Musings: Volunteers do so much good
A volunteer with Long Island Cares helps a woman at the group's Freeport food pantry on Wednesday. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca
National Volunteer Week began on Sunday. Volunteers expand the impact of nonprofit organizations across Long Island. We touch the lives of the most vulnerable and maintain a safety net for those unable to care for themselves, particularly those who are food or housing insecure.
Volunteers contribute to cultural arts, education, emergency services, environment and health. The economic impact is tremendous.
Volunteers contribute their time, which Independent Sector in partnership with the Do Good Institute says was valued at $38.48 per hour in New York State in 2024. They also regularly contribute to nonprofit fundraising, donate new and gently used goods they purchased, and use their own transportation for assignments.
The intrinsic value of volunteering is felt within. It brings out the best in ourselves. It is said that "volunteering isn’t just nice — it’s necessary."
Diana O’Neill, Garden City
The writer is executive director of the Long Island Volunteer Center.
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