The contributions made by volunteers toward maintaining democracy and improving community life can't be adequately measured. Volunteers reach out with their individual talents, skills and interests to help organizations and communities meet needs, solve problems and assist others. People volunteer for a variety of reasons, but all are rewarded with the personal satisfaction of helping others. Some volunteer to feel accepted in a group, others for the respect and responsibility they gain, while others volunteer simply because they were asked. Achievement, even on a small scale, leads to a feeling of success and is a major factor in sustaining volunteer efforts.
People like to learn and advance in levels of responsibility.
An upcoming statewide event is looking for volunteers to work in shifts and make 50 coats for needy youth Oct. 10 during the State Fair in Jackson. All the coats will be donated to Matt's House, a women and children's shelter in Jackson. MSU's Extension Service is coordinating the activity through the Master Clothing Volunteers program. The sewing will be done in a booth in the Mississippi Trade Mart. Volunteers are asked to stop by and sew for a few minutes or donate their time doing other jobs related to the project.