It is often said that volunteers are paid in six figures: S-M-I-L-E-S. Volunteers are worth far more than the T-shirt they receive as recognition of the time and energy they invest in making our community a better place. Live Well Winona understands the value of volunteers, and we recognize that without them our events would not take place.

In 2014, volunteers contributed more than 1,700 hours to our events and health initiatives. This translated into an economic impact of over $36,000. We appreciate and applaud these individuals who are willing to help make a difference in our community.

The benefits of volunteering are immense. Physical health benefits may include lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, lower rates of depression and decreases in symptoms of chronic pain, according to a 2007 research review by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Raised awareness, strengthened communities, transformed lives, and new connections are simply a few of the benefits to a community. Individuals may gain new knowledge and skills, experience a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, enjoy increased levels of happiness and build their self-esteem through volunteering.

Live Well Winona has had the privilege to coordinate the volunteers for Trinona weekend for the past few years. We love the success stories, the cheering, the athletes, the new relationships and the excitement that this triathlon weekend brings. But most importantly, we value the volunteers who help make this event unforgettable.

I got this book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, in the mail late in the afternoon one day last week, and dropped everything so I could read it in the bathtub.

I finished it later that night, and was immediately more amped than I have ever been to declutter my house, from top to bottom.