Extending a helping hand to others

Contributions, of both time and money, are a key part of the fabric of our society. Our quality of life is often determined by just how much we give.

Many organizations wouldn't exist without our generosity -- United Way, the Humane Society, the Salvation Army, the Red Cross -- the list is endless.

Locally, in each community, there are dozens more that rely on our benevolence. Schools to churches to various civic and non-profit organizations need our support.

Volunteers make up many of our boards, from the chamber to the hospital to the library.

Take away those commitments and our everyday life just wouldn't be the same. Many of the services and opportunities we enjoy wouldn't exist.

Today, our giving is more important than ever with poverty and low wages common.

Many local organizations struggle with growing demand and tight budgets.

Contributions of time and money are down nationwide. Only 30 percent of the country's population says they volunteer regularly.

Many of our service clubs have seen membership dwindle. There are fewer of us stepping forward. Generations that have been brought up with a strong sense of community and commitment are growing older and often, aren't being replaced by as many newer members.

Time constraints by those who are the most active are increasing. Fewer are doing more of the work and more of the contributing.

For each of us to continue to enjoy the many benefits that our community, our region and our state have to offer, it is imperative we give something back.

Give what you can to a cause that you believe in -- whether it's the local youth collecting pop cans as a fund-raiser or to your local church seeking to add to a food pantry for the needy.

If you can't donate financially, volunteer your time, whether it's serving on a local board to cleaning up your town.

Encourage your children to volunteer. Studies show there is a direct connection between youth volunteer experience and a lifetime commitment to volunteer activity.

We all benefit when we extend a helping hand.