Lately I’ve been noticing advertisements about investments and retirement saving. The language of money and investing surrounds us in ads on television and radio, in newspapers and magazines, and online, too. We regularly use the language of investment in our day-to-day lives when we talk about both time and money.
We invest our time in our jobs, families, and friends. Hopefully we are able to save and invest some earnings for the future. And maybe we have some time left over to invest in a hobby, exercise or other personal improvement.
Have you stopped to consider that volunteer involvement demonstrates that both individuals and the community are invested in an organization and its mission?
If you step back and look at the broad picture of volunteer involvement in our area, you can start to get a sense of the depth and breadth of community involvement and investment of time and resources that is dedicated to serving others.
Community engagement, including volunteering, is a kind of community ownership that moves our community forward and benefits us all. By investing our time and efforts together in service, we make a stronger community. I invite you to find ways to invest in our community through volunteering.
Here are some current volunteer opportunities to help get you started.
Volunteer riders for PA Hope Ride Against Cancer
Volunteer riders are needed for the American Cancer Society’s PA Hope Ride Against Cancer, which is presented by Donegal Insurance Group. The ride will take place on Sunday, May 19, in Marietta, and there is still time to register.
Volunteer participants are challenged to raise funds through donors and to share the reason why they are riding.
The PA Hope Ride is an annual fundraising event focused on supporting the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodges and programs for cancer patients. Hope Lodges provide a home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers when they must travel for cancer treatment. Funds raised will be split between the nearest Hope Lodge, which is outside Philadelphia, and support for American Cancer Society programs.
There are different routes available depending on experience level, with route options ranging from a family-friendly route covering 7 1/2 miles to an experienced-rider route of 100 miles. For more information and to register, please visit tinyurl.com/PAHopeRideVols.
Shelving volunteers at Lancaster Public Library Mountville Branch
With its vast collection of books, DVDs and audio books, the Mountville Branch needs detail-oriented volunteers to assist in restocking new and returned materials. Attention to detail is a must, and a regular weekly commitment is appreciated. Volunteers are needed on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Light lifting and bending is required. For more information and to volunteer, please visit tinyurl.com/MountvilleLibrary.
ERIN NEGLEY | Staff WriterGet connected to volunteer opportunities
Visit the United Way of Lancaster County’s Get Connected volunteer site at uwlanc.galaxydigital.com. At the site you’ll find a variety of volunteer opportunities from around the county, and you’ll be able to sign up to receive updates when new opportunities are posted.
Joel Janisewski is director of the volunteer center and community listening for United Way of Lancaster County.
![My daughter discovered 'Bluey;' Here's why I watch it, too [Unscripted column]](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/27/727d10b8-095c-11ef-a8b4-732297afc773/6634f9a5674a7.image.jpg?resize=1919%2C1080)
