The virtues of volunteering

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Helping others can help you

By Forest Lassman


flassman@jccc.edu


March is Red Cross Month. It’s a time when we thank those who help others, whether it comes in the form of giving blood to people in hospitals or helping people rebuild after a natural disaster. It’s also a time where we should think about what we can do to make the world a bet­ter place.

The American Red Cross was founded in 1881, and for over 130 years has worked to help those in need. It has worked toward these goals in a variety of ways. The Red Cross supplies around 40 percent of the blood and helps with over 70,000 natural disasters. To honor the hard work of the Red Cross, Franklin D. Roosevelt created Red Cross Month, which is still in place.

As Red Cross Month starts, it is the per­fect time to start thinking about what you can do to help people. The best way is to volunteer and/or donate to those in need.

If you’re in a position where you can donate, the Red Cross is a great option. In 2013, 90 percent of all money the Red Cross received went to programs they ran. The Red Cross also has a local chapter, which means the money will go to those in the community.

With that said, a lot of people attending the college might not have the financial ability to help. If that is the case, volunteer a few hours at a soup kitchen or donate blood. The time commitment for these activities are minimal, and you can help someone who desperately needs it. If you still can’t find the time today or this month, plan something out.

Volunteering should be a strong part of our college. We go to a community college, so it makes sense to do these things to help improve the community. The reason we are all here at the college is because the community decided to create this college to help people learn.

We attend here because want to live a better life, whether that comes in the form of getting a better job or learning more skills. By volunteering, you can create a better life for everyone you help.

You might think that you won’t be able to help, but the small things matter. Every­thing you do has effects, and by making positive actions, you can cause positive effects. One good deed can inspire others and set in action a chain of good deeds.

And most of all, you should volunteer because it’s a good thing to do. Humans should help other humans, and by vol­unteering your time or money to a good cause, you are making someone else’s life a little bit better.

For more information, visit http://www.redcross.org
 

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