Over the centuries, there have been many change makers – van Gogh, Beethoven, Franklin, Lincoln, Einstein, Mother Teresa. They all had an idea that over time developed into a movement and inspired change. Some ideas were totally radical and space changing – like representative democracy, while others were a natural evolution of subject matter – moving from baroque compositions to classical music structure.  

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s ideas were radical and space changing. Adopting many tenets of the Christian faith for his movement for racial equality, he also followed the example of Ghandi by using non-violent protests to achieve change. From bus boycotts to sit-ins at lunch counters, King’s strategy was to expose injustice, gain public sympathy, and force legislation. He called those who followed him to use love instead of hate, force, and violence to attain their goals. He asked them to believe in the greater good and in something that is bigger than themselves. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday in January and is listed as a Day of Service where groups and individuals are asked to offer their time, talent, and energy to help a cause or organization in their community. These selfless acts of contributing to something bigger than individual needs are the basic building blocks of community.   

Participating in the Community 

Volunteering is important on a number of levels.  

First, most non-profits couldn’t execute their mission without volunteers. From the manual labor needed by organizations like food banks, packing client boxes or repackaging foods into smaller, individual-sized servings and Habitat for Humanity, where mostly unskilled volunteers raise a house, thousands of dollars are saved to allow for the purchase of items that volunteers can’t produce. Non-profits can also use soft skills – like answering phones, helping maintain or build websites, writing letters and press releases, or creating a social media presence. 

Second, volunteering doesn’t just help the organization one donates their hours to. For the individual, it promotes health and well-being, helps develop skills, and presents opportunities to meet people and make connections that would not otherwise be possible. 

Benefits to individuals include better mental and physical health because “volunteer activities keep people moving and thinking at the same time,” says a blog on the Mayo Clinic website. Having a sense of meaning and purpose helps reduce stress, which may lead to a longer overall life span.  

In spite of all these benefits, there are some barriers to volunteering, including lack of knowledge, schedule inflexibility, and fear of not being accepted. The Stanford Center on Longevity (SCL) shares that 90% of Americans want to volunteer, but only about 25% actually do. The biggest reason given by those who do not is not having enough time.   

The SCL suggests that individuals need to create inertia for volunteering – in other words, we believe it’s important and good for us, so we need to make time for it and make it a habit.  

Other reasons include not being asked or perceiving that the volunteer jobs are not interesting. Non-profit organizations are always “asking” for volunteers; they just may not ask individuals directly. One of the best courses of action is to find a place to volunteer that sparks your initial interest and ask a friend to go with you. Once you’re involved, even the most boring, uninteresting task can become fun and engaging because of the relationships you are creating while stuffing envelopes, sweeping the floor, schlepping boxes, or splitting wood. Don’t be afraid of trying something new or meeting new people! 

Paid Volunteer Hours 

Mast Store has a great slate of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, including up to eight hours of paid volunteer time each year. This time can be used for almost any organization as long as it serves the well-being of the community. Here’s how some of our employees contribute to their communities. 

Ryan R., Corporate Responsibility & Community Partnerships 
Home Office 
For 11 years, I have volunteered for the Appalachian Ski Mtn. Ski Patrol. It's a lot of fun, rewarding, and necessary. To get started as a volunteer ski patroller, I had to complete a full-semester course and volunteer 25 ski sessions as an apprentice on the ski hill, assisting with safety procedures, responding to accidents, and assisting with crowd control. Fast forward to today, and I am still volunteering on the Ski Patrol regularly, fulfilling my annual obligations to the patrol and the mountain resort. It's often thought that ski resorts have paid ski patrols, which is true, but paid positions are limited, and resorts must backfill with volunteer ski patrollers. You can find me at Appalachian Ski Mtn. during most busy ski weekends, including the upcoming MLK Day Weekend. 

It's a rewarding experience that combines a passion for snowsports and emergency medicine, sharing camaraderie with fellow individuals who want to serve our community. 

Anna L., Assistant Buyer 
Home Office 
Over the past two years, I have used my volunteer hours to support the Watauga Housing Council. We have been able to gather data regarding housing from a diverse sampling population in Watauga County. Many of the residents and visitors to Watauga County know that housing is a multi-faceted and major concern in our area. However, due to the multiple factors that affect housing, it's difficult to approach and attempt to resolve the deep-seated issues without data. Our study was particularly interesting due to the timing of the data being collected both immediately before Hurricane Helene struck the area (2024) compared with a year in the recovery process (2025). I am thankful that I was able to support this research effort. 

Robert M., Inventory Support 
Winston-Salem 

I am an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer for the Forsyth County Center. I run two Farmer's Market information booths (Cobblestone and the Fairgrounds) and coordinate for two more farmer’s markets (Clemmons and Kernersville), as well as other information booth events. I am also a member of the EMGV Management Council and curator for the conifer garden at the Tanglewood Arboretum. The photo is of two of my co-volunteers from this past March’s information booth at the Elderberry Farms Nursery Spring Celebration. 

