The Art of Giving Back

Giving back has many shapes, and there are many reasons why people choose to dedicate time to philanthropy. Some volunteer to make new friends, others want to support causes they strongly believe in, while others simply want to bring positivity into their lives. Oftentimes, there is more than one reason why a person begins—and continues—volunteering.

Making An Impact

Have you ever told yourself: “One day, I want to make a difference in this world”? For many people, volunteering is a great way to achieve that goal because it allows them to support causes they truly care about. It is rewarding to see how simple actions can improve someone else’s life, whether they involve helping friends and family or offering mental support to a complete stranger. Given the competitive world we live in, one may feel like they cannot offer much, that there is never enough time nor sufficient resources. Giving back to others is a great way to counter that negative feeling – it can restore your inner confidence and show you that you are much more capable than you may realize.

Strengthening Communities

As humans, we are naturally drawn to a sense of belonging and being part of something that is meaningful to us. Therefore, when you give back to the community, every little action counts. From reading to kids at the local library to picking the garbage off the street, you can enhance your own life as well as that of others. Doing something good or returning the favor to those who have helped you in the past is a strong motivator for a safer and healthier life. Help does not have a geographic location – it is needed all around the world. Being able to offer it to those in need will give you a deep sense of fulfillment and connection, almost as if you just earned a special place within that community. The management and staff of M C Bank volunteer and support many non-profits in the communities we serve.

IRA stands for individual retirement account, and it is a great option for someone who is self-employed, or who wants to grow their retirement savings outside of the options offered by their employer. Make sure to learn about the fees associated with the account, and the deposit limits which vary depending on your income.

Everyone has a skill with which can benefit someone else. You may help others by sewing, teaching, cooking, selling food to support your local church, or even spending time at an animal shelter. Volunteering can be an excellent way to put your talents to their best use – you will be surprised at how sharing knowledge in your everyday life can sharpen your abilities even more. In addition, volunteering can help you retain skills such as adaptability, team building, budgeting, and problem-solving. This is also a great opportunity to take on a higher level of responsibility, which you may not find at your current place of work. Lastly, you can explore entirely new fields through philanthropy and discover interests you were previously unaware of. M C Bank’s Making Cents Program addresses the critical need for our community bank to actively involve itself in area schools where we serve.

Improving Health

Humans’ natural desire is to seek happiness and meaning in their life. In fact, giving back does not only benefit those who are cared for, but it also gives a sense of accomplishment to yourself, often weighing more than any material purchase. Studies have found a deep relationship between volunteering and increased self-esteem, with volunteers reporting a drastic improvement in their mood and mental health after an act of charity or generosity. Many people also found that volunteering helps fight depression, since assisting others will take their mind off their problems and they can simply focus on what is in front of them. Once you see how your gestures can make a difference in another person's life, your issues will seem more manageable.

M C Bank is committed to giving back to the communities that we service. We are part of the adopt a school program and give monetarily to many schools in our communities as well as awarding scholarships for high school seniors. Our management and employees volunteer countless hours each year to local agencies and non-profits as well. Giving back is a way of life for M C Bank and our employees.