The Times News has been encouraging readers to nominate residents who are community volunteers as a way to say “thank you” to them and to encourage others of the importance of helping in this significant way.

Recently, the paper showcased the community service of Yvonne Stoffey of Coaldale, who volunteers for a number of organizations and also serves as a member of Coaldale Borough Council.

In reading about her commitment to her area, I was happy that Stoffey reminded us, “There are a lot of good people, and they are trying.”

While this is certainly true, the number of volunteers is dwindling. We’ve heard numerous times about how the ranks of our volunteer firefighters have been thinning over the years, but, unfortunately this has been true with virtually all volunteer organizations.

Declining volunteerism can be attributed to several significant factors. Our modern lifestyle leaves us with limited time to serve. Economic pressures might be forcing residents to choose work over unpaid volunteer activities.

Then there is the issue of changing social dynamics and increasing reliance on technology which might contribute to decreased or limited community engagement.

Despite these opposing forces, many volunteers can be still found making important contributions and allowing organizations which depend on them to continue their important, often urgent work.

Aside from the contributions of individuals, we also have service organizations whose members volunteer their time to fulfill the community projects undertaken by these clubs.

In our area, members of the Lions, Rotarians, Moose and others spend countless hours engaged in community projects that lead to the betterment of our communities.

In some cases, these members have served for decades. A recent example is George Kern, an honoree of the Slatington Moose Club, who said that he is “all about community projects for kids.” He, too, is concerned about fewer volunteers and encourages others to “get involved.”

Earlier this month, we saw an impressive turnout of volunteers to promote National Night Out activities, which led to successful observances in many communities in the five-county Times News area.

In speaking to more than a dozen volunteers in preparation for this column, they pretty much had the same set of reasons for why they are so involved in helping community organizations - "profound satisfaction,” contributing time and effort toward a shared cause fosters a sense of purpose and connection, improving the lives of community residents, enhancing the environment and bettering the community.

In addition, volunteering gives individuals broadening experiences and contributes to personal growth and a sense of caring for others. Then there is the socialization factor, where like-minded individuals band together for a common cause.

All of this is a reminder of the satisfaction from this powerful collective force to give back to society for the betterment of everyone.

I liken it to paying one’s community rent, a way to give back to our community for all of the opportunities that we and our families have been given for living in a caring area.

If you know of a volunteer who deserves recognition for his or her outstanding service, email your nomination to tneditor@tnonline.com.

By BRUCE FRASSINELLI|tneditor@tnonline.com

The foregoing opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board or Times News LLC.