How To Volunteer
April 20, 2023
Volunteers are key for many nonprofits. These groups need help to reach their goals.
We are one of the largest corporate givers in the state. Our employees give generously all year. Hundreds of them volunteer at local groups across the state. In 2022, our employees volunteered 19,712 hours.
Michala Ciambotti, a public relations specialist in community relations at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, started volunteering in high school. She grew up watching her parents do it.
“My dad repeats this mantra to our family: ‘Be good to people.’ It’s a simple phrase but a great reminder to always spread kindness. It inspires me every day to do all I can to help others,” she says.
At BlueCross, Ciambotti sets up volunteer events for employees, including the company’s annual Day of Service.
She shares ways you can get involved and give back to your neighbors
What advice do you have for someone who wants to volunteer in his or her community?
Get out there and do it! It can be overwhelming to start. But it’s as simple as signing up. It doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment. Even an hour of your time can make an impact.
What are some things to consider when getting started as a volunteer?
Think about the causes and issues you care about. There is always a place to help, whether you care about education, health care or hunger relief.
Consider the skills and experiences that you offer. For example, if you have skills in design, business, social media, technology or web development, these are all areas where you can help a nonprofit.
Is volunteering always an in-person activity? Are there different types of work people can do in their communities?
There are great ways to volunteer online and remotely. A friend of mine recently volunteered with Lasagna Love. She baked a lasagna at home and then dropped it off to a local family in need.
You can also help online with groups like Missing Maps and Be My Eyes, or you can reach out to local nonprofits to see if they need online support.
It doesn’t have to be a formal volunteer opportunity. Volunteering is all about helping others and spreading good in the community. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was amazed at all the creative ways people stepped up to help others. They did things like delivering groceries to older neighbors, sewing face masks for friends and buying gift cards to local restaurants. We can keep this same spirit of giving long after the pandemic.
Where should people start?
I would start with your local United Way. United Way of the Midlands has a wonderful online volunteer center. It posts opportunities regularly, and its staff can help you find the right fit for you.
What should people not do when they volunteer?
Don’t be a no-show! Always show up if you sign up to help as a volunteer. When you commit to help, nonprofit groups are counting on you to follow through. Of course, things come up, but always let them know in advance if you can’t make it.
Why are volunteers important?
When you donate your time, you are helping nonprofit groups carry out their missions. Many nonprofits have a small staff. They rely on volunteers for daily operations and special events. Helping makes us feel more connected to our neighbors and to the areas where we live. We can all be more successful when we work together.
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