I REMEMBER hearing someone recite a popular quote — “volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” Everyone is busy these days, trying to juggle careers, friends, family and extra-curricular activities and work-life balance overall. But we all need to take a step back and find ways to incorporate volunteering into our lives.

According to Nonprofit Source, approximately 63 million Americans – 25 percent of the adult population – volunteer their time, talents, and energy to making a difference. That’s a significant number, but that also means three quarters of the country does not volunteer their time with a non-profit that desperately needs help, and that number is significant as well.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of any non-profit organization, and those words ring true here at Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts. “I love and believe in the girls who are (and previously were) in my troop.” said one adult volunteer who choked to volunteer at Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts. “They all bring something different to the group – ideas, energy, humor, thoughtfulness – and Girl Scouts is a safe and fun place for them to grow, learn, and have fun. Being able to facilitate an environment where they can get together and be themselves makes me happy.”

While Girl Scouts benefit from the programs facilitated by our volunteers, the volunteers get a front row seat to feel and see the impact they have on their everyday lives. By supporting them as they experience new adventures and learn new skills, volunteers watch girls’ confidence soar, and they set the framework for creating a more fair, equal, and compassionate world where everyone has a seat at the table.

In turn, we celebrate the dedication and skill of our 5,000 core volunteers through certificates of appreciation, the annual Volunteer Recognition Celebration, social and traditional media visibility, and program-based recognitions.

At Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, our volunteers allow us to keep running an enriching, fulfilling, and engaging program for girls. We at GSEMA could not be more appreciative of those who show up for our community.

I encourage you to volunteer. Find the time. Pick a non-profit that’s near and dear to your heart and devote a little of that time you don’t necessarily have. It’s rewarding. It’s fulfilling. And I can promise you that the organization that’s lucky to have a few hours of your time will be ten times as appreciative for whatever time you can give.

Barbara Fortier is the CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts.