The third week of April is observed as Volunteer Appreciation Week each year in the US. As I reflect on that, I am encouraged by the Hospitality Center’s journey from being a volunteer-led and managed organization to an anchor organization in town with a team of 8 staff. The lifeblood of our organization is still our volunteers who strongly support our mission and have propelled the Center to grow and flourish.Truly, we stand on the shoulders of many who compassionately responded to a need in the community and boldly stepped out to create a space for those the world does not want to see on their block, their neighborhood, their town, and their community.
When I asked one of our volunteers, her reasons for volunteering at the Center she said – “I feel like I am honoring God by helping people who are less fortunate than me”. While that may be true for her, we know that research has established a multitude of benefits of volunteering on mental, physical, and social health and well-being, particularly reduced mortality, and increased functioning, quality of life, pride, empowerment, motivation, social support, and sense of community.
Some aspects of our work here at the Center cannot run smoothly without our volunteers. They play an integral role in our operations like food pick up, sorting, organizing, and handing out mail, serving food, assisting with organizing and running events, donation sorting and Board governance to name a few.
Our staff and volunteers were at the Phillies game on April 15th. The Phillies won after an agonizing extra inning. The only thing that trumped the Phillies’ win was watching the game in person on a beautiful evening with 96 of our volunteers who came with their families and friends. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our volunteers who make a huge difference everyday here at the Center.
#VolunteerAppreciation #Community #MakingADifference
