Have you ever thought about volunteering but weren’t sure where to start?
You may have wanted to give back to your community but didn’t know how. Or perhaps life has been so busy that you keep telling yourself, “I’ll do it someday.”
Here’s the thing—someday is today.
Volunteering isn’t about making some huge, life-changing commitment. It’s about showing up, giving what you can, and making an impact in ways you never imagined. It’s about helping kids who need a mentor, supporting families who need resources, and becoming part of something bigger than yourself.
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona (BGCCAZ), we see firsthand how volunteers change lives—especially for the kids who walk through our doors daily. Whether helping with homework, coaching a sports team, or being someone a child can count on, your time makes a difference.
Still on the fence? Here are five real reasons to volunteer at a local non-profit like BGCCAZ, where your time and effort genuinely matter.
1. You’ll Make a Real Difference in a Child’s Life
Every time a volunteer walks through our doors, a child gains a mentor, a role model, and a reason to believe in themselves. The volunteer could help with homework, coach a sports team, or just listen when they need someone to talk to. Whatever it is, it matters.
Volunteers aren’t just filling time—they’re changing futures. Kids with positive role models are likelier to stay in school, build confidence, and dream bigger. If you need proof, check out How Volunteering at BGCCAZ Can Change a Child’s Life and see how something as simple as showing up can leave a lifelong impact.
2. You’ll Help Strengthen Your Community
We all want to live in stronger, more connected communities, but that doesn’t just happen alone. It happens when people step up, lend a hand, and commit to making a difference.
Volunteering is one of the most potent ways to bring people together. Whether working on a community event, supporting a fundraiser, or mentoring a teen, you’re part of something that creates positive change. The more people who get involved, the stronger our community becomes. Want to see how volunteering is shaping Arizona? Read How Volunteering Builds Stronger Communities in Arizona.
3. You’ll Gain Skills That Last a Lifetime
Is volunteering just about giving your time? Think again. It’s also about learning, growing, and building skills to help you in work, school, and life.
Maybe you’re mentoring kids and learning patience and leadership. You may be organizing events and gaining planning and teamwork experience. Or you’re helping with fundraising and learning how non-profits operate. No matter what you do, you walk away more vigorously, capable, and connected to the world.
Here’s a bonus: Employers love seeing volunteer work because it shows commitment, empathy, and the ability to work with a team. It’s a win-win!
4. You’ll Feel Good—Really Good
Something is amazing about knowing you’ve made a difference. It’s that feeling when a child lights up because you helped them with their homework or when a fundraiser hits its goal because you showed up to help. It’s powerful, it’s real, and it sticks with you.
Science even backs this up—studies show that volunteering reduces stress, boosts happiness, and improves overall well-being. So, while helping others, you’re also taking care of yourself. It’s a pretty great deal.
5. You’ll Meet Incredible People and Build Lasting Friendships
Volunteering isn’t just about the kids—it’s also about the amazing people you meet. Whether it’s fellow volunteers, BGCCAZ staff, or the families we serve, you’ll be surrounded by people who care, believe in giving back, and want to make a difference.
Some of the strongest friendships start when people come together for a cause. You never know who you’ll meet or how they might impact your life. One thing’s for sure: you’ll walk away with stories, connections, and a sense of belonging that lasts long after your volunteer shift ends.
How to Get Involved at BGCCAZ
So, you’re thinking about volunteering—what’s next? We’d love to have you! There are plenty of ways to get involved, and we make it easy for you to find something that fits your time and interests.
Ways to Volunteer at BGCCAZ:
- Mentor a student—Help with homework, be a role model, and support a child’s learning.
- Lead a program—Share your sports, arts, STEM, or leadership development skills.
- Support events—Help us plan fundraisers, community events, and special programs.
- Offer professional skills—Use your marketing, fundraising, or administration expertise to help us grow.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Volunteering isn’t just about giving your time—it’s about showing up for someone who needs you. It’s about helping a child feel seen, providing a family hope, and building a community where people take care of each other.
At BGCCAZ, we see the impact of volunteers every single day. We see it in the kid who finally understands their math homework because someone sits down and explains it. We see it in the teenagers who discover their love for art because a volunteer encourages them to keep creating. And we see it in the moments when a child’s face lights up—not because of anything fancy, but because someone chose to be there.
If you’ve been looking for a way to give back, connect with your community, and make a real difference, this is it. You don’t have to be perfect or have any special skills—you just have to care.
Want to help? Sign up to volunteer today and be that person who changes a child’s life.
