It’s Better to Give Than to Receive: The Power of Volunteering
- Joe Sylo
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s better to give than to receive.” But have you ever truly experienced the deep fulfillment that comes from giving your time, skills, and compassion to help others? Volunteering is one of the most powerful ways to give back to your community, and in return, you receive immeasurable rewards. At Servants, we witness the transformative impact of volunteers every day—not just on the people they serve, but on the volunteers themselves.
The Heart of Community: Why Giving Back Matters
Communities thrive when people step up to support one another. Whether it’s repairing a home for a struggling senior, providing a warm meal to a neighbor in need, or simply offering a kind word to someone going through a tough time, acts of service strengthen the very fabric of our society. Volunteers are the lifeblood of organizations like Servants, making it possible to reach those who need help the most. Beyond meeting tangible needs, volunteering fosters a spirit of unity and compassion. It brings together people from all walks of life, creating bonds that transcend differences. When we give of ourselves, we build stronger, more connected communities, reinforcing the idea that we are all in this together.
The Gift You Give—And the Gifts You Receive
While the primary goal of volunteering is to help others, those who serve often discover they receive just as much—if not more—than they give. Here are just a few of the benefits volunteers’ experience:
A Renewed Sense of Purpose
Many volunteers find that serving others gives their lives deeper meaning. Whether you’re retired and looking for ways to stay engaged, a young person seeking direction, or someone simply wanting to make a difference, volunteering provides an opportunity to use your skills in a meaningful way.
Mental and Emotional Well-Being
Research has shown that acts of kindness and service release endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. Helping others reduces stress, combats feelings of loneliness, and can even lower the risk of depression. When you volunteer, you’re not just improving someone else’s life—you’re enhancing your own mental and emotional health.
Strengthened Relationships
Volunteering fosters connections with like-minded people who share your passion for making a difference. The friendships formed through service are often deep and lasting, as they are built on shared experiences of kindness, teamwork, and a common mission.
Learning and Growth
Serving others provides opportunities to develop new skills, gain fresh perspectives, and grow as a person. Whether you’re learning how to repair a floor, improving your communication skills, or gaining insights into the struggles of those in need, volunteering challenges you to expand your horizons.
How You Can Get Involved
At Servants, we believe that everyone has something valuable to offer. Whether you have a few hours a month or want to commit to a regular schedule, there’s a place for you in our community of volunteers. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
Home Repair Projects: Join a team to provide critical repairs for seniors and people with disabilities.
Disaster Relief Missions: Assist families in rebuilding their lives after natural disasters.
Support Roles: Help behind the scenes with administrative tasks, fundraising, or outreach.
No matter your skill level, background, or availability, your time and effort can make a profound impact.
Join the Movement of Giving
April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month, a time to recognize the contributions of volunteers and encourage more people to get involved in serving their communities. If you’ve never volunteered before, now is the perfect time to start. If you’re already involved, consider inviting a friend or family member to join you. Together, we can create a ripple effect of kindness and service that extends far beyond what we can see.
After all, when we give our time, talents, and hearts to serve others, we receive something
even greater in return—a sense of fulfillment, purpose, and connection that money can’t buy. Let’s embrace the truth that it truly is better to give than to receive.
Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at Servants and experience the joy of giving firsthand. Visit https://www.servants.org/volunteer to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how you can be a part of transforming lives through service.
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