Good deeds fall victim to bad times

The sour economy is making it hard for non-profit groups to find volunteers as need grows and budget cuts force them to rely more on unpaid help.

Some prospective volunteers are busy job hunting, working second jobs or returning to work after a spouse's layoff. Others don't want volunteer work that requires driving because of high gas prices.

"The economy is having a huge impact on people having the time and wherewithal to volunteer," says Jennifer Smith Turner, CEO of Girl Scouts of Connecticut, which has a waiting list of a few hundred girls because of a shortage of volunteer troop leaders.

In Monroe County, Pa., 10 people won't get food from Meals on Wheels until 16 volunteer drivers are found, Executive Director Mimi Mikels says. "It's only going to get worse as gas prices increase," she says. "If you're unemployed, it's money you don't have."

In 2009, 63.4 million Americans volunteered, up about 1.6 million from 2008, says the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Patrick Corvington, CEO of the federal agency, says volunteering can help people feel more positive about themselves and learn new skills. "They can make a difference in people's lives; they can make a difference in their communities," he says.

To read the entire article click on this link:  www.usatoday.com/yourlife/mind-soul/doing-good/2011-01-06-1Avolunteer06_ST_N.htm

FOH has many volunteer shifts available serving meals in our dining room.  It only takes an hour to make a difference.  Please follow this link for more information:  www.fohspringfield.org/category/5952/volunteer-opportunities.htm