While they don't earn an hourly wage, volunteers are compensated in other ways. The rewards of volunteering include socialization, opportunities for learning and the satisfaction you get from helping someone out of the goodness of your heart.

One of the best things about volunteering is that it's an opportunity to do something you really enjoy. Look at your interests and hobbies and seek out a volunteer position that fits in with what you like to do. Do you like working with children? Find a literacy program that needs tutors. Love animals? Volunteer at a local shelter. Are you the athletic type? Become a volunteer coach. It's easy to make a commitment to volunteer if you're doing something you like to do.

If there's a particular cause that's close to your heart, you might find a volunteer opportunity there. There are many social service organizations that do wonderful things in the community and always need an extra hand. If you've gotten through a challenging time in your life, you can use your experience to help others facing similar situations.
Volunteering is also a good way to bulk up your resume with new skills and experience. Simply having volunteer experience is a plus when you interview for a job; it sets you apart from the crowd and says positive things about your character.

If you've lost a job, a situation that's all too common in today's economy, volunteering can help in several ways. It will fill your time with a meaningful activity and keep your outlook positive while you're searching for a new job. It can provide networking opportunities, or even employment opportunities within the organization you volunteer for.

The skills you gain as a volunteer will give you confidence and boost your resume, so you'll be ready to shine at an interview.

For students, the rewards of volunteering are just as valuable. It offers opportunities to learn about careers and to get a taste of what awaits in the world of work. For many students, volunteer hours are required for graduation. By choosing the right place to volunteer, students can turn a requirement into a good experience with benefits for years to come.

At East Jefferson General Hospital, seniors are an especially valuable volunteer resource. Many are retirees who weren't content to sit at home. They bring many years of experience to the hospital each day, along with their generous hearts. They are also valued because of the long-term commitments they make to the hospital. Many seniors have been active hospital volunteers for ten, fifteen or even twenty years.

EJGH is one of many places you can volunteer your time. The hospital's 500 plus volunteers are valued and appreciated as a vital part of daily operations. There are a variety of opportunities, from the information desk to the accounting office, where volunteers can do many different kinds of work. No matter what your interests or talents, there is a place for you as an EJGH volunteer. For more information, call Volunteer Services at 504-454-5548 or click here for an on-line application.

The Rewards of Volunteering
Volunteers don't earn a paycheck, but they get plenty in return for their efforts. Here are a few of the many benefits of being a volunteer.

Explore career options
Especially beneficial for students, volunteering in a field you are considering for a career is a good way to find out if it is the right field for you.

Learn new skills
Volunteer positions offer learning opportunities for people of all ages and interests.

Do something you enjoy
In most communities, you can find volunteer positions in areas that match your interests. For example, animal lovers can volunteer at a shelter, bookworms might enjoy helping at a library, etc.

Build your resume
Volunteering says good things about you when you apply for a paid position. You can document the new skills you learned during your volunteer experience and your supervisor can be a valuable reference.

Networking
You'll meet new people when you volunteer. You never know when those people might be able to help you in your career or personal life.

Socialization
Meeting new people is a great benefit of volunteering. And you'll already have at least one thing in common.

Satisfaction from helping others
It feels good to help someone in need. Volunteering is good for your self-esteem and can be a very rewarding experience.

Set a good example for your children or peers
If your kids or your friends follow your example, you can maximize your positive influence in the community.

Make your community a better place
When you donate your time to an organization that needs you, you're helping to make life better for yourself and your neighbors.