The power of communities working together to achieve the unthinkable was evident this past month. The Golden Belt Community Foundation partnered with generous donors across our four-county service area to raise nearly $1 million during the Giving Tuesday campaign. Of those funds, nearly 75% were reinvested immediately into local communities, while the remaining dollars strengthened existing endowments to ensure lasting, long-term impact.

This remarkable collaboration of passion and generosity is a powerful example of what is possible when communities unite around a shared purpose. While financial gifts create opportunity, their impact can be amplified even further through another invaluable resource: volunteerism.

Did you know that volunteering offers tremendous personal health benefits in addition to supporting those in need? According to multiple sources, including the Mayo Clinic, volunteering provides at least three significant health benefits. Research shows that individuals who volunteer experience lower rates of depression and anxiety, largely due to the release of dopamine. By helping others, volunteers gain a sense of purpose, appreciation, and meaning, leading to improved mental well-being. These benefits may also reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, and general illness.

Beyond health benefits, volunteering fosters a sense of purpose and helps individuals develop valuable skills. Everyone possesses unique talents and passions that can be shared. Volunteering provides a meaningful outlet to use those strengths while boosting self-esteem and personal fulfillment. Serving alongside others also builds relationships, encourages the exchange of ideas, and creates opportunities to learn new skills you may never have considered. In many cases, volunteering opens doors to networking and new life opportunities.

During the winter months, shorter days and colder temperatures can contribute to feelings of isolation or seasonal sadness. One effective way to counteract these emotions is to engage in volunteer service. The rewards are far-reaching, not only strengthening our communities, but also enhancing your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Together, through generosity and service, we can continue building stronger, healthier communities, now and for generations to come.

Jason Murray is the executive director of the Golden Belt Community Foundation.