Journal Times Editorial -- Give your time to those in need

Tuesday, August 5, 2008 7:08 PM CDT

People always assume they’re busier than everyone else. They say they’d love to help out at the homeless shelter or tutor at the Racine Literacy Council, but they just don’t have the time.

That’s certainly one explanation for the recent dip in volunteerism across Wisconsin. According to a report from the Corporation for National and Community Service, 33 percent of Wisconsin residents volunteered last year. In 2005, the rate was nearly 39 percent. In a tough economy, some have to focus their full attention on making it through.

What the report reveals, though, is the busy-bee factor is exaggerated.

"Volunteers, on average, are about as busy as others," it states, "yet they make the time to serve others."

Volunteer hours don’t typically take away from family time or socializing. Mostly they come out of television viewing. Those who volunteer watch the tube an average of 15 hours each week, compared to 23 hours for those who don’t.

That shouldn’t imply that everyone needs to stop watching "American Idol" or "Lost". Sometimes a little light entertainment is necessary to recharge the batteries.

Even an hour a week chipping in a unique talent can make a big difference over time. The community service report estimated the annual economic value of Wisconsin’s volunteer effort is $3.2 billion.

The options are practically unlimited. About three in 10 state residents pitch in at churches, while more than a quarter help out at schools. The rest are sprinkled among social services and various other activities.

Here in Racine, 29.3 percent of residents volunteered between 2005 and 2007. Although that’s still higher than the national average, lower numbers are to be expected where the monetary struggles are concentrated.

All that means is more people need to be helped. It’s worth a quick audit of your free time. We encourage those who can afford to shut off the tube for a little while to do it.

Find something that sparks your passion and benefits somebody in need at the same time. The Nielsens may not appreciate it, but plenty of others will.

The Volunteer Center of Racine County helps connect volunteers and the organizations that need them. The center has an office at 6216 Washington Ave. For information, call 886-9612 or (800) 201-9490. The Web site is located at http://www.volunteercenterofracine.org

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