By Judy Smith

At the Y, volunteering is part of our DNA as more than half a million people donate their time and talents at Ys across the country in a variety of capacities. Whether serving on the board of directors or tutoring (and everything in between), the Y relies on volunteers to make an impact in communities.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Jan. 21, the Coal Creek Family YMCA encourages residents of Issaquah, Renton, Newcastle and south Bellevue to honor Dr. King’s Legacy not only by giving back and supporting our neighbors, but also by reflecting on how each of us can further activate the passion for contributing to the community that lasts all year long.

But what does it mean to volunteer? Volunteering means more than giving your time to an organization or cause and then getting back to your life. It is about helping others, contributing to our communities and helping ourselves as well.

A recent Gallup poll showed that nine out of 10 people said they receive an emotional boost from doing kind things for other people. When activated, that kind of emotional boost from contributing to the community goes from something you do to a part of who you are.

Nonprofit organizations like the Y can help individuals find that emotional boost by providing rewarding experiences that benefit the community as a whole. In Issaquah, Renton, Newcastle and south Bellevue, volunteers at the Coal Creek Family YMCA were able to provide over 100 kids with Christmas presents this year… no children were turned away. There were at least 96 volunteers who donated their time in purchasing and wrapping gifts for families who were not able to afford them for their children. Without the help of these volunteers, parents would not have been able to enjoy the holidays. We were able to come together and provide them with a pleasant, stress-free holiday season.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is the perfect time to get into a volunteer routine, to help others and yourself. We are closed on this day of remembrance to allow others to give back.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Coal Creek Family YMCA, contact Vicky Hinds at vhinds@seattleymca.org.

Judy Smith is Branch Operations Executive for the Coal Creek Family YMCA.