July 31, 2022 “For it is in GIVING that we RECEIVE”
As
you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping
yourself, the other for helping others.” — Audrey Hepburn
My Why! Someone/people helped us.
Growing
up in a single-parent family home with 3 other siblings getting new things was
a luxury or a rare treat and hand me downs was our norm. I truly have no
complaints because it is what made me who I am today, one with a giving
heart.
I
remember at the beginning of the summer my mother would take my siblings and I
school shopping and allow us to put a few items on layaway. We would go back
monthly, and she would pay on it, and by the end of the summer we would have
our back to school looks, and the rest of our clothing were hand me downs, this
taught me patience.
When it came to school supplies, my mother would buy what she could, and we
would all have to share, this made me be more considerate and to think about
the needs of my siblings/others.
The most stylish school supplies like the Trapper Keeper were never purchased
in our household because of the cost, many times our folders had to be recycled
and our book covers were made with brown paper bags to help keep them in
decent condition to get us through the school year, this taught me that new is
nice however used items will still help you live and learn.
Let’s not forget about the
aluminum lunch box that I know I had year after year, this taught me to always
take care of my things and to make them last because you never knew when you
would get another one.
I remember boxes being
delivered to our home around the holidays, it might have grocery or toiletry,
etc. in them. This taught me to always be humble and appreciate for the service
of a kind heart looking out for my family.
“The best way to find yourself
is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Since starting TFC almost 14
years ago community service has always been an important factor for me. From
our breast cancer initiatives, to supporting clients in crisis or our annual
back to school drive. I am grateful to have a platform for giving because that
is who we are and what we do at TFC.
“Remember that the happiest
people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” ― H. Jackson Brown
Jr.
Yesterday had me so emotional,
I don’t remember anything like this when I was a kid. I saw the joy in the
kids' faces as they picked a backpack that they could connect with (favorite
character, colors, sparkles), how they were able to pick out items they wanted.
I felt the appreciation from the parents/guardians. One mother stated, “You
don’t know what this means for me and my family, I am going through a
separation and money is really tight, my kids start school on Monday, and I had
no idea where I was going to get supplies from and then a friend that goes to
your gym told me about your back-to-school drive.”
I must give a huge shout out to
everyone that donated and volunteered, none of this could be possible without
you.
“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because
they’re priceless.” ― Sherry Anderson
Volunteering your time to
support a cause you are passionate about is something you will never regret. It
will enrich your life, familiarize you with your community, and connect you to
people and ideas that will positively impact your perspective for the rest of
your life. Helping your community is an opportunity for you to grow as a
person, to better understand how you fit into the world around you.
Of course, it’s also important for your community! Without volunteers, many of the services and events we enjoy in our communities would not be so readily available. It is statistically proven that people who volunteer regularly are healthier both physically and mentally. Individuals who have volunteered throughout their lifetime typically live longer and have better psychological well-being. In addition to the health benefits, volunteering gives people a sense of purpose. The fulfilling feeling of giving back and contributing to society is unparalleled.
Dedicating time to help others will teach you patience, kindness, and resilience. Here are a few other benefits:
IMPROVES MENTAL HEALTH
Research has shown that volunteerism increases happiness and decreases depression and other psychological distress. Why? The science of happiness. When we volunteer, the brain rewards us with “happy chemicals” that make us feel good in both the short- and long-term.
IMPROVES PHYSICAL HEALTH
Volunteering is also good for your physical health. Studies have linked it with lower risk for hypertension and decreased mortality risk, among other health benefits. You will get even more health benefits when combining volunteering with physical activity, like stocking a food pantry or building homes.
EXPANDS YOUR NETWORK
Surrounding yourself with good people is key to achieving your dreams – and you are guaranteed to meet like-minded people while volunteering. Treat volunteering like a networking opportunity, you never know who you will meet.
DEVELOPS NEW SKILLS
If you’re not growing, you’re dying. Whether you’re learning how to build a home, gaining soft skills like public speaking or just getting out of your comfort zone by meeting new people, volunteering is an opportunity for growth.
TRANSFORMS YOUR PERSPECTIVE
There’s no better way to adopt an attitude of gratitude than by asking yourself how to give back to the community. Helping others can make you realize how much you have to be grateful for. No Mess
“The unselfish effort to bring
cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.” — Helen
Keller
