It's because of this unemployment that food banks have an increased need for volunteers.

My local food bank certainly requests volunteers, and they're recommending that seniors or those with health conditions cancel their shifts...further reducing their volunteer pool.

I don't think it's the demand side that is the issue, it's more the supply side. A lot of people don't live a life where they can afford to spend a year volunteering. They need some kind of income. What happens when there are no stimulus checks and no increased access to unemployment? Or will they extend those programs so that they last another 12 months at least?

We have to be cognizant of the fact that, by all indications, October will be a very stressful time for a lot of people.

Volunteering at our homeless shelter doing health assessments and triage was certainly much better than sitting at home watching TV and worrying more.

Many of my prospects disappeared as COVID hit - and it made me feel some self worth trying to help others. I learned a ton too.

When the volunteer work is truly doing something for the community, I find it more valuable than paid work (even barely scraping by) - just knowing that I did SOMETHING to attempt to help others.

Just my 2 cents.

Just because (some) employers are able to pay as many employees (possibly zero) as before, doesn't mean there are no jobs to be done. With so many social issues currently highlighted, it seems like an excellent time to give some time.

This is the most useful volunteering time because the social needs are everywhere

Good point on retirees, I'm sure there are lots of gaps like that out there.