Salvation Army vs. United Way
The Salvation Army and United Way are just two of many well known charities in the United States. Have you ever wondered which one was the better place to volunteer? Maybe you wondered where you would make the most impact? We are about to take compare each charity apples to apples, let's see what the numbers say to you!
Volunteers make a significant impact on many people and communities around the world on a daily basis, so no matter where you volunteer it is going to make a difference. There are many charities who visibly ask for donations and support, but there are also many charities that aren’t as noticeable but need assistance just as much.
Both Salvation Army and United Way have been active for over 100 years. The Salvation Army was founded by a preacher named William Booth in 1865 (Salvation Army p 2). Currently the Salvation Army is active in 107 countries and assists 33 million people annually (Salvation Army p 2). United Way was founded by a priest, two ministers, and a rabbi in 1887 (Live United p 1). United Way’s network is available in 45 countries and territories (Live United p 1). Both Salvation Army and United Way touch millions of lives every year, as you can see their numbers are astronomical.
The Salvation Army has a wide variety of services available with the assistance of 1.6 million volunteers with over 9,000 service units across the country (Salvation Army p 6). Obviously Salvation Army would not be able to touch that many lives without the help of the volunteers. They operate domestic violence shelters, AIDS hospice centers, and missing persons services. The Salvation Army’s League of Mercy assists people who have special needs in nursing homes, hospitals, and even correctional facilities. The Salvation Army even provided front-line war support during both World War I and World War II. The Salvation Army appears to be one of the lesser noticed charities throughout the year, with it being most visible during the holidays. Even if Salvation Army seems to be quiet through the year they are very active year round. Their holiday season campaign seems to be the most noticed. I’m sure that everyone has seen the bell ringer that stands outside of stores for donations. The Salvation Army assists an astounding 6 million people during the holiday season, so it is important to give those bell ringers a donation whenever possible (Salvation Army p 3). Their slogan is “Need Knows No Season”. The goal of the Salvation Army is to meet the physical and spiritual needs of people. Obviously the work of Salvation Army is very important.
The United Way’s mission statement is to “Improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good.” They seem to have focus on three main areas but seem to have a wide variety of services available to the public. The United Way focuses on education, income, and health. The United Way helps parents with education by giving them access to quality childcare to give the kids a solid head start to their school-age years. Through their Born Learning campaign they are helping students stay in school and hope to cut the dropout rate by 2018. The United Way has a Financial Stability Partnership program that helps lower income individuals and families get the financial independence they have always dreamed of but thought was never possible. They also work to ensure that people who don't have access to healthcare, with their help will be able to obtain it. As everyone knows healthcare has been a hot topic for many years. Making sure that families have healthcare available helps everyone involved.
Obviously these charities are very important on many different levels but as you can see they have different focuses. The decision that you as a volunteer or donator has to make is where you want to make your impact. What area do you feel needs the most help? Everyone is going to have their own thoughts on this topic. The best thing to do before you donate money is research the charity. Every charity is important because they those who need assistance. Our world would not be the same if charities weren’t around. Donate your time or money, whatever you are able to do and touch the life of someone who needs it. No matter what charity you choose you will be making a difference.
Works Cited:
“About” United Way. United Way Corporation n.d. Web.
http://www.liveunited.org/about/
“History” United Way. United Way Corporation n.d. Web.
http://www.liveunited.org/about/history.cfm
“Quick Facts” Salvation Army. Salvation Army Corporation n.d. Web.
http://www.salvationarmynw.org/contact/quickfacts.asp
Monday, April 19, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Volunteering May Be Good For Your Health
Volunteering is one of most common and oldest ways of giving back to the community. Recently I have had my own experience with volunteering and have found it to an amazing and exciting opportunity. Volunteering has made me feel something I never expected. The feeling is difficult to explain, but the best way I could describe it is similar to the feeling you get when you cuddle a newborn baby. The warm and fuzzy feeling that engulfs your entire body, this is the feeling I get when I volunteer. Volunteering is good for the heart and soul, but recent studies by Corporation for National and Community Service has proven that volunteering has great health benefits too (“The Health” par 3).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of September 2009 63.4 million Americans are volunteering annually, that is 26.8 percent of the population (“Volunteering” par. 1). Those numbers show great deal of people are enjoying the warm and fuzzy feeling from volunteering, but there always could be more. Most volunteers are women aged 35 to 54 years old (“Volunteering” par. 4). Adults who have higher education such as bachelors degree or higher are more likely to volunteer then those that do not. Adults 65 years and old account for 8,712 volunteers (“Volunteering” par. 9). These numbers are great but there are so many more people that should be taking advantage of all of the volunteering opportunities that are available.
