PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The millennial generation does things differently than other generations and volunteering is no exception.
A recent study about millennials found their favorite charities involve strong community ties, like the Albina Cooperative.
“I think it’s a priority of a lot of people my age to not just be stuck in the grind doing day to day things. It gives an opportunity to get outside, meet new people, see what organizations are doing,” says 32-year-old Ann Peroutk. She started off as a volunteer at the garden and now leads the project once a month.
“I think it expands you as a person and it’s important to give back to your community.”
The 2015 Millennial Impact Report found 65% of millennials are more likely to volunteer if a co-worker participates. On a recent Saturday, Alyssa Lorzano was at the garden with her colleagues from OHSU.
“I chose this because I’ve never done it and it’s like a good, you know, good thing to learn,” she tells KOIN 6 News.
Another recent study found millennials don’t always donate cash to charities because money can be limited. But their time is an easy thing to give.
“I think more people should volunteer,” says Peroutk. “It can lead to so many things. Whether it be a good feeling or meeting somebody you never would have met.”