On today's show, Adrian and Ethan discuss the importance of volunteering in our communities.

April 16 – 22 is National Volunteer Week. National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges, to build stronger communities and be a force that transforms the world.

Volunteers make it possible for a nonprofit to accomplish its mission. The ability of people to work willingly together for the betterment of their community and themselves is a valuable resource.

It’s estimated around 64 million Americans volunteer every year. This equates to a national volunteer rate of 25% of the adult population, meaning one in four people you meet is likely to volunteer in some way, shape, or form. Volunteers donate 50 hours of their time per year on average. Combined, this adds up to over 6.9 billion hours from all American volunteers.

But while volunteering offers vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, the benefits can be even greater for you, the volunteer. Volunteering and helping others can help you reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose.

"Everybody can be great ... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." – Martin Luther King Jr.