gleaning produce at a local farm, completing clerical tasks and so much more, our volunteers are creating a lasting impact for the love of our entire community.
At Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, we know food is love. Join us this Valentine’s Day Season and all year long by finding a volunteer opportunity that is right for you.
I WILL CONTINUE TO VOLUNTEER BY GIVING TO THE MONETARY NEEDS OF THE FOOD BANK. AGING HAS ROBBED ME OF MY ABILITY TO VOLUNTEER
We appreciate your contributions to our services, Mary! Thank you so much!