Community Service—It’s Not Altruism, It’s Science

Did you know that in May of 2023, the Journal of the American Medical Association released a study highlighting the mental health benefits of volunteer work? In short, children who volunteer have better overall health and wellness. For the skeptics and statistics people out there, here are the numbers.

Children who do volunteer work are: 

• 34% more likely to be in excellent or very good health
• 66% more likely to be considered “flourishing”
• 35% less likely to have behavioral problems
• Kids ages 12 and older who volunteered were also roughly 25% less likely to have anxiety than peers who didn’t

Volunteer work benefits your kids and is a skill that can help prepare them for the real world. They can also learn short and long-term problem-solving skills, how to work in a group, gain perspective on the privileges they enjoy, and how those privileges fit into the world around them. 

Volunteer work is about what we do to help others, but there’s nothing wrong with recognizing how we help ourselves in the process. In fact, it’s my personal opinion that this inward reflection is how we make volunteer work and acts of kindness a sustainable, long-term habit.

Put simply, if something feels good, people will continue to do it. If it also benefits others, it will feel even better. It’s a win-win. 

I don’t see myself as Community Service Chair, I see myself as Identifier of Win-Win Situations. Which makes me feel good. So, I’m thankful to the Post Oak leaders who have given me this opportunity to help myself and my kids feel good. 

Upcoming Opportunities

Speaking of opportunities to help yourselves and your kids feel good, we’re excited about a collaboration between two Post Oak parents whose passions and professions present a synergistic opportunity for our families to help those in need. Sara Loperena is the founder and Chief Book Nerd of The Book Cycle, a nonprofit that provides books for FREE to anyone in need. Dr. Dina Ahmad is a pediatrician who works with UT Physicians CARE Clinic, a nonprofit that provides, comprehensive medical and psychosocial services to child maltreatment victims and to children living in foster care. The CARE Clinic is hoping to help these families build their home library for their kids by giving each child a book after each visit. 

Please join us at The Book Cycle on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 2 to 5 p.m. (405 Velasco St, Houston, TX 77003) where our little Montessori army of volunteers will help sort through mountains of donated children’s books which will then be brought to the CARE Clinic where a child in need of medical or psychosocial services can take a book home after their visit. Lollipops after a doctor's visit are great, but books last longer. 

We’ll turn up the music, have some snacks and beverages, and try to keep the kids focused as they get distracted by all the great books. You don’t have to stay the whole time, you can pop in and out as needed. After we’re done, we might all migrate to a cafe for lunch. 

Bring: 

• Optional—Any books you’d like to donate (not just Children’s books). 
• Optional—Any snacks you’d like to share. 

Watch this space for other upcoming community service activities.

—Christy Hartman, Community Service Chair