Benefits of volunteering extend beyond helping others, says Freeman volunteers
JOPLIN, Mo. — Volunteers come in all ages, with a wide range of talents and the time to share. But they don’t just help the people or groups where they pitch in. We break down the benefits of volunteering.
“I needed something to do. I didn’t want to just sit at home watch TV.”
So Harold Berger Junior decided to add a new element to his retirement years.
He’s part of the front desk at Freeman West – covering everything from phone calls to delivering flowers to patient rooms.
“It really is taking care of the people, helping people out. Once a while putting a smile on somebody’s face – coming in for surgery or something like that,” said Berger Jr.
Harold is one of many, many volunteers helping out at Freeman.
“Whatever you feel you have a gift for. Some people cannot – say for instance work in the Cancer Institute just because they’ve gone through some stuff that with cancer and it just is too painful. Just find out what your gift is and what you’re willing to do and how much time you have,” said Karla Keizer, Freeman Volunteer.
Karla Keizer volunteers at the gift shop. And while she loves connecting with patients, visitors and workers – she adds there are many more benefits to the volunteerism.
“Healthwise for me, it’s getting me out of the house. I’m active.”
Volunteering can also reduce stress, improve mental health, and even boost your physical health. Karla encourages anyone to consider sharing their time with others.
“Just take that first step. Just go out there and look for something that you would like to do I get a joy from just talking to the employees to the families of the patients. And hopefully I’m doing the same back for them. It just gives them a lift and that’s what I’m here for.”
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