Volunteering is an integral part of what makes any organization successful. Not only do volunteers generously give of their time and gifts, but they make a long-lasting impact on those they serve and encounter. April is National Volunteer Month, and we are so thankful for the thousands who take time out of their busy lives to serve in many of our ministries.

Small gesture, big impact

For Reynelda, a single mother in the Buckner Family Pathways® program, one volunteer impacted her son so deeply through simply tossing a football around. 

“My son has been able to throw a football with somebody, have little conversations … that are a big deal to him,” Reynelda shared. 

While it may have just felt like throwing a ball around at the barbecue event, this interaction stayed with Reynelda’s son long after the food was gone.

“Volunteers don’t normally recognize that when they choose to do just one small thing, like coming to throw a football or coming to wrap Christmas presents, or coming to provide tutoring, they’re providing an opportunity to make an impact, and they don’t know what’s happening on the other side of that,” said Jordyn Moore, director of Family Pathways in Lubbock, Texas. “How it’s affecting the people we serve.”

Serving is a win-win for all

When you serve, not only do you experience the magic of impacting those in need, but there are proven physical, mental and emotional benefits for you too. 

• Volunteering has been linked to improved mental well-being and life satisfaction, as well as lower stress levels.
• While volunteering offers increased physical activity, leading to overall improved health, a study also found volunteering can reduce the risk for high blood pressure and hypertension.
• More than 90% of individuals who volunteer experience higher levels of personal satisfaction and feelings of accomplishment.

We have opportunities to serve through our ministries all across Texas. Whether that’s serving seniors in Houston at Buckner Parkway Place, engaging with children and families at a local Buckner Family Hope Center® near you or helping collect or sort shoes for Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls®, your impact is felt and needed. 

Find your place to serve today.