Volunteering is a very important thing. Volunteering is working for free or doing a service for no money.

People who volunteer create a world where we can help each other for nothing in return.

For example, someone might need help building a shed. If you help them, you are making their lives easier. This should be its own reward. I realize that some people think they should be rewarded for this.

I volunteer because I feel that if I wanted someone to help me, I’d hope they’d do the same thing that I do for them.

Volunteering is also a great way to widen your social life. When you help someone for nothing in return, they are usually grateful. If you see these people again they will notice you and think of you as a good hearted person.

Look at our economy. Layoffs are happening left and right. People don’t’ get paid if they don’t work. If you don’t charge them money for something that is not your job, you are allowing them to save their money for their necessities. More and more people are realizing that volunteering is a good thing.

Look at your child’s schooling. At the Primary Center in the South Butler School District they will give students a “Primary Pride” for helping teachers or students.

This is different than getting money for volunteering. This teaches kids that when you help good things will come to you. Volunteering doesn’t have to be working hard.

It can be something fun. I can also be something that you enjoy. I am hoping that this will encourage more people to volunteer.

Rachel Burnett is a student at Knoch Middle School.