By Crystal Donaldson

BLOOMINGTON – As part of national volunteer week State Farm conducted a study to determine the characteristics of volunteers.

The survey of 3,100 Americans age 18 and older found millennials are volunteering the most.

“This is very exciting to see the impact that people are having on the community,” said State Farm Public Affairs’ Kim Kaufman . “To know that millennials are giving back as well as other generations.”

The survey asked what motivates people to volunteer.

Kaufman said career development, nearby opportunities and making an impact in the community were found to be a few of the motivating factors.

“We’re always trying to find out what motivates people to want to do something or want to give back. Well goodness, look at volunteerism as a wonderful way to say you’re not getting paid for this but there’s so much more,” said Kaufman.

Kaufman also says millennials make up 69 percent of volunteers.

“Being a millennial myself I find it very encouraging to know that we’re getting involved, we’re giving back to the community. We’re passing on the torch.”

Local volunteer opportunities can be found at neighborhoodofgood.com.

Crystal Donaldson can be reached at [email protected].