While "goodwill" is a sentiment interwoven into the aspirational spirit of the holiday season, Wisconsinites appear to take this message to heart.
According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, Wisconsin ranks eighth in the nation when it comes to volunteering. About 36 percent of Wisconsinites volunteered their time last year, officials said.
Matthew Van Ess, the director of Volunteer Wisconsin, said helping should always be priority.
“There will always be a need to volunteer because individuals that volunteer help build up their community,” he said.
When there are budget constraints in an organization, Van Ess said, “Volunteers fill gaps.”
Van Ess said he believes there are inherent qualities people should have if they volunteer. He thinks a person should be “open-minded, willing to try and do new things and give feedback” about their tasks.
