As the year winds to a close, I have been thinking back on the volunteer events of the past year and I couldn’t be prouder. Monadnock United Way volunteers are hand raisers and game changers. They help our office run smoothly when they help with mailers, thank you calls, and our events. They help run our fundraising campaigns. They complete service projects such as building maintenance and organization. They make hard decisions about funding rationales. Most of all, volunteers make an impact on our community and their time is invaluable.
This impact is reflected in the feedback that I hear from our volunteers, community members, and partner agencies. Volunteers report gaining a better understanding our region, feeling more aware of our community, and feeling that their work makes an impact for those living here. Community members enjoy living in an area that is so charitable and caring. Partner agencies report feeling supported by polite and professional volunteers.
Volunteer work extends far beyond their hours. Because of volunteer work, we and our partner agencies are able to extend our capacity, both in hours worked and funding raised. One particular instance sticks out in my mind. After this year’s Day of Caring (where teams of volunteers complete half-day service projects at area nonprofits), I received an email from one of the Friends of the Keene Public Library with feedback about their experience. Not only was their volunteer team from Janos Technology a pleasure to work with and very much appreciated, their efforts helped the FKPL prepare for the fall book sale. This sale helped raise over $12,000 in funding, filling gaps in the existing budget. Just amazing! This would not have been possible without this team of volunteers.
Not only is the work of our volunteers amazing and good for our community, it’s good for them, too. Volunteers experience personal growth and a sense of fulfillment. They have the opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge. They also form new friendships and connections. It’s a winning situation not just for the nonprofit community, but also the volunteers.
To our office volunteers, our Board of Directors, and everyone in between, let me say a very sincere thank you to all the hard work you do to support Monadnock United Way and our partner agencies. Well done, 2019 Monadnock United Way volunteers! Keep up the amazing work in the New Year.
Please contact Kate Cote, MUW’s Volunteer Engagement Specialist, at kate@muw.org for information on volunteer opportunities.