Volunteers: Discovering the benefit of helping others

A survey conducted for Northwestern Mutual Life by Louis Harris and Associates, Inc., found that 90 percent of 2,001 college freshman feel helping others is more important than helping themselves.

"This is an excellent time for them (students) to check out career choices without too big of a commitment and get some excellent experience," said Dan Gregory, director of volunteer services at Casa de Los Niños, 1101 N. Fourth Ave.

Carri DeRose, a marketing sophomore and director of special events for Project Volunteer, said volunteering is beneficial to the community and for building a résumé.

"It's a great way to show you're able to work with a team and that you're willing to help and work with others - that you're expanding your horizons," DeRose said.

Many UA students are getting involved in their communities, said Ellen Hargis, president and CEO of the Volunteer Center of Tucson, 6840 E. Broadway Blvd.

She said a recent Gallop poll found that 38 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds volunteer.

"Students can learn skills that will relate to their careers and put into practice what they're learning in the classroom," Hargis said. "They will develop a work history that will go on a résumé and enhance their employability."

Employers look for prospective employees who show a commitment to their community, learn new skills and can meet new people, she said.

"There's definitely been more interest nationally and locally for students to get involved and make a difference," Hargis said.

Project Volunteer's mission states that it wants to help students "make a life long commitment to the global community."

"Volunteering makes you feel wonderful, and you receive the benefits of what you do for other people," said Nora Fritz, director of public relations and special events for the Volunteer Center of Tucson.

Fritz said students interested in volunteering can fill out an application with center. The application is then put into a computer that links students' interests with volunteer opportunities.

"There are a lot of different people who deserve to be helped or help someone else," DeRose said.

Hargis said many "young people (are) helping other young people get involved."

She said it is important for people to work together to solve community and national problems.

"First and foremost, the only way we'll solve the problems that face this country is if the people get involved," Hargis said. "You can throw all the money in the world at serious social problems but it won't solve the problems.

"It has to be money, government and citizens all working together," she added. "If we don't get involved nothing will be solved."