One of the many things to be thankful for at Thanksgiving time—and all of the time—is volunteer service.

Volunteering, I have learned, is a gift not just to others but to ourselves as well. 

I was reminded of this both during a recent church service and run/walk event that I have helped to organize for the past 14 years.

During the church service, one of the pastors announced that the congregation was looking for volunteers to help in various areas.

During the run/walk event, I made my annual ask for the same.

While making his ask, the pastor shared something that confirmed what I have experienced through volunteer service and that I just may use next time I have to make my pitch for volunteers. He mentioned how studies have shown that one of the many benefits of volunteering is that it boosts our overall wellness.

One of the main ways it does so, he said, is by helping us to build connections with others in our community.

I wasn’t surprised to hear this because that is exactly what volunteering to organize the Carson Park 5 & 10 for the past 14 years has done for me. It has helped me to meet and build relationships with people from a wide range of groups, businesses, and organizations.

Some of these groups include the ITC running and walking club, On The Rivet Bike Club, Moms on the Run, Girls on the Run, Chippewa Valley Museum, City of Eau Claire, Scheels, Festival Foods, MTEC Timing, Career Development Center, Eau Claire Memorial High School, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Chippewa Valley Technical College, The Trophy House, French Press, Fantastic Sams, Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum, and more.

While participating in running events is a great way to meet people, I’d have to say that organizing them is an even better one. Especially when it comes to meeting non-runners.

My main reason for volunteering at run/walk events is that I am looking to promote an activity—physical exercise through walking and running—that has much to offer in the way of health benefits. I am 100 percent convinced that running and walking are two of the best things that we can for our overall wellness.

But it’s definitely a nice bonus that volunteering to support these activities also helps us to make friends and boost our wellness.

Shown here are some of the many volunteers who have helped to keep the Carson Park 5 & 10 going for the past 55 years. A big thank you to them and all of the others who generously give their time throughout the year.