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Health & Fitness

How Much Mission Viejo Residents Really Give Back (As Volunteers)

How Much Do Mission Viejo Residents Really Give Back! (in Volunteer Time)

Recently, I read on Mission Viejo Patch that a new study (based on old IRS records from 2008) found that

These studies were comprised of information from taxpayers who itemized. What about the taxpayers that don’t itemize? Heck, what about all the volunteers in Mission Viejo—and there are hundreds, probably thousands that make the city great!

The City of Mission Viejo has many volunteer groups of all ages—, , , Community of Character Committee, Crafty Ladies, Cultural Arts Committee, , , Heritage Committee, Lion’s Heart, Marine Adoption Committee, Mission Viejo Senior Activities Committee, Mission Viejo Student Advisory Council, National Charities League, Orange County Sheriff Explorer Post #449, , Samantha’s Pride, Senior Community Activity Team, just to name a few.  There are just too many to list them all.

Find out what's happening in Mission Viejowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

If you look around Mission Viejo you see numerous parents, kids and entire families doing their part to make Mission Viejo a safe and exciting place to live.  Mission Viejo has hundreds of activities and events annually that give each of us many opportunities to give back. There is no lack of volunteer activities in Mission Viejo. Our trails are clean, schools packed with parent volunteers—simply, volunteer opportunities are never scarce in Mission Viejo.

In fact, the City of Mission Viejo and Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center offers a warm, friendly atmosphere open to the community and they welcome everyone including many non-residents like me. Without a doubt this is what makes Mission Viejo thrive. 

Find out what's happening in Mission Viejowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Mission Viejo continues to grow with people’s service, new ideas and positive energy from young and older community members.  Each of us knows that we can influence the future of our communities by giving a few hours here and there. Our tight knit community provides residents with a happy and safe life.

In 2010, the estimated value of one volunteer hour in California is $24.18. In my estimation that makes the city of Mission Viejo the most enriched city in the United States. 

Personally, I’d rather they not spend the money on these so-called studies. The money would be better spent on a worthy cause or charity. It is one thing for people to give money, but to give so selflessly of your time speaks volumes. The endless hours of “sweat equity” and time volunteered in Mission Viejo are immeasurable. 

We just never know when a simple act of kindness can help make someone’s struggling experience a little easier. No act is insignificant: a warm greeting, a smile, a hug, a handshake.....a hello—Hello, Mission Viejo, keep giving back.

Please reply and tell us about your favorite volunteer organization.

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