I grew up volunteering…and just never stopped. I started as a library volunteer (re-shelving books and then helping in the kids’ summer program), then in High School was a candy-striper, and in adulthood have been at various times a Sunday School teacher, in the Emergency Room Family Liaison helper (another kind of hospital volunteer), Police Interpreter, Girl Scout Leader, Nursery helper, Tanzanian Relief Mission leader, and ESL tutor. Plus packing meals, donating meals, filling the occasional sand bags—whatever needs doing around our community or for hungry people around the world.
Our kids have grown up volunteering, too.. it’s just part of our family life..they think it’s just what people do. I think it’s sort of a family/religious unspoken thing based on “For everyone to whom much is given, of him shall much be required.”—Luke 12:48.
We’re not really all that religious (not in the judgemental/religious hafta-go-to-church kind of way)...it’s more like about the golden rule. If I was hungry, wouldn’t I want someone to share their food with me? If I was scared and alone in the hospital, wouldn’t I want someone to bring me a blanket or a pitcher of water or some books?
Our time and good health and good fortune is meant to be shared with those who have less than us, or need our help. Period. If you can find a way to constructively use your time & talents that you enjoy – all the better.