How Volunteering Can Benefit You

Published On: January 17th, 2020Categories: Post

Two women smiling wearing purple shirts and sorting carrots in front of a black board that says With the holidays well behind us, we have seen a strong decline in the number of volunteers who are coming through the doors of our Appleton and Milwaukee food banks each day.

However, there are still thousands of people in Wisconsin that need hearty and healthy meals. When you volunteer with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin you receive something amazing in return, the feeling that you are personally helping to put food into the hands of people who need it most. But the benefits go beyond simply feeling good.

Social Advantages

Volunteering not only makes a huge difference in improving the lives of members of our community, but makes a positive impact on our own lives as well.  As one of our regular volunteers, you will be meeting many new friends with a similar passion for giving back to the community. It is also a great opportunity to meet new people if you recently moved to the area.

We accept volunteers over the age of 10, as long as children ages 10 – 13 are accompanied by their parent or guardian, providing a fun activity for the whole family. If your child is shy, volunteering can help develop their social skills and allow them to feel more comfortable around others.

Career Advancement

Getting your office crew together provides an excellent opportunity for employee bonding and can help boost workplace morale. Many prominent Wisconsin companies like Northwestern Mutual, Associated Bank, the Milwaukee Bucks and Kohl’s give their employees a break from the daily work grind to strengthen the neighborhood they work and live in.

If you are searching for a new career, volunteering for Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin allows you to improve common skills needed in the workplace such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and organization.

Mental Health Improvements

Volunteering helps decrease stress, anger, and anxiety by keeping you in regular contact with a supportive network. Studies have shown that volunteering makes you happier since humans have a natural desire to help others.  It also gives you a sense of purpose, knowing your knowledge and talents are needed in the community.

Learn More

While your busy schedule may not allow you to be one of our “regulars,” coming in on a monthly or quarterly basis is still a fantastic help. Our volunteer shifts are 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. (1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. in Appleton) Mondays through Fridays and select Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.  The typical tasks we need volunteer help with include sorting food into proper categories and ensuring all donations meet our quality and safety guidelines. To get started and sign up for a volunteer shift, click here.

A group of three volunteers wearing green Bucks shirts in front of a big box of corn.

A group of eight volunteers wearing American family Insurance blue shirts and standing around a big box of carrots.