Five Ways Volunteering Can Make You Happier

Doing good can make you feel good. Experts say volunteering improves mental health by reducing stress, lowering anxiety, increasing feelings of purpose, accomplishment, and happiness.

Whether it’s this weekend — as part of Monday’s official day of service celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy — or throughout 2025, find meaningful volunteering opportunities through your local United Way. ?

In Jacksonville, Florida, United Way of Northeast Florida is mobilizing some 500+ community volunteers this weekend to help underserved neighborhoods. That includes traditional service projects — like home repairs, community park and garden enhancements, and neighborhood building improvements, creating snack packs and senior care packs, food and diaper drive collections — and connecting people with United Way’s RealSense financial well-being initiative for free tax preparation.

You can use your professional skills to help people fill out their tax returns once tax season starts in late January. More than 300 United Ways across the U.S. offer free online tax prep through our My Free Taxes program, and in-person support at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) centers. ?In Iowa, for example, United Way Quad Cities has mobilized volunteers to help low-income families get almost $18 million back in their pockets since 2020, through VITA and AARP Tax-Aide.

Research shows that volunteering reduces feelings of isolation, loneliness and risk of depression. ?Whether it’s a community event, ongoing support or in-person activities like mentoring or tutoring, making a difference for others feels good. ?

Check out your local United Way’s website now to see how you can do good – and feel good – in 2025. ?

Writer: Rachel Perry

https://www.unitedway.org/news/five-ways-volunteering-can-make-you-happier