Let’s Talk About What Matters – The Gift of Giving Back
Mid adult woman helps her senior mother at home. The older woman is sitting in a wheelchair.
By TANEESHA MARSHALL ID’DEEN | Manager of Volunteer Services, Samaritan
As we recognize National Volunteer Month this April, I’m reminded that volunteering has always been about giving back – but over the years, I’ve come to appreciate just how much it also gives to the volunteer.
As Manager of Volunteer Services for Samaritan, I have the privilege of witnessing, every day, the quiet but powerful ways volunteering strengthens individuals and the communities we are part of.
From a practical standpoint, volunteering supports both mental and physical well-being. People who volunteer report lower stress levels, improved mood, and even better overall health. One study from the University of Texas at Austin even found that volunteering could reduce the rate of cognitive aging by as much as 15-20%.
Staying active through service keeps both the body and mind engaged. Just as importantly, volunteering provides a sense of purpose. Knowing your time and presence matter can be deeply energizing emotionally, especially during seasons of life when routines change or feel uncertain.
Social connection is another meaningful benefit. Isolation and loneliness can be tremendously detrimental to one’s health – and volunteering is one way to form meaningful social connections that can help combat those feelings.
Many volunteers tell us they initially signed up to help others but stayed because of the relationships they formed along the way. Volunteering naturally brings people together across generations and backgrounds. These shared experiences foster empathy, build confidence, and create lasting friendships that extend well beyond any single volunteer shift.
And yes, when we volunteer and give of ourselves, we have the chance to improve the lives of others – but just as importantly, we are acting to improve ourselves, to transform ourselves into better people. Just think of how amazing our world could be if we all strived to be better in that way.
If you are someone who volunteers, I thank you. If you are someone who is considering donating your time and your skills as a volunteer, I thank you.
There are countless wonderful organizations in our region, like Samaritan, who rely on devoted volunteers to give their time and talents, and make a true difference. A few of the volunteer opportunities that are available at
Samaritan include:
* Providing companionship and a caring presence to patients and families
* Calling families and patients to provide bereavement support, a check-in, or just a friendly conversation to brighten their day
* Greeter, reception, and administrative support
* Music performer
* Our SamariTeens group for high school students
* Community engagement/outreach ambassador
* Veteran volunteer
* You can even help your pet become a volunteer too – via pet therapy!
There are opportunities for every age and skill level. If you are interested in volunteering with Samaritan, please email VolunteerCoordinators@SamaritanNJ.org.
This Volunteer Month, take that first step. Start small. Find a cause that speaks to you. The impact you make – for your neighbors, your community, and your own health and well-being – may be greater than you ever expected.
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