A recent article published by Bloomberg news shared the discouraging statistics that volunteering rates across the US are at record lows after a steady downward trend since the 2010s. However, our volunteers at Karsh are bucking this trend! 

According to our most recent annual Data Report, the Karsh Center has experienced a consistent increase in our volunteer numbers since 2021.  From 2020-2021 we had 215 active volunteers and 91 new volunteers, and from 2022-2023 we had 474 active volunteers and 205 new volunteers. That’s quite a jump! Additionally, we went from 3,699 volunteer hours in 2020-2021 up to 5,970 hours in 2022-2023. The steady upswing in dedicated hours and new and active volunteers aligns with our goal to expand volunteerism as the community continues to recover from the pandemic. Recognition of our volunteer program has also grown as evidenced from the steady attendance at our monthly orientations and the number of individuals participating in the onboarding process.  

The Bloomberg article highlights the role of social connectedness in driving volunteerism, emphasizing that group activities are a significant factor in retaining and attracting volunteers. At Karsh, many of our volunteer opportunities are intuitively organized around this principle, such as ECC snack bags, TK/DK produce sorting, and WBTYCares. This approach not only ensures efficiency but also lays a strong foundation for fostering social connections within the volunteer community.  

When we asked about the motivations driving our volunteers at Karsh, their responses echoed the importance of social connectedness. “I like feeling connected to my community and getting outside my bubble,” remarked one volunteer, while another shared, “I volunteer because it makes me feel useful and involved.” Additionally, an overwhelming 86% of our volunteers expressed that their involvement at the Karsh Center has provided a sense of purpose during uncertain times, with 59% reporting a deepened connection to their community.

We are beyond grateful to our volunteers for their commitment to the Karsh Center. Their dedication not only defies national trends but also serves as a testament to the power of community engagement.