Volunteering Facts

Interesting Youth Volunteer Facts:

Ø Major reasons cited by teens for volunteering: Youth feel compassion for people in need; they can do something for a cause in which they believe in. They believe that if they help others, others will help them. Last but not least they believe that they are rewarded with parties and food.
Ø Teens rank volunteering, the environment, and eating healthy, as top three activities they consider “cool”.
Ø 73% of young people think their efforts can have a positive impact on their communities.
Ø Youth who volunteer just one hour a week are 50% less likely to abuse alcohol, cigarettes or engage in destructive behavior.
Ø Those who volunteered as youth and whose parents volunteered became the most generous adults in giving time.


Interesting Facts of Volunteering:
Giving (households)
89 percent of households give.
The average annual contribution for contributors is $1,620.
Volunteering (individuals)
44 percent of adults volunteer.
83.9 million American adults volunteer, representing the equivalent of over 9 millionfull-time employees at a value of $239 billion.
The hourly value of volunteer time is $17.55


President George W. Bush

In his State of the Union address on Jan. 29, President Bush called upon every American to commit at least two years, or 4,000 hours, during a lifetime to volunteer service. His challenge, if met, would enable us to prepare for and respond to major emergencies, rebuild communities, ensure a better future for our children and extend the compassion of our country to the rest of the world.
The president's call to action comes at a time when millions of Americans are already working to improve the lives of those less fortunate through volunteer service. Here in Mayflower, it is no different. Thousands of men and women have already answered his call. But there are still countless volunteer opportunities available for anyone who cares -- opportunities to make a real difference.
We hope you will take up the president's challenge and invest your time and talents in this community. Please join your fellow Americans and put your caring into action. Become a volunteer.