365 Hours of Purpose
One hour a day. One year. A commitment to giving back (and a subtle test of whether I can keep track of 365 things without losing a spreadsheet).
Hello! I'm Gabriel. Volunteering has always been important to me, but it's easy to let the busyness of life push it aside—Netflix, emails, and the sudden urge to reorganize the sock drawer all seem to appear at the worst possible times. This year, I'm holding myself accountable: 365 volunteer hours in 365 days.
My goal isn't just about the number. It's about why giving back matters—both for our communities and for ourselves (though the bragging rights aren't bad either).
Why I'm Doing This
Impact on Community
Every hour given fills a gap—whether it's food insecurity, education, mentorship, or environmental issues. Volunteering strengthens the fabric of our communities in ways government or business can't always reach. Think of it as patching the quilt we all live under, except with fewer needles and more good intentions.
Personal Growth
Serving others forces you to stretch. You learn new skills, build resilience, and gain perspectives you won't find anywhere else. It sharpens empathy, leadership, and problem-solving—and occasionally teaches you things like how to untangle Christmas lights in under five minutes.
Connection & Belonging
Volunteering brings you closer to people outside your daily circles. You build friendships, create shared experiences, and feel part of something bigger than yourself (and not just because you accidentally signed up for an event with way too many balloons).
Ripple Effect
When one person gives, others notice. Service sparks service. Sharing time and stories inspires more action, multiplying the impact—like kindness going viral, except without the clickbait headlines.
Legacy & Purpose
Work defines what we do. Giving back defines how we're remembered. Volunteering is a way to live with purpose and leave a mark that outlasts the hours (ideally not graffiti, though).
What You'll Find Here
This site is my open logbook. I'll track where I'm volunteering, the hours I complete, and what I'm learning along the way. Some days will be tough, others energizing, and at least one will involve me asking, "Wait, why is there glitter everywhere?" But each hour builds toward something meaningful.
How You Can Join
- •Follow along as I work toward 365 hours.
- •Use this journey as a spark for your own (don't worry, no heavy lifting required).
- •Share your story—I'd love to highlight others who are giving back.
My hope is that this journey inspires others to give their time too. The more of us who commit even a little time, the more impact we can create together—and who knows, maybe even fewer lonely sock drawers.