Volunteers Matter

Last year, we completed 107 projects, and 2,763 volunteers helped us do it.  

We believe in the transformative power of volunteering because we’ve seen it in action. Whether a team of 30 installs solar power in rural student homes or 200+ individuals refurbish a tired schoolroom, the good spirit of a volunteer venture always shines through. And volunteerism is at the heart of our organization (see what we did there?). 

When people volunteer, they get hands-on experience that builds empathy like few other charitable acts. This helps people come outside of their lived experiences in a way that calls upon their unique skills to achieve a goal.  

It’s not just a way of getting things done, either, and it’s not simply a way to uplift people (although it does accomplish both in spades). At its core, volunteering is an underappreciated method of improving quality of life on a large scale. It is a collective act of kindness that radiates goodwill, touching all those involved, and reminds us we are all in this adventure called life together! 

What else can make such a resounding claim?  

From Seeds of Service to Blooms of Belonging 

It’s been well-documented that volunteering is (to speak scientifically) good for the soul. That’s because, through the act of service, volunteers meet new people, try new things, and learn new skills. Social isolation, often linked to feelings of sadness and depression, is countered by the community connection created by volunteering.  

“I’m new to the Bay area in general, so I’ve been trying to find opportunities to get outside and volunteer a little bit more,” says Jasmine Ayoubi, a 2024 volunteer from AbbVie Pharmaceuticals.  

Jasmine, along with 25 other colleagues, many of whom she’d never met face to face, volunteered at a school event in Hayward, North California this June. Jasmine and three others were charged with clearing up the school garden space. Other groups set up a new STEAM lab, built furniture for the teachers’ lounge, and painted murals.  

“For me, doing things I haven’t necessarily done before is a real high point. So last time I volunteered, I used a power tool, which I haven’t done before, and then this time I was cutting down a tree. I feel like it’s challenging, but so rewarding.” 

Ambitious Goals, Real Results 

By July 2024, Heart of America volunteer events resulted in the successful renovation of 3 school libraries, 17 STEM labs, 6 community clubs and more besides. All events were 1-day volunteer affairs or less.  Of course this is after 2-3+ months of design new learning and community space4s, procuring the furniture, fixtures, equipment and technology and finally planning for the volunteer event day! 

Some of the largest community events in the world would be unsuccessful without volunteer efforts. The 2024 Paris Olympics is set to be supported by a whopping 45,000 volunteers!

We love to feel good, but there’s also work to get done. Fortunately, volunteer events often bring with them a dose of cheerful, can-do attitude. We’ve seen how a properly positioned volunteer force can move mountains—and smaller numbers don’t always mean less impact. 

Tasks that might be approached half-heartedly in other contexts take on a new energy as part of a volunteer event. Paid with coffee, donuts, and appreciation, we’re consistently inspired by volunteers who roll up their sleeves and accomplish the extraordinary in just a few hours. 

The secret’s out: Volunteerism is a win-win.

Impactful Corporate Partnerships 

For corporations, the aspiration to make a positive impact alongside business activities calls for a robust collaborative partner to realize those goals. 

We form alliances with companies committed to addressing modern educational disparities. Together, we transform learning environments—libraries, classrooms, playgrounds, and more—into safe, inspiring spaces where children can flourish. We’ve even partnered with leaders in solar energy to bring electricity to disadvantaged rural school districts and student families.  

Everything we do provides opportunities for the young people of America to learn, grow, and thrive on equal footing.  

We are privileged to have productive partnerships with organizations such as PNC Bank, PPG, the W/NBA, AbbVie Pharmaceuticals, Verizon, SOLV Energy and 3M and so many more, who share in this vision.  

Through collaboration with Heart of America, these companies empower their employees to engage in critical volunteer projects… and spread some joy along the way. 

 

So, have we persuaded you yet?  

We say this from experience—if you’re still on the fence about the power of volunteering, why not give it a shot?  

It’s a guaranteed way to do good and feel good, offering a golden opportunity to acquire new skills, forge friendships, and channel your energies into something meaningful. 

Join us in our mission to make the world a little brighter. Whether through your time, resources, or expertise, everyone has something valuable to contribute to building a fairer future.