Volunteering can open up many opportunities, but most people don’t take realize how influential it can be.

Some of these opportunities are job promotions, personal satisfaction, and life-long skills. According to Habitat for Humanity, “Giving our time and effort to help others can feel wonderful. We get to see the immediate impact of our work.” Organizations like these help teens understand how some time and work can help others.

One reason many teens choose to volunteer is because it looks good on college applications. While that’s true, there are other benefits too. For example, you can help others in need and you can improve your community. According to HelpGuide, a guide for mental health and wellness, “Volunteering offers vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community.” Not only does volunteering help others, but it also helps you. According to HelpGuide, “ … it can help you reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose.”

At Bingham there are clubs that do service projects. For example, the Drama Club had an activity on October 24 called Trick Or Treat So Kids Can Eat. The purpose of this activity was to collect donations for food and to give them to others. Another club, National Honors Society, has service projects and activities every month. Every month they have about 22 opportunities for volunteering available for members. NHS’ co-president Rachael Van Cott said their club’s mission is “ … to develop character, service, leadership, and citizenship in our members.” They want to give people an opportunity to help others. NHS does different service projects from opening doors in the morning to going to old folks’ homes. Some other projects they do is they go to food banks, donate fleece blankets, assemble hygiene kits, and many more. They are willing to give time and energy to better their community. Shilpi Kharidia, another co-president, said,”It helps our members gain responsibility.” The co-presidents also do volunteer work outside of NHS. When asked what motivated her to volunteer, Kharidia said, “I just wanted to get out there and help others … seeing the impact of your service makes you want to do more.”

Volunteering doesn’t have to be in a club or a group. As an individual you can go to help your community in small ways; whether it’s volunteering at a home or a hospital, a little goes a long way. Many hospitals around are also looking for volunteers like the Riverton Hospital and the Jordan Valley Medical Center. Students can also volunteer at animal shelters nearby like the Human Society.

There are many ways students can help and be apart of their community. Volunteering doesn’t have to be going to out of your way to build houses or plant trees. You can do simple work in your community and still get big outcomes. Just remember a little goes a long way.