Giving Back to Our Communities

“The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.” –Helen Keller

During the holiday season, the impacts of charity and giving back are highlighted more than any other time of the year. This heightened focus underscores how important the acts of volunteerism and kindness are to humanity.

Throughout the year, individuals and companies donate time and resources to making the world a better place. As a whole, ModSquad recently wrapped up our participation in Extra Life 2018, raising more than $16,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Individually, many of us show our dedication to charity throughout the year, sharing our time and resources giving back to our local communities through volunteering.

In this season of gratitude, we’re shining the spotlight on a few heartwarming stories of volunteerism that illustrate what it means to give selflessly to others.

Aunya R. — North Carolina
I volunteer 5-10 hours a month at a local animal rescue shelter. One of the proudest moments for me is when one of the animals I’ve cared for is finally adopted.

Volunteerism is important. I believe giving back is one way of honoring people. If everyone gave a little, we’d all have a lot.

Jemimah S. — Georgia
I do a lot of volunteer work sporadically throughout the month, but dedicate a mandatory 4-6 hours a month to mentoring young girls.

Many of the young ladies I work with have experienced some sort of trauma in their lives, making it hard for them to trust people. The proudest moments for me are when they start to open up and understand that I have their best interest at heart. I want nothing more than to see each of them blossom into amazing young women.

Service to others is so important. So many people are hurting and in need, and we can’t fix everything solely through volunteer work. But if we can make a difference in the life of one person, the results can last a lifetime.

Martin H. — Carndonagh, County Donegal, Ireland
I volunteer with kids as a Cub Scout leader. One of the best parts of volunteering with kids is taking them to do something they wouldn’t normally do, or something that’s out of the norm.

I spend six hours a month with the Scouts. I think volunteerism is important, as some kids don’t have the opportunity to do everything they would like to due to finances or availability. It’s important to have alternatives.

Jenny Y. — Maryland
Some of the most rewarding work of my life was spent working in the peace-building sector in Northern Ireland. I spent seven years there learning about storytelling and relationship building.

I’ll be heading to India in a few weeks to volunteer facilitating activities and discussions on conflict resolution. Giving time and energy to the things I believe in sustains me.

If we all do a bit more of the things we love, especially if that means making a positive impact in the lives of others, we can change the world.

Aliza R. — Maryland
I volunteer at the Maryland SPCA, walking dogs, spending time with them, and showing them to potential adopters. I especially love advocating for dogs that might be overlooked. One of my proudest moments has been taking Maggie, a very sweet, high-energy dog on a “Dogs Day Out” trip to a local park. Maggie was able to sniff, explore, run, and play. She was in the shelter for a couple months and finally found her forever home very recently. I’m so glad I was able to help enrich her life at the shelter.

I volunteer with animals because I want to do what I can to help them find homes, especially pit bull breeds; they are amazing dogs and are very common in my area, but unfortunately they suffer the false stigma of being a “dangerous” breed.

Sarah H. — North Carolina
I volunteer with a girls’ softball league, helping to coach teams, working in the concession stand, keeping score and assisting in coaching teams.

During the season I spend 40-60 hours a month (and 20-40 hours a month during the off-season) volunteering. I adore working with the girls, and I’ve come to love them as though they were family. It’ll be hard when we move away (we’re a military family – my husband and kids pictured here) and have to leave all of them.

Nizar M. — Kazakhstan
I enjoy donating my time and money to help feed the homeless and provide assistance to families in need. One of my proudest moments involved providing food for two elderly gentlemen. Volunteerism is important; I feel that it proves you’re a human being.