April is National Volunteer Month

Spring is officially here! The weather is warmer, the school year is winding down, and summer is right around the corner. Did you know that April is also National Volunteer Month? At Marine Bank, we are committed and excited about volunteering all year through donations of our time, talent, and resources. Here are a few of the reasons we volunteer:

1. This is our community, too.

We live in the same communities that we also work in. We recognize that it is everyone’s responsibility to contribute to the bettering of our communities and that no amount of volunteering is too small.

2. Volunteering is fun!

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and learn new skills. When you find a cause that you are passionate about, the act of volunteering doesn’t really seem like “work”.

3. Volunteering is good for you.

Volunteering is not only good for the community, but it’s also good for the volunteer. For example, cooking a meal for a local homeless shelter and providing someone with the only hot meal they might have that day has a way of making the minute details of our own busy lives seem so insignificant when compared with the challenges that others in our community face on a daily basis. Studies show that there are a number of mental and physical health benefits related to volunteering. According to the Harvard Health Publication of Harvard Medical School some of these benefits include warding off depression, lower blood pressure, and a longer lifespan

Interested in volunteering but not sure where to start? Visit United Way of Central Illinois’ website, it is constantly being updated with opportunities to volunteer with local organizations. No amount of time or money is insignificant!