What does being a volunteer mean? Well, it means helping another person or a nonprofit organization and not being paid for it.
You may look at this and say, “Well, that sounds pretty dumb. Why would someone want to do something and not get paid for it?”
But some teens like to volunteer because it makes them feel good inside while others enjoy helping out the community and others.
But not everyone feels that way. Some think that volunteering is a waste of a perfectly good summer or time that could be spent hanging out with friends at the movies. These people may not consider all the positive aspects of volunteering.
Some of the benefits of volunteering is that you get to meet new people, help out with your community, become involved and gain valuable job experience. A volunteer job also may lead to a paid position in some cases.
Brenda Ratliff, 47, the manger of the Volunteer Center, said many volunteers enjoy “helping out the community and helping people out.” You can contact her at the Volunteer Center at 397-9787 for more information.
Besides working at homeless shelters or for local nonprofit organizations, volunteer work can help raise money for those who are ill and their families.
Anyone 15 years or older can volunteer at the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop at 5420 California Ave. The shop sells donated merchandise and accepts quality clothes, accessories, furniture, collectibles, antiques and estate items.
“All the proceeds go to the American Cancer society,” said Lynn Reynolds, 63, one of volunteers at the Discovery Shop.
Nan Hart, 49, the manager of the shop, said the store is run by about 50 volunteers and one manager.
Business hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 324-1359.