GREEN VALLEY, Ariz. (KGUN) — A unique community gathering this week at Green Valley Recreation’s West Center highlighted the power of volunteerism, attracting southern Arizona residents to explore opportunities to give back.

Known as the Volunteer Clearinghouse Showcase, the event brought together around 50 nonprofit organizations and connected them with community members willing to contribute their time and skills.

The Green Valley/Sahuarita Volunteer Clearinghouse, led by Executive Director Joyce Finkelstein, was inspired by a community member’s vision to make volunteering easier.

“This resident said, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice if people who want to volunteer knew what’s there,'” Finkelstein said.

Founded in 2000, the Clearinghouse helps connect local volunteers with more than 100 partner organizations, making it easier for residents to find positions that match their interests and skills.

Among those motivated to attend was Paula Yerke, a seasonal resident, who explained her motivation to get involved beyond recreation.

“I want to have a meaningful existence that’s not just, you know, playing pickleball or swimming,” Yerke said. “I’m always looking for ways to try to give back a little with the time and energy I’m blessed with.”

Tom Marshall, another Green Valley resident, shared his journey to finding connections through volunteering.

“I get into this meditative space, which is good, but it becomes isolating,” Marshall said. “I feel like I need to expand somehow, to make contact.”

The Mayo Clinic reports that volunteering helps reduce anxiety and depression in people over 65, improving both mental and physical well-being.

Participants were introduced to a wide variety of volunteer roles within organizations ranging from hospice care and animal rescue to literacy mentoring and medical support.

White Elephant, a popular nonprofit thrift store in Green Valley, enjoyed the experience because of its immense need for volunteers.

“We have about a hundred volunteers a day,” said Karen Lavo, executive director of White Elephant. “There are always a lot of people, so we keep our volunteers busy. »

The White Elephant hosts a distribution day each December, during which it presents checks to more than 100 area nonprofits. They also offer college scholarships to local high school students.

The Green Valley Parkinson’s Support Group was also at the event, specifically looking for volunteers for videography and mentoring, as well as a facilities and activities manager.

Susan Colley, president of the group, spoke about the breadth of support services her organization offers to people suffering from Parkinson’s disease, such as movement and voice training and access to long-term physical therapy. term.

The group seeks to address progressive issues that develop over the course of Parkinson’s disease and which can be difficult to treat holistically.

Veronica Saiz, marketing manager at Big Brothers & Sisters, said the organization is looking for mentors of all types and noted that young people often bond with older people, who make up a large percentage of Green Valley.

“Some of our best Bigs are that retirement age,” Saiz said. “They just have this wealth of experience. They have this patience and this insight that you have to offer to a young person.

“When you get a diagnosis, it’s kind of like someone punched you in the face,” Colley said of Parkinson’s disease. “Your doctor tells you, ‘You have Parkinson’s disease. I’ll see you in six months.

The Volunteer Clearinghouse is already planning a second showcase in the spring, providing a new opportunity to engage southern Arizona residents in the work of local nonprofits.

The Clearinghouse also provides year-round resources for nonprofit managers to better support and utilize volunteers.

Visit the Green Valley/Sahuarita Volunteer Information Center Website to learn more about the organization.