Saluda Volunteer Fair

 

Not only does volunteering help your community and neighbors, research shows it’s good for your body and mind.

 

The need for volunteers in the Saluda area is great. To help folks learn more about these needs, the first-ever Saluda Volunteer Fair will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 22 at the Saluda Center, 64 Greenville Street.

 

The fair will allow potential volunteers the opportunity to learn about different community organizations in a casual environment so they can determine the organization that best fits their interests and skills. At least 15 organizations will have representatives to answer questions about what they do and their volunteer needs.

 

The mental benefits of volunteering include social connection that wards off loneliness and depression and feelings of self-worth, confidence, gratification and happiness. A recent Carnegie Mellon University study showed that it also has a positive physical effect. Adults over age 50 who volunteered on a regular basis had lower blood pressure and a longer lifespan.

 

“Volunteering is a win-win for everyone,” said Saluda mental health professional Deb Phillips, LCSW. Jim Hall, PhD. Says “Studies show that ‘giving back’ to our community not only helps those being served, it also increases the self-esteem, provides a sense of purpose, and improves the physical and mental health of the volunteer. Our community is definitely enriched by those who choose to share their time and talents.”

 

Duane Bowker, a habitat restoration volunteer for Conserving Carolina, says, “On a personal level, I’ve derived a lot of physical and mental health benefit from being out in nature. The work I participate in with Conserving Carolina is important to me and it gets me out in the woods. And on top of that, the folks I meet on our volunteer workdays are really terrific people.”

  

The Volunteer Fair is sponsored by the Saluda Downtown Foundation, Inc.

 

For more information, contact Lynn Casey at caseysaluda@gmail.com or 828-772-1504.

 

Submitted by Lynn Casey