Chatting around the dinner table, gathering at the local theater for a movie night, hiking Camelback Mountain – these are all typical scenes of family bonding activities for Arizonans. However, it’s not always easy to find an activity that everyone will enjoy, is age appropriate for the whole family, and won’t break the bank. But it can be done with volunteering!
Volunteering your time and efforts as a family is a great way to make special memories and build that familial and community bond as well as teach children the importance of giving back to those in need. It also has a multitude of mental, physical, and social health benefits that take volunteering beyond just a fun family activity.
Mental
Some of the most substantial benefits that come from volunteering affect mental health. Anxiety and depression rates have increased by 25% in the past year, especially among teens. But volunteering does some serious heavy lifting for mental well-being; it reduces stress, combats depression, prevents feelings of isolation, increases confidence, gives a sense of purpose and meaning, ignites passion, and makes you happy by producing serotonin, dopamine and endorphins.
Physical
Many volunteer opportunities will have you up on your feet, which is an easy way to boost your physical health. But it’s more than just an increased number of daily steps. The American Psychological Association found that people who volunteer may live longer than those who don’t. And another study from Harvard University discovered that donating your time can also lower blood pressure, which likely plays a role in the longer life of volunteers. Getting your body up and moving daily is important, but best of all, you are accomplishing something rewarding in the process by helping others.
Social
Despite the amazing personal benefits, the social connections and impact that come with volunteering are perhaps the most rewarding. No matter what kind of organization you volunteer with, you will be exposed to diverse perspectives and experiences and build your community in a meaningful way.
So now that you know the benefits, where can you volunteer? Arizona Helping Hands has year-round opportunities to volunteer with the foster care community.
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, you can volunteer with Arizona Helping Hands to help create the best birthday ever for a child in foster care, ensure this same child has access to clothes, shoes, and other essential needs, or even help potential foster families get what they need to get licensed. These opportunities are available at the Phoenix Arizona Helping Hands location (3110 E Thunderbird Rd #100, Phoenix, AZ 85032) as well as virtually in the comfort of your own home, at school, or at the office.
There are volunteering activities designed specifically for large groups, including building bikes and skateboards, decorating birthday cards and bags, assisting foster families shopping at the resource center, and more. Arizona Helping Hands is in the business of helping families and children thrive, and it is something incredibly special when families help lift other families through volunteering.
From a personal standpoint, I feel lucky to see firsthand the beautiful memories our volunteer families make and the bonding moments they have while also knowing they are helping foster children thrive along their foster care journey.
Are you and your family ready to get volunteering? Please reach out to [email protected] and a staff member will be in touch to help you join the team.
