Volunteering is good for your health. Literally. And A Woman's Place (AWP) wants to keep you healthy.

Statistics reported by the Corporation for National and Community Service indicate that people who even donate less than an hour a week can enjoy the health benefits of volunteerism. Volunteers have lower incidences of heart disease, are diagnosed less with depression, and have longer life expectancies.

Volunteers from XL Insurance, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Johnson & Johnson are on track for long and healthy lives.

 On Monday, May 16, Board member Frank Smith and two XL Insurance co-workers donned their t-shirts and jeans and escaped their desks for a few hours outside. "This is how I was first introduced to AWP, participating in a Day of Giving," shared Smith. "It has been a wonderful journey for me as I was able to deepen my relationship

Employees at Bristol-Myers Squibb show that their hands are ready to help!

with AWP. Plus, I love coming here each year to do some yard work." 

Teams from Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) followed on the heels of XL Insurance. 26 volunteers from BMS and 24 from J&J turned out with tools, plants, mulch, paint, and lots of heart to continue AWP's much needed facelift. They also leant their talents to sorting food in AWP's food pantry, stuffing mailings, and making phone calls to contributors to thank them for their ongoing support of AWP. 

 "It's a wonderful thing, watching everyone show up so eager to help," exclaimed Executive Director Donna J. Byrne. "It is very easy to lose yourself in the day-to-day demands of the daily work, particularly during current economic times. This is a great opportunity to witness the support of the community around us and truly bolsters the spirit."

Staff from Johnson & Johnson pose for a photo before spending an afternoon landscaping at AWP

 Shared Chris Bowman of J&J, "We should be the ones thanking you and the staff of A Woman's Place. It was a great day for us... spending time gardening, painting, etc. We were able to get to know some of our colleagues a bit better under different circumstances and it always feels good to give something back to the community around J&J. A Woman's Place is a terrific organization staffed by exceptional people. Thank you for the work all of you do every day."

To see more photos of these three corporate teams at work, visit our Facebook page - and "like" us while you're there. For more information on how you, your business, your group, or your club can volunteer at AWP, visit our Web site or contact Education & Training Manager Christina Baer at cbaer@awomansplace.org or 215.343.9241 x110.