Edmonds Beacon - Your Hometown News Source

In this initial column I thought I’d write a little bit about why I’m qualified to write this column. Kind of a “getting to know you” article.

I have been recruiting and placing volunteers my whole time with Catholic Community Services, in downtown Everett, 13 years so far. In that time I’ve come to find our people volunteer for as many different reasons as there are leaves on a tree.

Here’s a few of those reasons: people want to give back; they were affected by something and now want to volunteer for an organization that helped them; they want to learn more about a particular cause or condition in the community; they want to learn a new skill; they want to share a skill or ability; they want to promote an idea or goal; they want to meet new people; they want a reason to get out of the house (or even, to get out of bed) every day; they want to help children, they want to help teens, they want to help young families, they want to help sick people, sad people, people without a car, people who are hungry … well, you get the drift.

Sometimes people are hesitant to sign up because they worry all their time will be taken. That’s the beauty of volunteering. You are in charge of the schedule, and you pick when, where and how long you volunteer. That said, there are some (but not many) volunteer jobs that do have a fixed schedule, but knowing this ahead of time allows for adjustments.

Here’s something else to know; people who volunteer have a larger social circle and are less likely to have health issues. Also, it’s been reported that no matter what your reason for volunteering, you experience these benefits.

My job is to help people over 55 find a volunteer job. Will you put me to work?

John McAlpine is the program coordinator/recruiter for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Snohomish County (RSVP), sponsored by Catholic Community Services. To volunteer or learn more, call 425-374-6374 or email to: johnm@ccsww.org