Volunteerism creates stronger communities, stronger workforce   

April is National Volunteer Month, a time dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the invaluable contributions of volunteers. This annual observance not only highlights the impact of service, but is also an opportunity to encourage more people to get involved and make a difference in their communities.

Whether volunteering individually or with a group, the benefits are self-evident: you are making a tangible difference where it’s needed most. But one often overlooked benefit to community volunteerism is the positive role it plays in strengthening and supporting the area workforce. 

Corporate volunteerism offers a meaningful way for employers to put their values into action while generating positive outcomes both internally and externally. From improved employee retention to valuable skills development and deeper community engagement, the benefits are wide-ranging. 

According to SHRM, research supports this impact. A 2023 global study conducted for investment company Ares Management by Edge Research, which surveyed 5,000 full-time workers, found that 79 percent of employees who participate in employer-sponsored volunteer programs report being satisfied with their jobs, compared to just 55 percent of those who did not. 

At Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland (FAKH), where I serve as executive director, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact volunteerism has on regional employers as we bring people together to fight food insecurity throughout our 42-county service region. FAKH provides hands-on opportunities for individuals and groups to help assemble food packages for our Feeding Kids and Senior Box Programs at our Volunteer Center in Elizabethtown. In fact, volunteers as young as 7 (with adult chaperones) can make a difference by helping pack Backpack Bags.

Week after week at our Volunteer Center, we welcome volunteer groups representing a wide range of area employers, many of whom schedule monthly service opportunities. Others participate less frequently, but together they reflect a strong cross-section of our regional economy: from local manufacturing facilities to financial institutions, along with churches, school groups and more. 

When observing employer-based volunteer groups, it is immediately apparent the benefits they gain as they work in lockstep for a shared cause. Members of these groups often gain valuable skills and professional growth opportunities, to include enhanced communication, teamwork and collaboration skills. Stepping out of their typical work environment, and often into entirely different roles, can unlock new perspectives and strengthen team dynamics in ways that carry back into the workplace. 

In addition, corporate volunteerism plays a meaningful role in enhancing employee engagement and workplace culture, strengthening bonds by honing effective collaboration, boosting morale and improving mental health and well-being by fostering a sense of belonging in the community. 

Organizations also benefit in tangible ways, from increased employee retention to a stronger, more positive public image. Ultimately, volunteering is a powerful tool for building a more connected, engaged workforce, making it a win-win for both the workplace and the community.

This National Volunteer Month, I strongly encourage area employers to engage their teams in community service. When teams unite behind a community cause they believe in, the results can be remarkable. 

If you are interested in volunteering at FAKH’s temperature-controlled Volunteer Center in Elizabethtown, opportunities are available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Groups as large as 40 can be accommodated. Schedule your visit by calling 270-769-6997, ext. 200. 

To learn more about Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland, visit feedingamericaky.org. 

Charles Dennis serves as Executive Director for Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland.