Volunteering is usually done out of a need certain people feel to help others and give of themselves because it brings them spiritual satisfaction. Knowing that your selfless acts of kindness have a positive impact on those around you is a shot in the arm. Those who give their time, energy and money without apparently receiving anything in exchange are in fact reaping spiritual benefits.
WHY DO VOLUNTEER WORK
- Volunteering increases your sense of empathy. By putting ourselves in their shoes we can understand the suffering and needs of others.
- Volunteer work makes us more generous. Learning to give brings out the best in us at all levels. We become more open to giving our time and effort to those around us, both at work and at home.
- Being a volunteer increases our sense of justice. Helping others overcome challenges and fighting for their rights helps volunteers become aware of what justice and fairness really means.
- Volunteering makes us more respectful of others and the organizations that promote volunteering. Volunteers learn to use the resources they are given for the higher good of others.
- Being a volunteer reinforces ties with the community. The volunteer better understands the reality and the problems of the people in his or her community.
- Volunteer work raises self-esteem and creates a sense of gratitude. As it fosters contact with people of all walks of life, those who volunteer often feel better about themselves and also more grateful for what they have.
- Volunteering positively impacts the world we live in. Feeling that you´re making a difference in the world you live in is a wonderful feeling.
HOW TO VOLUNTEER WITH ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
If you would like to experience volunteer work and make a difference in the lives of families with children affected by cancer, here is how you can help at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
- Join St. Jude Promesa y Esperanza Radio Event.
- Join a local event. Go to StJude.org to find a local event near you.
- Host your own fundraising initiative.
- Be a volunteer at the hospital. You may volunteer at the hospital itself. Write to [email protected] for information.
- Join an organization that partners with St. Jude, such as NALFO (National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations). Call 1-800-877-5833, extension 2046 from the U.S. or (901) 578-2046 if you are outside U.S. territory. You may also write to [email protected].
- International volunteers. If you are a medical professional, you may visit St. Jude Children’s Hospital to find out about innovative medical protocols to save lives in your country of origin.
This article is one in a series sponsored by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and dedicated to the spirit of giving to those in need, at the holidays and year round. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeat s childhood cancer and other deadly diseases. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing and food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
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Visit Stjude.org and hospitalsanjudas.org
