One way to give back to the community is by joining the Volunteering Club. Helping in the community is a great way to feel better by making someone else’s day and seeing them smile. Volunteering provides both mental and physical rewards. Experts report that volunteering reduces stress, makes you healthier, and one experiences moods and emotions, like optimism and joy strengthens the immune system. Experts also claim that when you focus on someone other than yourself, it interrupts usual tension-producing patterns. At Eastern, we have our very own Volunteer Club, which is an inclusive and welcoming space for anyone to join! 
Volunteering is providing help or assistance to a person or organization without financial gain. The Volunteer Club is an organization or group of students that work together to give back to the community in school or out of school. As a club member, you might find yourself painting pumpkins for the Ronald McDonald House, volunteering for the Kids Food Basket, recycling, and writing holiday cards sent to service people in the military. When I asked Ms. Teitsma what some benefits are to joining the Volunteering Club, she told me that, “Making connections with other students and hopefully feeling good about yourself by giving back to the community and others are one of the many benefits to joining the Volunteering Club.” Since the Volunteering Club is open to anyone, you will meet new and awesome people and make new friends! You will be surrounded by students who will have the same passion as you in helping others and the community toward a common cause. These friendships grow outside of school too! Volunteering brings people closer, and allows for connections to be made with different groups.
There might be some health benefits you didn’t know about volunteering, including that it’s actually good for your physical health. Volunteering gets you moving! Some activities require your body to exercise, which is great for your physical health. It’s like working out without even thinking about it because you’re focused on the cause. It’s great for your mental health! Studies show that helping others reduces stress and anxiety. When you volunteer, your body releases chemicals like endorphins, which makes you feel happier and relaxed. Volunteering is also great for your mental health because it gives you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It’s nice to know that your efforts are making a positive impact on others, which can boost your self-esteem.
Volunteering at the Volunteer Club is not only good for your health, but looks good on your college application. Colleges love seeing students who care about their community and are willing to put in the time and effort to make a difference. It shows leadership, commitment, responsibility, and (most importantly) teamwork: all qualities that prestigious colleges are looking for. The skills you gain, such as time management, organization, and communication, are useful in any future career. 
If you are looking for fun, rewarding experiences that help both you and your community, consider joining the Volunteer Club here at Eastern! It’s a great opportunity to give back to your community, make new friends, and improve your mental and physical well being, all while having a good time. So why not give it a try? If you have any questions or are interested in joining, please email Ms. Teitsma at [email protected]. Meetings are usually the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month in room A219. Looking forward to seeing new faces!