Reports published by Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the most common form of
Gioffredi 2
volunteering is fundraising (“Volunteering” par 16). Nearly 11.3 percent of all volunteer work is fundraising. I would assume that fundraising is the easiest form of volunteering , but based on my own personal experience the volunteer is going to get the most benefit from direct person to person contact. Collecting and preparing food was the next most common way to volunteer. 10.3 percent of men and women volunteers were involved in this. On a sunny Saturday afternoon I got to participate in collecting and preparing food. I was not a member of the church that was organizing the event, but they were warm and welcoming to me. They made me feel as if I had always be a part of their once a month Saturday ritual. We prepared spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, and brownies. After everything was cooked and packaged, we had the pleasure of passing the meals out to the homeless. Out of all of the volunteering activities that I have been involved in during my quest, this was my favorite. I met some incredible people and felt like I actually touched the lives of many people. I feel that this could be something that I could do one Saturday a month for the rest of my life.
In the past research has focused on the benefits received in the community from
volunteering, but in recent years this focus has shifted more on the benefits you receive when you take the time to volunteer. Volunteering has shown to give a new sense of purpose to our older population which has helped them to keep active. The positive effects of volunteering are felt mentally and physically by the person volunteering. It helps people to maintain a strong social network that would not normally be there. According to Adam Voiland in his article “Volunteering Maybe Be Good For Your Health” as little as two hours a week will give added health benefits (“Volunteering” par. 2). He states there is a “helpers high” which is caused by oxytocin released into
Gioffredi 3
the body ( “Volunteering” par 3). I have experienced this helpers high and was amazed at how it
made me felt like I was invincible. It gave me energy and made me feel like I was on top of the world. Just think if everyone took a small amount of their time to volunteer they would find this high to be something they can’t get enough of.
According to Corporation for National and Community Service being involved in volunteer activities gives the abilities to strengthen social ties to protect individuals from isolation during difficult times (“Benefits” 6). It also leads to a sense of self worth and trust. Volunteering can also reduce depression in older adults. A study of older adults provides data supporting that retirees have more life satisfaction when they are involved in volunteering (Harlow and Cantor 1996). Just from my short stint with volunteering I can see how this would benefit everyone young and old.
Analysis of data from The Longititudal Study of Aging showed that people who volunteered had lower mortality rates then those who did not volunteer (Sabin 3). People who volunteered aged 55 years or older showed to have a significant drop in mortality rates. On top of lower mortality rates they also expressed lower amounts of pain and better overall health. These benefits are amplified when the volunteers are working one on one with another human being. After reading these findings, how could someone not immediately sign up to start volunteering. If you could do something good for others as well as doing something beneficial to themselves.
There is a threshold of volunteering though according to Assets and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old Survey (“Individual“ p3). The maximum benefits are achieved by volunteering no more then 100 hours per year or approximately 2 hours per week. No additional benefits were noticed if more then 2 hours of volunteering per week. Just think of what a small
Gioffredi 4
amount of time 2 hours a week is. A few hours of your time every week will make a great impact on your community as well as give you added health benefits.
Research on the benefit of younger people involved in volunteering is still being done. Everyone who volunteers will benefit by making a difference in their community and with volunteering you can: solve problems, strengthen communities, improve lives, connect to others, and transform our own lives. No matter if you are wanting to help touch the life of someone else or to transform your life the effects of volunteering is great for all.
Works Cited
“Benefits of Volunteering.” Corporation of National and Community Service
“The Health Benefits Of Volunteering.” Corporation for National and Community Service 2007
Luoh, M-C and Herzog, A.R. (2002) “Individual Consequences of Volunteer and Paid Work In Old Age: Health and Mortality.” Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 43(4), 490-509.
