At the Y, volunteering is part of our DNA as more than half a million people donate their time and talents at Ys across the country in a variety of capacities.

Whether serving on the board of directors, coaching a youth sports team, or tutoring an at-risk teen (and everything in between), the Y relies on volunteers to make an impact right here in Broward County.

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Jan. 21, the YMCA of Broward County is privileged to be joined by Florida Power & Light in encouraging everyone to honor Dr. King’s legacy through a day of service to our community.

In many ways, the Y’s values mirror FPL’s core corporate values.

We both believe in doing the right thing and respecting all people, values the YMCA holds dear as did the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the man whom the YMCA’s Day of Service honors. We join our neighbors in honoring Dr. King and his legacy.

But what does it mean to volunteer? Volunteering means so much more than giving your time.

It is about helping others, contributing to making our world better and helping ourselves as well.

Nonprofit organizations like the Y can help individuals find the emotional boost that comes from providing rewarding experiences that benefit the entire community as a whole.

Last year our volunteers donated 2,500 hours at more than 100 YMCA after-school, special needs, and health outreach sites, assisting with vital programs that ensure a culture of unity and equality as envisioned by Dr. King.

Across the country, the Y helps individuals give back and assist their neighbors by offering volunteer opportunities and programs that help strengthen community.

Each of our volunteers’ selflessness and willingness to roll up their sleeves and give back helps improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of kids, adults and families.

We’re grateful for each and every one of them.

It is our hope that more people will join their ranks at the Y, their local church or place of worship or other nonprofit service organization.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is the perfect time to volunteer for a service project. By helping others, we can help ourselves.

Sheryl A. Woods is the President/CEO of the YMCA of Broward County. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at the YMCA of Broward County by calling 954-334-9622.