Page 12 - Boomer Times Magazine September 2020 Issue

Why Do Volunteers Love To Share Their Time And Experience At The Volen Center?

By Anita Finley, MPS
I have been a great proponent response.
of volunteering in all aspects of Volunteers also played an important role in the Civil War, as groups
life. Some people have more time such as Ladies’ Aid Societies were created to make bandages, shirts,
than others to do this selfless act, towels, bedclothes, uniforms and tents.
and it is fortunate for The Volen The 20 century was when mainstream volunteerism really began
th
Center that they have attracted During World War II, volunteers were active in the military
the best volunteers who help fill
in the spaces where those extra and on the home front.
responsibilities could not be met to flourish, shaping the volunteer and nonprofit organizations that we
otherwise. It’s those extras that create a more fulfilling activity center, recognize today. The Rotary Club, Kiwanis and the Lions Club were all
bringing in the enthusiasm of volunteers to share their experiences established within the first few decades of the 1900s.
and deep caring. The broad range of professionals who have decided One of the first nationwide efforts to coordinate volunteers was in
to now give back is monumental and words can never adequately response to the Great Depression, including work by Volunteers of
express the appreciation felt by the attendees and staff members. America. The first Volunteer Bureau was founded in Minneapolis, MN
Volunteering is not new but if you read the brief history of volunteer- in 1919 and became part of the Volunteer Center National Network,
ing, you will better understand its origins. which today reaches 170 million people in thousands of cities across
A Brief History Of Volunteering In America the nation.
This country has relied on volunteers from its start: Colonists banded During World War II, volunteers were active in the military and on the
together to survive the harsh New World, forming support groups to home front. Thousands of volunteer offices took part in coordinating
help each other plant crops, build houses and fight disease. Benjamin volunteers in collecting supplies, entertaining soldiers on leave and
Franklin developed the first volunteer firehouse in 1736, an idea that caring for the injured. After the war, major developments including the
has become the country’s norm, as more than 70% of all firefighters Peace Corps and President Lyndon B Johnson’s “War on Poverty” in
today are volunteers. And during the Revolutionary War, patriotic 1964 started the expansion of volunteer opportunities that continues
citizens volunteered to organize boycotts against British imports and today.
raise funds for the war efforts, and of course there were the famous The COO of The Volen Center, Jared Policano, and staff are so
“minute men,” who were a volunteer militia. dedi cated, working tirelessly, continuing to make The Volen Center’s
It wasn’t until the Great Awakening in the 19 century that formal programs special. The Board of Directors are also volunteers oversee-
th
charitable organizations started cropping up. Inspired by religious ing the continued effectiveness of this not-for-profit organization. Why
revival, people became more aware of the disadvantaged, and the don’t you call them at 561-395-8920 or go online to volencenter.com
YMCA, American Red Cross and the United Way were all born in and ask for a tour. You will be as impressed as I am!

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12 / BoomerTimes & SeniorLife SEPTEMBER 2020