#8- Summary of Research

I have learned a lot throughout my research in volunteerism. It was amazing to read stories of people who dedicate their time to help those in need, and undergo self transformation in the process. Volunteering can truly change your life, and that's research you cannot find by looking on the internet, but by going out and doing it yourself. It is not just targeted to students in high school who need to complete a certain set of hours, it is meant for everyone. You truly are never too old or too young to help those in need. Volunteering can teach you basic skills of interacting with others, learning, loving and putting those in need first. If its working with special needs kids, tutoring children, volunteering at soup kitchens and even visiting nursing homes, you're doing something for another person. You understand that many people in the world today are struggling more than us and you want to help them more. The story about Rita really impacted the way I felt about volunteering because not only was she shaken by the 9/11 incident but so was everyone else. But what makes Rita different from everyone else is that she decided to make a difference in other peoples lives. That is exactly what we need to be able to to, step out of our comfort zone and go experience new things. I know from my own personal experiences that volunteering always sends me home with a smile on my face. My heart feels warmer and filled with joy, as if God is looking down on me and telling me that I did a good job. I love helping others and volunteering in anyway that I can. So get out there, experience life in a way you've never seen it before!

#7- Students encouraging volunteerism

In most high schools today volunteering has played a big role in becoming the person you are today. I for one enjoy volunteering greatly. I believe that it is a great way to do something good for your community and to also meet other people. It can open up your eyes to such amazing things that you thought were never even possible. Schools have made it their duty to inform students that performing hours of volunteerism is now mandatory. President Obama has officially designated September 11 as National Day of Service Remembrance. We remember all those lives that were lost, volunteering their time to help out those in need. Shouldn't we return the favor?
         In Fair Lawn, NJ students are encouraging their fellow peers to take part in volunteering. Places such as soup kitchens, nursing homes, collecting food to food banks and helping struggling students. Whatever it may be, take part in it. Do something that you know will make you feel better and also those around you. Students everywhere are beginning to see the upside of volunteering. It is a feeling of sensation and wonder when you know that you have done something that great. You shouldn't have to be forced into volunteering, you should do it willingly. All schools should greatly encourage all of their students to volunteer in their communities. Because once you start, you don't want to stop. So get out there and change the world, one helping hand at a time!

Article #1: http://www.northjersey.com/community/events/63024792.html

#6- Can volunteering turn your life around?

It has been said once before "Volunteering can change your life, in an extraordinary way". Now do we believe that this could be true? I for one most definitely believe so. It opens you up to so many dimensions in your life that you never thought were even there. It can change you for the better. Rita Weiner, a fellow New Jerseyian decided that after what happened in 9/11 she wanted to see what she could do in order to help out those that were suffering. She felt hatred towards the bombers, just like everyone else. Except she stood out from the rest of us. Instead of weeping about it, she decided that she was going to make a difference in someone else's life that needed her help.

         Her father gave Rita the idea of volunteering with the Salvation Army, and so she did. The people volunteering in the Salvation Army are one of the kindest groups of volunteers out there. They truly make a difference in peoples lives. Walter Stefanacci, Rita's father told her that when he was with the infantry during World War II, the Salvation Army delivered them blankets to keep them warm. They also told them that everything was going to be ok now, giving the soldiers a sense of hope to continue through. Till this very day, he still remembers the kindness that they had showed him. She quickly signed up and was then stationed in the Salvation Army headquarters in Union. The Army needed volunteers in New York on 30th Street at a medical examiners office, known as "the other Ground Zero". Immediately she offered her assistance to them every Thursday. Now keep in mind that this was only supposed to be a few hours each time. But Rita would work 12 hour shifts. She would go there at 12 in the afternoon and leave at 12 midnight. The joy it brought her to be able to sit down, feed and comfort these people was an experience that she would never forget.

          Rita enjoyed working there very much, she made a friend who was also working with her. Together they cooked for people, cleaned, served their meals and also gave them occasional hugs when needed. It gave Rita a better outlook on life, she had healed since the tragedy. The ambulance would bring people to them that had bodies so dismembered it was horrific to look at. The firemen would also sit down and take a break with the volunteers. They would feed them lunch and children from school sent letters for the firemen to read. Each time they read a letter tears came streaming down their faces. Rita says that looking back at it 10 years ago, she feels truly honored and blessed to have been able to be a part of such an amazing journey. Volunteering for the Salvation Army turned her whole life around for the better. 

Article #1- http://www.northjersey.com/community/129433333_Volunteering_was_the_path_to_healing_for_Rita_Weiner.html?page=all