According to a recent report (Volunteering in America 2010) by the Corporation for National and Community Services, Asheville ranks 12th in the nation in volunteerism. Based on my experience living in the area, I’m frankly surprised that it’s that low. It seems like most of the people I know volunteer in some way. There are many ways to volunteer these days, from United Way projects to church and community organizations. No matter what your interests or views, there is bound to be some way you can help out.
From the Asheville Citizen-Times:
The report ranked Asheville 12th among 75 midsized cities based on figures compiled from 2007-09. Some 129,000 people volunteered in various ways, helping educate the populace, keep the place clean and its citizens safe and improve the community in countless ways.
More than 140 organizations offer volunteer opportunities at the United Way’s Hands On project. In these stressful economic times, there’s certainly no shortage of need for volunteers. Indeed, the services provided by volunteers are more essential than ever in a time when donations are down for many nonprofits. Trisha Lester, vice president at the N.C. Center for Nonprofits, says calls for help are
