Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Editorials / Opinion


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published July 13, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified July 13, 2007 at 2:02 AM

E-mail article     Print view

Editorial

Seattle is tops for helping hands

Ok, Seattle, pat yourself on the back with that helping hand you offer so frequently. Out of 50 of the largest U.S. cities, Seattle ranks fifth...

OK, Seattle, pat yourself on the back with that helping hand you offer so frequently.

Out of 50 of the largest U.S. cities, Seattle ranks fifth for the percentage of adults who volunteer. About 36.3 percent had volunteered in the previous year, according to a new survey by the Corporation for National and Community Service. For the past decade, the United Way of King County has ranked first or second among the United Way affiliates in total giving, suggesting extensive personal and corporate generosity in financial contributions.

This latest survey proves Seattle-area residents not only are generous with their money but also their time, whether it is to feed the homeless, coach youth soccer or keep terminally ill patients company.

Ahead of Seattle were Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn., where about 40.5 percent of adults volunteer; Salt Lake City, 38.4 percent; Austin, Texas, 38.1 percent; and Omaha, Neb., 37.8 percent.

People are more likely to volunteer when they feel more of a connection to their communities, the corporation says. People who own their homes, have more education, shorter commute times and more opportunities to volunteer tend to do so more often.

Charity is its own reward, to be sure. But our community is richer for being home to so many people willing not only to open their checkbooks but to give their hours and hearts to making it a better place.

To find out about volunteering opportunities, go to www.uwkc.org/volunteer/

Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company

Charles Krauthammer / Syndicated columnist: A politically correct — and dangerous — delicacy about the Fort Hood shooting

Leonard Pitts Jr. / Syndicated columnist: Salute those Muslim-Americans who stand up for their country

Leonard Pitts Jr. / Syndicated columnist: A tragic clash of cultures

Advertising

Video

Girls Soccer: Mercer Island vs. Glacier Peak
Mercer Island defeats Glacier Peak, 2-1, in a 3A state playoff quarterfinal on Saturday, Nov. 14.

Smash Putt! Miniature Golf
Opening day at Crystal Mountain
Video shows violent arrest by SPD
Fort Lewis Memorial
Highlights: Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Seattle International Cabaret Festival
Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Medal of Honor
Pelosi answers questions at Swedish Medical Center

Marketplace

nwautos

2009's most fuel-efficient sedansnew
Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment

Open Houses

Find this weekend's open house listings.
Or search by location:

 
Most read
Most commented
Most e-mailed
 
 
Advertising