The power of local volunteerism

If you are new to the area or simply wish to expand your friendship circle, volunteering with any of Wimberley’s organizations is a great place to start.

Being around other like-minded people that give their time to causes that you believe in or feel a yearning to support can be rewarding. You can develop meaningful friendships whilst finding out what’s going on in your neighborhood, being active and helping your community.

When I first moved to Wimberley, I was paired up with a person that I had never met on a roadside cleanup. Setting aside the differences in our age and background, we became friends to this day based on this one thing that we share… being proud of the place we live in. They had lived here for decades. I was the outsider trying to settle into a new community. They made me feel welcome and encouraged me to participate in other events and meet new people.

Being a volunteer can mean more than just that “warm glow” feeling. Research has shown that some of the benefits to volunteering include less depression or anxiety, and an increase in confidence, self-esteem and a general overall sense of wellbeing.

Consider what you value in our community and what you may wish to support. Do you love books and learning? The library is a great place to offer support. The Thrift Store is always looking for help, and you can volunteer hours there that then translate into monetary donations to several local nonprofits.

A list of some of the non-profits in the Wimberley area can be found at cityofwimberley. com/395/non-profit- organizations.