Economy down, volunteering up

Number of people getting involved grew during recession

WASHINGTON – Volunteering in America is on the rise.

Americans spent 100 million more hours helping their communities last year, a new federal report says, and the number of people getting involved went up by 1.6 million to 63.4 million.

It’s the biggest increase in volunteers in a single year since 2003, and it came in the midst of a punishing recession, according to a report released Tuesday by the government-run Corporation for National and Community Service. The agency oversees national service programs including AmeriCorps.

The rise in volunteers comes as the nation struggles to regain its economic footing amid high unemployment.

The report points to lower volunteer rates in states with high rates of unemployment and in cities with high rates of foreclosures.

Patrick Corvington, who leads the government’s national service agency, said people in these affected areas are still helping a neighbor in need or cleaning up a nearby park. He said the report reflects those serving through more formal organizations and nonprofits, and doesn’t capture those giving in other ways.

Women largely contributed to the jump in volunteers. In 2009, 36.7 million women volunteered, up 1.2 million from 2008. More blacks also gave their time.

Americans overall set aside 8.1 billion hours to lend a hand, with the typical volunteer donating about 52 hours for the year.

Raising money or selling items was the top volunteer activity, followed by collecting and distributing food. Others spent time providing transportation or labor, and tutoring or teaching.

People primarily served through religious organizations or social and community groups.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37708730/ns/us_news-giving/