According to an article in “Social Science and Medicine,” a large study of American adults done by the London School of Economics found that the more people volunteered, the happier they were.

The study showed that compared to people who never volunteered the odds of being “very happy” rose 7 percent among those who volunteered monthly and 16 percent for those who were weekly volunteers. The study further states that the hike in happiness is comparable to having an income of $75,000 to $100,000 versus $20,000.

When I returned to Niles after a 30-year absence, I didn’t know many people. I happened to stumble onto the newly forming Niles Main Street Program, and I discovered that volunteering for it was a great way to meet new people. Joining this program has strengthened my ties to the community and expanded my support network. I never thought about it until I read the study, but being a member does make me happy.

Most everyone knows that volunteering has a positive impact on our community. Unpaid volunteers are certainly the glue that holds the Niles DDA Main Street Program together. What most people do not realize is that the benefit of volunteering is a two-way street, and it apparently does as much for the volunteer as for the cause.

I always admire the families who volunteer at the Hunter Ice Festival. I am sure it is quite a challenge to coordinate everyone’s schedule; but what a gift to the kids. Children watch everything we do, so by giving back to the community, the parents show them first-hand how volunteering makes a difference and how good it feels to help others and enact change.

Volunteering has proved to increase self-confidence, keep people active, combat depression, provide career experience, teach valuable job skills, and bring fun and fulfillment to life. Best of all, these benefits are available to young and old alike. We all have a lot to offer and a lot to gain.

On that note, the Niles DDA Main Street Program is hosting a “Volunteer and Community Appreciation Picnic” between 5 and 8 p.m. on Aug. 8 at Riverfront Park. There will be free hot dogs, chips, cookies and lemonade. This is an event to thank current volunteers and recruit new volunteers into the Main Street Program.

Everyone is encouraged to attend, so come and join us.

 

Jeanne Watson is a sixth generation Niles resident who wants to see the downtown strong once again. Jeanne has volunteered her time with the Niles Main Street/DDA for nearly 15 years. She can be reached at jeanne0503@comcast.net.