Voiland, Adam, “Volunteering May Be Good For Your Health.” 7 May 2007
“Volunteering In The United States.” News Release 26 January 2010.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of September 2009 63.4 million Americans are volunteering annually, that is 26.8 percent of the population (“Volunteering” par. 1). Those numbers show great deal of people are enjoying the warm and fuzzy feeling from volunteering, but there always could be more. Most volunteers are women aged 35 to 54 years old (“Volunteering” par. 4). Adults who have higher education such as bachelors degree or higher are more likely to volunteer then those that do not. Adults 65 years and old account for 8,712 volunteers (“Volunteering” par. 9). These numbers are great but there are so many more people that should be taking advantage of all of the volunteering opportunities that are available.
Reports published by Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the most common form of
Gioffredi 2
volunteering is fundraising (“Volunteering” par 16). Nearly 11.3 percent of all volunteer work is fundraising. I would assume that fundraising is the easiest form of volunteering , but based on my own personal experience the volunteer is going to get the most benefit from direct person to person contact. Collecting and preparing food was the next most common way to volunteer. 10.3 percent of men and women volunteers were involved in this. On a sunny Saturday afternoon I got to participate in collecting and preparing food. I was not a member of the church that was organizing the event, but they were warm and welcoming to me. They made me feel as if I had always be a part of their once a month Saturday ritual. We prepared spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, and brownies. After everything was cooked and packaged, we had the pleasure of passing the meals out to the homeless. Out of all of the volunteering activities that I have been involved in during my quest, this was my favorite. I met some incredible people and felt like I actually touched the lives of many people. I feel that this could be something that I could do one Saturday a month for the rest of my life.
In the past research has focused on the benefits received in the community from
volunteering, but in recent years this focus has shifted more on the benefits you receive when you take the time to volunteer. Volunteering has shown to give a new sense of purpose to our older population which has helped them to keep active. The positive effects of volunteering are felt mentally and physically by the person volunteering. It helps people to maintain a strong social network that would not normally be there. According to Adam Voiland in his article “Volunteering Maybe Be Good For Your Health” as little as two hours a week will give added health benefits (“Volunteering” par. 2). He states there is a “helpers high” which is caused by oxytocin released into
Gioffredi 3
the body ( “Volunteering” par 3). I have experienced this helpers high and was amazed at how it
made me felt like I was invincible. It gave me energy and made me feel like I was on top of the world. Just think if everyone took a small amount of their time to volunteer they would find this high to be something they can’t get enough of.
According to Corporation for National and Community Service being involved in volunteer activities gives the abilities to strengthen social ties to protect individuals from isolation during difficult times (“Benefits” 6). It also leads to a sense of self worth and trust. Volunteering can also reduce depression in older adults. A study of older adults provides data supporting that retirees have more life satisfaction when they are involved in volunteering (Harlow and Cantor 1996). Just from my short stint with volunteering I can see how this would benefit everyone young and old.
Analysis of data from The Longititudal Study of Aging showed that people who volunteered had lower mortality rates then those who did not volunteer (Sabin 3). People who volunteered aged 55 years or older showed to have a significant drop in mortality rates. On top of lower mortality rates they also expressed lower amounts of pain and better overall health. These benefits are amplified when the volunteers are working one on one with another human being. After reading these findings, how could someone not immediately sign up to start volunteering. If you could do something good for others as well as doing something beneficial to themselves.
There is a threshold of volunteering though according to Assets and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old Survey (“Individual“ p3). The maximum benefits are achieved by volunteering no more then 100 hours per year or approximately 2 hours per week. No additional benefits were noticed if more then 2 hours of volunteering per week. Just think of what a small
Gioffredi 4
amount of time 2 hours a week is. A few hours of your time every week will make a great impact on your community as well as give you added health benefits.
Research on the benefit of younger people involved in volunteering is still being done. Everyone who volunteers will benefit by making a difference in their community and with volunteering you can: solve problems, strengthen communities, improve lives, connect to others, and transform our own lives. No matter if you are wanting to help touch the life of someone else or to transform your life the effects of volunteering is great for all.
