April is volunteer month and there's many great ways for people to lend help to the community. People are encouraged to find something they're passionate about and look into ways to blend that with giving back. We’re told if it's fun, it doesn't feel like an obligation.
Our city's popular yearly event, Hot August Nights, heavily relies on its volunteers to run a smooth operation. Organizers tell us each person that lends a hand is highly appreciated and they even say most are excited to come back the following year.
They tell us the volunteers are the heart and soul of the event and anyone eighteen and older is invited to join.
Corrinne Carmignani, who is a longtime volunteer and also Manager of the Entertainment Committee said, "There's numerous things that you can do, whether you're a little handicapped and you can't do many things that way, there's the numbers of sit down jobs that you people can do, as well as very active jobs, so it's it's wonderful, you know, and it's the need to try it."
Many non-profits in the area hold the same value for volunteers. The Food Bank of Northern Nevada tells us it knows the nice weather makes people want to be outside but just a few hours of your day makes a difference.
Jocelyn Lantrip the Director of Marketing for the Food Bank of Northern Nevada said, "This is a great time to come out and spend a couple of hours with us. If you spend two hours at the food bank sorting and packing food, it will help thousands of people. It really does go a long way."
After speaking to volunteers, it's clear that the feeling of helping is unmatched. They say that seeing others light up after being helped puts a smile on their face too and motivates them to keep volunteering.
Rene Biondo who is a regular volunteer at her church, and a first time volunteer for Hot August Nights told us, "Volunteering gives you a sense of accomplishment and a sense of belonging and a sense of helping people along the way when they, they might need a little extra boost up and a hand, you know it, and it makes you feel good."
