How Do I... Get Involved in Community Service

Community Service is a very important to a large part of the community.

Did you know that the act of volunteering has been linked to overall happiness? In an article in Harvard’s HealthGuide, authors noted that volunteering is good for your physical and psychological health. According to research when we help others it makes us happy. The more we give the happier we feel, and our kindness becomes contagious and positively impacts others. According to a study published in Psychological Science, when we help someone we feel good and that leads to more altruisticacts. And, no surprise here, the volunteer's happiness pales in comparison to the joy of those on the receiving end of the generous service.

Aside from making people feel good, many organizations very survival depends on volunteers. Simply put, there are not enough paid workers to address the vast needs in our community. According to the National Council of Nonprofits, most charitable nonprofit organizations are run by board members and volunteers and don’t have any paid staff which means every volunteer is vital to their very existence.

Organizations around Wayland:

 

  • The Paramenter Foundation
    • "The Parmenter Foundation’s mission is to create, support, implement and promote programs and activities that enhance the health and well-being of the Metrowest communities; primarily focusing on advancing state-of-the-art care, planning and education related to managing serious illness, end of life, and bereavement for all ages. The Parmenter Foundation seeks to help Metrowest families better cope."
  • Traditions of Wayland
    • "Traditions of Wayland (managed by LCB) is located at 10 Green Way in Wayland, Massachusetts. Traditions offers a mix of 76 Independent, Assisted and Memory Care apartments in a variety of configurations, and is situated on a beautifully-renovated New England estate that is nestled among acres of conservation land."
  • Pearl Street Cupboard & Café at Park
    • "At Pearl Street Cupboard & Café at Park our mission is to give support to individuals and families who find themselves experiencing economic and personal challenges by providing food assistance and programs that promote self-sufficiency. There is no charge for our services."
  • Spread the Bread
    • "What's your favorite bread? Would you consider baking that bread, wrapping it in a note of hope, inspiration or gratitude and offering it as a gift to honor a local hero or help someone in need of a smile?  If you say "yes" then you are now officially a "bread-giver" and part of our bread spreading community."
  • Natick Service Council
    • "Natick Service Council serves over 700 households in Natick, and has a growing need for volunteers to help us meet the needs of our community. Volunteer opportunities include sorting food, stocking shelves, helping clients shop for groceries in our Heart  Healthy Food Pantry, greeting clients, helping clients shop in Harriett’s Closet, and driving to pick up donations. Other volunteer activities include weekly stocking, mentoring in the Brack Career Center, assisting with special events or serving on a committee. All the time and talents offered are put to good use to help us achieve our mission of “Neighbors helping Neighbors.”"

 

  • Buddy Dog
    • "To have, care for, and facilitate the placement of stray, homeless, and unwanted dogs and cats as pets in suitable homes: to establish procedures and facilities which promote the health, care and placement of stray dogs and cats, and which prevent cruelty, and alleviate pain and suffering and, in addition, to teach and promote the education of the citizens of Massachusetts in conjunction with the care of dogs and of other pets. Euthanasia is never practiced unless it is considered more humane to do so."
  • MetroWest Humane Society
    • "An advocate for animal welfare, MWHS focuses on the well-being of cats in the Metrowest Boston area, including finding loving homes or providing life-long care while educating the community and reducing the feral/stray cat population. MWHS is a volunteer-led, non-profit, no-kill shelter dependent on charitable donations."