Works Cited
“Benefits of Volunteering.” Corporation of National and Community Service
“The Health Benefits Of Volunteering.” Corporation for National and Community Service 2007
Luoh, M-C and Herzog, A.R. (2002) “Individual Consequences of Volunteer and Paid Work In Old Age: Health and Mortality.” Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 43(4), 490-509.
Voiland, Adam, “Volunteering May Be Good For Your Health.” 7 May 2007
“Volunteering In The United States.” News Release 26 January 2010.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
The End!
This is the last day of our quest. It has been a great learning experience for me and my family. My kids were involved in some of my quests and keep asking me when we are going to do it again. We are definitely going to continue as much as we are going to be able to fit in.
I have set up to head to the animal shelter and volunteer our time helping to walk the dogs. I will continue to do our Family to Family donations monthly. I cant wait for our Habitat for Hours time this spring.
I have to admit that my entire family looks at volunteering differently.
I have set up to head to the animal shelter and volunteer our time helping to walk the dogs. I will continue to do our Family to Family donations monthly. I cant wait for our Habitat for Hours time this spring.
I have to admit that my entire family looks at volunteering differently.
Only 2 days left!
I have been thinking long and hard about my final quest but unfortunately I have been unable to come up with someone spectacular to do before this assignment ends. I have, however, figured out something that my entire family is going to do this spring.
I was talking with a friend and she told me there was some Habitat for Humanity Houses going up in our community. My friend told mke that they were looking for volunteers to help build the house.
I think this is the perfect way to get my entire family involved. My husband is great with his hands. My oldest son would learn a lot and my youngest two could help too.
I called and got us all signed up! I have to admit that I am very excited for the day to come for us to get started. I think that it will be a learning experience for us all.
I was talking with a friend and she told me there was some Habitat for Humanity Houses going up in our community. My friend told mke that they were looking for volunteers to help build the house.
I think this is the perfect way to get my entire family involved. My husband is great with his hands. My oldest son would learn a lot and my youngest two could help too.
I called and got us all signed up! I have to admit that I am very excited for the day to come for us to get started. I think that it will be a learning experience for us all.
3 more days til the end!
I have been feeling under the weather. I guess it's the change of the seasons but its really wearing me down so today I spent the day mostly on the couch.
I used the time to surf the net for different volunteer opportunities and ways to help out charities.
I found many of them that I would like to do provided I have the time. If there were only 25 hours in a day!
Here is a quote to ponder on:
"In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it."
Marianne Williamson
I used the time to surf the net for different volunteer opportunities and ways to help out charities.
I found many of them that I would like to do provided I have the time. If there were only 25 hours in a day!
Here is a quote to ponder on:
"In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it."
Marianne Williamson
#2 of the End!
Well nothing has hit me so far to finish with a blast but I had a great opportunity to help someone out today. I was at work and one of my coworkers vehicle was not starting. They were due to come on for the shift that was after me but had no way into work. There was no one that could cover their shift for them.
I overheard a few of my coworkers talking about if they only had someone to go and pick them up. I didn't have anything going on so I told them that I would be more then happy to go and pick them up!
My coworker was very happy for me to pick them up. On the ride in she told me how much she needed the money and told me if there was anything that I needed to be sure to let her know.
I overheard a few of my coworkers talking about if they only had someone to go and pick them up. I didn't have anything going on so I told them that I would be more then happy to go and pick them up!
My coworker was very happy for me to pick them up. On the ride in she told me how much she needed the money and told me if there was anything that I needed to be sure to let her know.
The beginning of the end.
It is the start of our last week. I have been racking my brain the last two days trying to find the perfect way to end my quest.
When we first started this I wasn't too sure how it would go but I have to admit that so far I have truly enjoyed my experience.
I think that this week I am just going to take things as they come and see what falls into my lap. I am hoping that I am going to have a light bulb momemnt of how to end things with a bang!
So far I have nothing so let's hope for a creative night for me!
When we first started this I wasn't too sure how it would go but I have to admit that so far I have truly enjoyed my experience.
I think that this week I am just going to take things as they come and see what falls into my lap. I am hoping that I am going to have a light bulb momemnt of how to end things with a bang!
So far I have nothing so let's hope for a creative night for me!
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