Dear United Way of Story County Community,

With a new month upon us, I am reminded of the invaluable contributions made by our dedicated volunteers. April serves as National Volunteer Month, a time for us to celebrate the incredible impact hundreds of teens, adults, and “Sixty Forward” individuals make on United Way of Story County and our broader community each year.

For me personally, the significance of National Volunteer Month runs deep. My passion for community service and ultimately my career in nonprofit organizations were born out of volunteer opportunities as a high school and college student. It was during those experiences in supporting programs addressing food insecurity and access to health care in my local community that I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of service and the remarkable difference it makes in the lives of others.

Research shows us the profound positive impact volunteering has on health and wellness across all ages. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that teens who participated in community service were more likely to experience better overall health and wellness. Compared to their peers who didn't volunteer, they were significantly more likely to be in excellent or very good health and less likely to experience anxiety.

Similarly, Deloitte’s Global 2022 Gen Z and Millennial Survey found that younger generations are increasingly drawn to build a career with businesses that support their desire to contribute to the community. This drive for creating lasting positive change not only benefits the entire community but also leads to increased employee commitment and satisfaction. A Journal of Happiness study found that volunteering positively impacts both physical and mental health, reducing stress and increasing life satisfaction. Older adults who volunteer also experience significant health benefits, including reduced risk of mortality and physical limitations, increased physical activity, and improved psychosocial outcomes.

At United Way of Story County, our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and interests that all play vital roles in advancing our mission. From the dedicated volunteers of Women United who provide mentorship and childcare support for our financial education programs, to the individuals and businesses who volunteer for our annual LIVE UNITED Food Drive, ensuring no neighbor goes hungry, each volunteer contributes to the health of our community. Additionally, we are proud to partner with Iowa State University student-athletes who lead important initiatives like the CyCans food drive, and the Ivy College of Business volunteers that help hundreds of our neighbors through our free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. We are also deeply grateful for the expertise, leadership, and passion for service provided by our UWSC board and committee members.

As we celebrate our volunteers, I invite you to join me in expressing our deepest appreciation to each and every volunteer who gives back to our community through the gift of service. Your generosity knows no bounds, and your impact resonates far beyond measure. Together, we are not only building a better community, but we are forging a path towards a brighter future that will inspire generations to come.