Paul's Excellent Question

One of our volunteers Paul asked if most of the drivers for Germantown HELP were motivated by Student Service Learning hours. Why different people volunteer to take on various volunteer positions has always been an interesting question! Here's my answer.

Peace,

Cindy
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Very few drivers go because of SSL hours. Probably three that I know of... Most SSL-hour-students go with their parents doing the driving, or at least with them. Some drivers bring their children, but a lot are too young to collect SSL hours. Parents like to have their children help do something meaningful and realize how fortunate they are. Students do collect a lot of food for us, at school, swim team, etc. It's very helpful and they do a great job! Most of the box-packing groups include students.

Most drivers want to help out in their community, but they don't have too much time. An hour and a half, once or twice a month and AFTER work, is all the time they have. That's enough for us! Some are challenged by their church/synagogue/etc. to work in the community, so they help for that reason. Some people have been in need in the past and want to give back; others decide that they're darn lucky to have a job, good health and family, so they want to support those not as fortunate.

What motivates volunteers is an interesting subject. I run three nonprofits, with probably 100 regular volunteers among them, but they are quite different and different things motivate different people.

What makes you volunteer?