Whether it’s offering a warm hello, guiding someone through a new experience, or simply being there for someone who needs support, giving back to others has lasting benefits for the person receiving help and for the one offering it. We sat down with Sara Vogelpohl, Volunteer Coordinator, and Jessica Marfeo, RN, MHA, Director of Specialty Services at South County Health, to talk about the connection between community, purpose, and well-being – and why volunteering in any form can have a profound impact on your health.
What inspired you to work with volunteers?
Sara Vogelpohl: I’ve always been moved by the quiet power of service. Volunteers show up with no expectation of anything in return, and yet they often gain so much – friendship, purpose, joy. Whether you’re helping at a hospital, reading to children at a library, stocking a food pantry, or mentoring a student, that spirit of generosity creates a ripple effect that lifts everyone involved.
How does volunteering benefit the broader community and the person doing it?
Vogelpohl: Volunteering is one of the most accessible ways to strengthen community. It fosters connection, empathy, and understanding. If you’re showing up in your own way – donating your skills, helping a neighbor, or even calling a friend who’s lonely – you’re contributing to the health of your community. And the personal benefits are real, too. People who give back often report lower levels of stress, greater life satisfaction, and stronger social bonds. When you feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself, it nourishes your mental and emotional health.
What are some ways people can help if they’re not ready for in-person volunteering?
Vogelpohl: Volunteering doesn’t have to look a certain way. Maybe you write cards to seniors, donate gently used clothes, help someone with their resume, or advocate for a cause online. Even small acts of kindness – like making someone laugh or helping carry groceries – have a positive impact on others and on your own outlook. If you like animals, look into local shelters. If you’re good with numbers, maybe a nonprofit needs help with taxes. Giving back doesn’t have to be a big production. It just has to come from the heart.
How does giving back affect your health?
Jessica Marfeo: A growing body of research shows that people who volunteer can experience lower blood pressure, improved mobility in older folks, and reduced risk of depression. But beyond the data, what we see every day is that people who feel connected and useful tend to thrive.
Why is this message especially important right now?
Marfeo: We’re living in a time when many people feel isolated or disconnected. Volunteering is a way to push back against that, to reengage, to rebuild trust, and to be reminded of the good in people. At South County Health, we see every day how small gestures add up. Whether it’s our volunteers at the front desk or someone knitting hats for newborns from home, these moments of care add up to something really powerful. And remember: taking care of others is a form of taking care of yourself. It creates meaning, builds resilience, and reminds us that we’re all part of something larger. And that’s good for everyone’s health.
Inspired to make a difference?
South County Health offers opportunities for volunteers at all locations, and encourages community members to find a cause that speaks to you, anywhere in your community. Helping others helps us all.
Learn more at SouthCountyHealth.org
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