LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Even though parts of our economy are beginning to reopen, the message for most of us stays the same: Stay home for Nevada as much as possible. And while you're at home, why not help support our struggling community?
As we continue to quarantine at home, experts say one of the best ways to battle boredom is to volunteer and give back. Savanna Sibley, the volunteer manager at United Way of Southern Nevada, has been doing plenty of that, and she just helped introduce a system that will make it easier than ever for you to volunteer, too.
It's called "Volunteer Connect," and it's a new online volunteer platform from United Way of Southern Nevada.
"We wanted to make sure that we were able to reach out to the most vulnerable during this crisis. And by launching this platform, it helped bring nonprofits together, entities together, and it shares our volunteer opportunities. It acts as a matchmaker for volunteers and the local nonprofits," said Sibley.
Anyone can sign up with Volunteer Connect online, and with a couple of clicks, the platform can connect you with one of 50 local nonprofits, allowing you to volunteer virtually or in person.
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"We have phone calls, screenings, and all of that is part of our virtual opportunities," said Sibley. "Delivering meals, delivering groceries to those that are the most vulnerable and unable to leave their home and it's safest for them to stay home. Meals, groceries, we're even creating drives to help reach out and get items," she continued.
And if you're on the fence about volunteering, Sibley says nothing feels as good as giving back.
"It's a spectacular feeling. It brings a little bit of tears to my eyes. But when you see tears, smiles, the happiness, it just makes everything so worthwhile," said Sibley.
The Volunteer Connect website has already helped deploy more than 400 volunteers throughout the valley. If you'd like to join the effort, you can sign up and learn more by clicking this link.
