Did you know that Americans spent over 100 million more hours helping out their communities last year? If that doesn’t grasp your attention, think about it in actual numbers. The amount of volunteers in the past year skyrocketed from 1.6 million to 63.4 million of our fellow Americans who lent their helping hands. Out of those who decided to show their philanthropic side, women were the key factors that contributed to the massive jump in volunteers. In 2009, 36.7 million women were reported to have volunteered whereas in 2008, the number was a meagerly 1.2 million. Overall, Americans set aside 8.1 billion hours to lend a hand with the typical volunteer donating fifty-two hours per year of their time. And who says we are a lazy nation? What’s probably most surprising (and somewhat comforting) is that this influx of volunteers comes at a time when our nation is struggling to regain its economic footing amid sensationally high unemployment levels. In other words, since many people don't have the actual funds to give to charity, they’re translating their labor and time into valuable methods of aid instead. And we all know that quite frankly, time is money. The top volunteer activity was raising money or selling items, followed by collecting and distributing food. Others enjoyed providing transportation, good old-fashioned labor, and tutoring or teaching. Most of these activities were served under religious organizations or social and community groups. Considering our nation’s economic morale, Americans are extracting the positive out of an ordinarily morose situation, by helping those in need. People are turning in their own wallets and exchanging them for a set of gloves, shovel, a book, or a universally appreciated, smile. Have YOU helped save the world today? For more information, visit: msnbc.msn.comWant to become a Social Firestarter? “Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ BrushfireMG
