Spring 2019 Newsletter

Cornerstone Group © 2019 Five Very Good Reasons to Volunteer Think, Shop and Buy Local! Think: • Your local businesses give back more to the community than big-box stores or chains. • More of your dollars stay in the community. • More jobs stay in the community as small businesses are the largest employers nationally. Shop: • You can discover locally made, unique items. • The business owner and/or employ- ees may be your neighbors. • You save time and transportation costs and lessen your environmental impact. Buy: • For every $1 spent at local busi- nesses, 45¢ is reinvested locally. Non-local purchases keep, at most, 15¢ in your local community. • Local businesses value, respect, and appreciate your patronage. • More tax dollars go to schools and roads in your community. Join the local movement! Take the pledge to show your support: “I pledge to THINK first of my local economy, SHOP first at my local businesses, and BUY first from local companies who give back so much, in so many ways, to my community.” All West Communications celebrated Random Acts of Kindness Week in February with a customer challenge to share on Facebook and Instagram what good you were doing in the community. This month we challenge you to seek out a volunteer opportunity. The work done by volunteers allows organizations to pro- vide crucial services to vulnerable populations—including children, youth, and the elderly—at little or no cost. There is even evidence that a strong service culture can improve public health. States with higher volunteer rates have lower rates of heart disease and mortality, according to data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Centers for Disease Control. Your neighbors aren’t the only ones who benefit when you improve bike trails or raise funds for cancer research. As a volunteer, you may enjoy: 1. Better Health As a group, volunteers reported better physical and emotional health than non-volunteers in a 2017 UnitedHealthcare and VolunteerMatch survey—75 percent felt physically healthier by volunteering, 93 percent reported an improved mood and 79 percent reporting lower stress levels. 2. Greater Life Satisfaction Volunteering is a great way to feel connected and recognized within your community. It’s also a positive strategy for coping with difficulties such as grief, loneliness or job loss. Older volunteers report less depression and a more positive outlook. 3. A Strong Résumé Looking to further your career or explore a new one? Community service can help you gain new skills and experience. Volunteering can also help keep you marketable while you’re unemployed or taking a break from the workforce. 4. Networking Opportunities Whether you’re looking to grow your business, find a new job or simply meet people, volunteering can introduce you to a whole new circle of friends and associates. 5. Quality Time Volunteering with loved ones strengthens family bonds and shows children and teens the value of giving back. Ready to make a difference in your community? To get started, visit www.volunteermatch.org to search for volunteer opportunities.