As joyful as the holiday season can be, this time of year also adds a level of stress to daily life. The days are getting shorter and the to-do lists seem to get longer. From holiday parties and school concerts to gift-giving, baking and coordinating travel plans – it is hard not to feel overwhelmed.
At MV Community Services, we’ve been reminding our staff to take a step back and remember that this season is also a time to give, spend time with the people you love and be present. Giving back to the community not only benefits the organization or people you’re helping but also you – the volunteer!
Why volunteer?
With busy schedules, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering can be huge. The right volunteer experience can help you meet new people, connect deeper with the community and learn new skills.
Giving to others is also proven to boost your mental and physical health. Volunteering can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. Whether you have one hour a month or ten – volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time.
Here are five ways you can volunteer with MV Community Services in 2020:
1. Want to be a voice in the community and improve MV Community Services?
Join our Stakeholders Advisory Committee. This group meets quarterly and is made up of consumers and former consumers of services along with vendors and members of MV Community Services staff, administration and board.
Time commitment: Meetings are held quarterly for 1-2 hours
2. Love finding treasures?
The Thrift Shop relies heavily on volunteers to help the store operate. From sorting donations and pricing items to organizing books and re-arranging racks, there is never a shortage of jobs. Best part? All ages and abilities welcome. Volunteering at the Thrift Shop is a great opportunity for parents and school-aged children to volunteer as a team! Portuguese speakers are always welcomed and needed.
Time Commitment: Flexible
3. Love children?
Our Early Education and Care Programs are in need of lunch & laundry fairies! Lunch fairies will unpack, portion and serve lunch to the children. This role will allow our teachers to be present with the children rather than being pulled out of the classroom. Lunchtime is one of the most challenging times of the day as there are a lot of moving parts and the children are often fatigued.
A laundry fairy is also needed to launder towels, pillowcases and blankets. We have a washer and dryer on campus, but laundry could also be brought home if preferred. Our Early Education and Care Center typically has four loads of laundry per week.
Time commitment:
Lunch Fairy: 2x week (flexible days) 11:00am-1:00pm
Laundry Fairy: Flexible – volunteers could do 1-4 loads of laundry per week
4. Have a talent you’d like to share?
Our Daybreak Clubhouse would love to collaborate. Daybreak Clubhouse offers adults living with mental illness opportunities for employment, health and wellness, education and so much more. If you have a talent to share- music, art, craft, movement, we’d love to connect on ways we can enhance our Clubhouse.
Time Commitment: Flexible
5. Our fundraising events would not be possible without volunteers!
MV Community Services hosts several events throughout the year and are always looking to grow our pool of event volunteers. Click here to read more about our events.
Time commitment: 1-2 hour shifts depending on event.