Throughout history, volunteering has evolved into a cultural connection; a common characteristic of humans locally, nationally and globally is the desire to help each other. While this statement is not necessarily true for every individual, most people feel an urgency to assist friends, family, coworkers, and/or strangers in distress or crisis. Why should we volunteer? Many people donate their time for various reasons, whether it is raising money for disaster relief or collecting, preparing and serving food for a food bank (Moore). Maybe it's the warm feeling in your heart after playing a game of chess with a bedridden cancer patient, or the contagious smiles shared between waiters and recipients at a soup kitchen that attracts a person to volunteer; in any case, volunteers tend to find the imperfections of the world and work to improve these defects through acts of kindness, dedication and altruism (Benefits). Helping others without receiving anything in return helps community members, benefits your mind and soul, and, most importantly, “…brings satisfaction and enjoyment to your life” (Volunteering and Civics). Volunteering is described as “…the glue that holds the community together” (Volunteering and Civics). How can an act of kindness hold a city together? Typically, it doesn't… or, should I say, not only from one person. A community needs the help of a multitude of people: young or old, men or women, Jews or Muslims... a request for help in the community is for everyone and anyone who feels the desire to contribute to society. For example , five years ago, as a bitterly cold winter turned into an impending hot and sweltering summer, seven-foot-high snow banks melted into puddles of water; Iowa R...... middle of paper . ..... can help others in need, strengthen our role in life and restore the beautiful world that has been given to us. Mahatma Gandhi, one of the world's most important activists, says: "Be the change you wish to see in world", Works Cited "Become a Volunteer Mentor for a Child | Kinship of Greater Minneapolis." Kinship of Greater Minneapolis Volunteer Comments. Np, nd Web. March 10, 2014. "The Benefits of Volunteering." Idealist.org. Np, nd Web. March 10, 2014. Moore, Bob. "Why do people volunteer?" From the field. Np, nd Web. 10 March 2014. Smith, Melinda, MA "Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits." : Helping Yourself by Helping Others. Np, nd Web. 9 March 2014." Volunteering and Civic Life in America." Volunteering and Civic Life in America. Np, nd Web. March 10, 2014. "What Volunteering Means to You." Personal Interview. March 10. 2014.