"Hutch," Mast Store Online 
Valle Crucis 

I have a cup of coffee, put on my blue jersey, and head into the community to help the animals of the High Country via volunteering for the Watauga Humane Society. I do all my own stunts, including playing musical instruments to help get attention and bring awareness to this group that helps find forever homes for dogs, cats, and other pets. I will dance for dog food and can also dance for dollars! Last year, by best estimate, I donated around 160 hours to the humane society. My name is Hutch (my Superman self), and my Clark Kent self works at Mast. This program is such a wonderful incentive, I am so very grateful for Mast's values and their tradition of community support! 

Photo courtesy of Boonerang Music & Arts Festival 

Reflections on Volunteering 

Over the last few years, the Mast Store Home Office has volunteered at the Hunger & Health Coalition (HHC) leading into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. The HHC is served by the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina and is a contact point for those facing food insecurity in Watauga, Ashe, and Avery Counties. The Store supports the HHC, along with food security organizations in each of its communities, with corporate donations and with RoundUPs throughout the year.  

This year’s group of volunteers included folks from the Leadership Team, Pricing, Buying, Mast Store Online, and Marketing with time scheduled over two days. Everyone had a great time working with people to do good for the community. After our volunteer time, several individuals shared a few thoughts about the experience. 

Susan H. from Pricing 
This wasn’t my first volunteer experience with the Hunger and Health Coalition, but every time I join them I learn something different about how they operate and depend on community contributions, the population served, and myself. The needs are real, and the folks requiring the services will surprise and humble you. It’s a lesson in gratefulness. And the added benefit is - it’s fun!! 

Rachael B. from Buying 
I've been wanting to get more involved in helping our community, and this was my first time volunteering with the Hunger and Health Coalition. I felt so fulfilled and also came away with a lot more knowledge about the community needs and the hard work that goes into keeping them running.   

BJ from Training & Development 
Volunteering makes me feel connected to my community. And volunteering as part of Mast is the icing on the cake. It demonstrates our collective commitment to the communities where we live and work. Getting to meet those who work hard each and every day to bring much needed services and support to our neighbors, like the Hunger and Health Coalition, reminds me of how great the need is and how important it is to address those needs. For just a few hours of your time, you can support those efforts in ways that reverberate much farther than you can possibly imagine. Your help is invaluable and it genuinely makes a difference. 

Ryan from Marketing 
It feels nice to show up and help to be part of Boone's story of compassion. It's neat to see how operationally sound HHC is. The creativity born of necessity is on full display, not only in how the facility operates, but also in how each staff member thinks through problem-solving. 

Anna from Marketing 
We had so much fun and shared it volunteering last week with the Hunger and Health Coalition! I had a blast with the Mast crew, and I am so impressed with the H&HC and all that they do for our community. I cannot wait to bring my family, especially my kids, back to volunteer later this year. This experience was by far one of my favorites at Mast, and I cannot wait to do it again next year.   

Volunteer Opportunities Abound 

If you are planning to volunteer to honor the work of Dr. King, there are numerous opportunities to spend a few hours, a day, or even longer in efforts to build the Beloved Community.  

Short Time Commitments 

Food banks can always use people to help box up food, re-stock shelves, or even re-package bulk foods into family size bags. It is advised to contact the organizations to learn about needs and expectations instead of just showing up. Most will also have a video or other form of training you’ll need to understand before donating your time. Here are links to the volunteer pages for Mast Store’s partners: 

• Hunger & Health Coalition  
• MANNA FoodBank  
• Loaves & Fishes Greenville  
• Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee  
• Harvest Hope  
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina  
• Feeding Southwest Virginia  

A list of civic organizations can be found on chamber of commerce websites or those of your county or town. Local museums, gardens, libraries, schools, humane societies, clubs, events, etc. have goals and missions to add accessibility, build diversity, and strengthen the fabric of the community and can use your help.   

Longer Term Commitments 

We are 16 months removed from the arrival of Hurricane Helene, and while we’ve made a lot of progress, there are still people living in temporary shelters, RVs, and homes of friends. If you have a bigger chunk of time that you can give, there are many opportunities remaining to volunteer to help people displaced by the storm or to assist in shoring up the banks of rivers and creeks and cleaning waterways. Here are just a few: 

Western North Carolina Conference United Methodist Church Disaster Ministries for Hurricane Helene – get information on volunteering HERE.  

If you are an individual living in Ashe or Watauga County who needs assistance to get your home back to safe, secure, and sanitary conditions, call the disaster recovery office at 828-760-5433. 

Baptists on Mission have completed 655 home rebuilds and have 260 in progress. You can learn more about volunteering at this LINK.  

If you still need help with rebuilding, contact Baptists on Mission HERE.  

Both the WNCC United Methodist Church Disaster Ministries and Baptist on Mission anticipate spending several years to complete getting people back on their feet.  

As many a grandmother has observed, many hands make light work. It takes all of us and our many talents and skills to make our home communities stronger and more vibrant. The donation of time is truly a priceless gift.