Indy Standard

As warmer weather approaches, the focus shifts to summer plans and community engagement through volunteer work. This sentiment is emphasized in April, recognized as National Volunteer Month, encouraging people to volunteer and serve their communities.

"Volunteer work is a valuable way to give back, meet new people and strengthen our neighborhoods," the statement read, highlighting the importance of volunteerism. The message, attributed to an elected official, underscores the personal growth and community benefits tied to volunteering activities.

The official reflected on their experiences, saying, "As an elected official, it's been my pleasure to serve our community while interacting with several different volunteers and public servants who are passionately dedicating their time and energy to strengthening our community." They further shared personal insights about the positive influence of volunteerism, adding, "Not only do you get to meet influential people, but you can also develop valuable skills, learn more about our community and connect with others."

Advocating for family involvement, the statement observed, "It's a fantastic opportunity for children to learn more about our community and how they can serve and dedicate their time to helping others." The official underscored community contributions, stating, "Volunteerism is essential to the growth and connectedness of our community and society because it's rooted in our willingness to give back and spend time with others who may be less fortunate than us."

The statement provided a list of local organizations that welcome volunteers:

- Hancock County Food Pantry, Greenfield, IN 46140, 317-468-0273

- Henry County Salvation Army, New Castle, IN 47362, 765-529-1303

- Shelby County Public Library, Shelbyville, IN 46176, 317-398-7121

- Rush Memorial Hospital Foundation, Rushville, IN 46173, 765-932-7568

These opportunities extend across various settings, including hospitals, religious organizations, schools, homeless shelters, and food banks. "Serve Indiana can link you to volunteer resources and organizations to help you find the best volunteer opportunity for you," the message noted.

Concluding the statement, the official extended an invitation for community engagement by reaching out to their office for further discussion. The office can be contacted at 317-232-9850 or via their website at in.gov/h54.