Why Giving Back Should Be a Way of Life

by: DeAngela A. White

I’ve always believed in showing up for others. As a former athlete, I learned early that no win comes without teamwork. After high school, I joined the military, another team, a different mission, but the same lesson stuck: we’re stronger when we look out for each other.

That mindset fuels my belief in volunteering and community service. It’s not just about giving time, it’s about giving hope, building trust, and choosing connection over indifference.

I come from a small, close-knit family. We show up for each other with no questions asked. If someone needs help, we help. That kind of support is powerful. And I know not everyone has it.

Not everyone has a family that checks in. Not everyone has friends who show up unconditionally. But just imagine if our communities worked more like that. Imagine if we all looked out for each other, not because we expected something in return, but simply because it’s the right thing to do.

That’s what volunteering is. It’s action without an agenda. It’s walking into a room, a park, a pantry, and saying, “I’m here. What do you need?”

Whether it’s mentoring a young person, picking up litter, helping a neighbor get through a tough week, or serving meals at a shelter, these acts matter. They don’t make headlines, but they change lives. Sometimes they even save them.

And here’s the thing: giving back doesn’t just help others, it changes you, too. It softens you, humbles you, and reminds you that we all carry something. Everyone is going through something. A little kindness, a little consistency, can go a long way.

I know not everyone has hours of free time. Life gets busy. But even one act, one hour, one moment of showing up can create a ripple. If I can help it, I don’t want anyone to go without. And I don’t think I’m alone in that.

We don’t need more support with strings attached. We need more people who care without conditions.

Volunteering isn’t about being a hero. It’s about being human. And if we all leaned into that, even just a little, I think we’d be amazed at what kind of world we could build.....TOGETHER.