December 5 is International Volunteer Day. It is the day that volunteers are acknowledged, and volunteerism is promoted from a local to an international level.
The Leo Club is sponsored by the Lions Club and volunteers at their events but also in the community. Its main purpose is to give back to and improve the community.
Alessandra Lopez Torres, the president of the Leo Club, speaks about what she learned from volunteering.
“As the president, I’ve gained leadership skills and communication skills, and then I’ve also learned, I guess, to be grateful for the things I have even if they seem small. They might be something that someone else doesn’t have.”
Valeria Arroyo, a member of the Leo Club since her junior year, has already done 11 hours of volunteer work.
She explains why she joined the Leo Club. “I wanted to get my hours of community service and also outreach, meet new people and grow connections with them, and also grow my communication skills.”
The United Nations General Assembly mandated International Volunteer Day in 1985 as an international observance. It is a way for the United Nations to give thanks for the hard work that volunteers do and for their selflessness.
Volunteering can also come with benefits, such as making new friends, which strengthens social and relationship skills. Also, volunteering can help connect and improve communities.
Not only do non-profit organizations and charities rely on volunteers, but providing free voluntary work can allow these organizations and charities to further assist people in need.
