Volunteering surges during the holiday season but is beneficial year-round, experts say
Read Original Source
Volunteer Brent Cohen carries plates of food to guests during the annual Thanksgiving banquet at the Denver Rescue Mission on Nov. 22, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File) A volunteer waves to a student as she waits in line at Miles Intermediate Elementary School in Atlanta after receiving new shoes from Mercedes-Benz USA, as a part of their Season to Shine holiday program, on Dec. 7, 2022.
AI Summary
Main Idea: The article says volunteering often rises during the holiday season, but experts say it can improve well-being and community ties all year.
Key Points:
- Food banks, meal services, and other charities often get more volunteers between Thanksgiving and the end of the year.
- Experts say giving time can boost gratitude, purpose, and a “helper’s high” that makes people feel better.
- Volunteering can also help people feel more connected to their neighbors and communities.
- The article notes that holidays in many cultures, including Diwali and Ramadan, also encourage charity and gratitude.
Impact on the People
Negative Impact
No clear negative impact identified.
Positive Impact
More holiday volunteering can help food banks, shelters, and other charities meet higher demand and ease pressure on communities. Volunteering can also give workers and retirees a stronger sense of purpose and connection.
How did each entity affect people?
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
No entity suggestions or linked entities saved yet.
Candidate Entities12 candidates · 5 weighted vote min · 70% decision
- American Red Crossnonprofit / NGOContextCandidate
Volunteer organization described through Mia Thelen’s ongoing service work.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Amrisha VaishpersonContextCandidate
University of Virginia psychologist quoted on how cultural festivals encourage gratitude and charity.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Jenae NelsonpersonContextCandidate
Brigham Young University developmental psychologist quoted on the meaning and purpose people gain from volunteering.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Lara AkninpersonContextCandidate
Simon Fraser University social psychologist quoted on reconnecting with old friends during the holidays.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Michael TomasellopersonContextCandidate
Duke University psychologist quoted on the tension between selfishness and altruism.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Sarah SchnitkerpersonContextCandidate
Baylor University psychologist quoted to explain the link between gratitude and generosity.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Baylor Universityeducational / research institutionMinorCandidate
Academic institution affiliated with a quoted expert on gratitude and generosity.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold
Comments 0
Comments here are the same thread shown when this article appears in The Pulse.
No comments on this article yet.
Sign in to comment