By Emma Collins, Building Kentucky
April is National Volunteer Month — when nonprofits and community organizations celebrate the impact volunteers have on their communities. Volunteers are key to making sure organizations everywhere can provide the essential services they do.
While April is a great time to appreciate them, it’s also a great time to consider getting into volunteering. Not only does it help the organizations, but it also has numerous benefits for volunteers themselves, including improved physical and mental health, a renewed sense of purpose and new relationships.
There are plenty of great nonprofits in the area looking for dedicated volunteers. Here’s a short list of organizations to consider and information on how to get involved.
Dare to Care
Founded in 1969 in response to the death of a nine-year-old boy due to malnutrition, Dare to Care Food Bank has been serving the community ever since with the goal of making sure no one in the community is without enough food.
The organization partners with local groups like food pantries and kitchens to distribute food to those in need. Its programs like Kids Café, School Pantry, Mobile Pantry and Cooking Matters also help reach the most vulnerable residents in the 13-county service area.
More than 3,000 volunteers are needed to help Dare to Care fulfill its mission, and there are individual and group volunteer opportunities for those looking to lend a hand. If donating time isn’t an option, consider giving financially or donating some food.
The organization has issued a challenge to the community for Volunteer Appreciation Month — the Banbury family is donating $5 to Dare to Care for every hour of volunteer work from now until May 31. If you’ve ever thought about volunteering for Dare to Care, now is the time!
Maryhurst
Maryhurst has been serving the area for an impressive 175 years. Founded in 1843, the nonprofit has grown to provide a large number of services to children and families in need. From counseling services to a residential program and community and transitional living, the organization is working hard to free communities of child abuse and empower children and families in the greatest need.
Volunteers and donations are essential to Maryhurst’s lifesaving work. Volunteer opportunities including running a donation drive, helping out in the Maryhurst Butterfly Garden and writing birthday and graduation cards for kids in the program.
Seven Counties Services
Seven Counties Services is a community mental health center offering a wide range of services for mental and behavioral health, substance abuse and intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization’s mission includes providing quality care services to improve lives in its seven-county region.
There are several options for helping out Seven Counties Services, from partnering with them to donating. The group also accepts volunteers for a variety of positions including spiritual activities, greeters, weekend activity leaders, dietary volunteers, family day assistants and grounds and landscaping volunteers.
