Volunteering can bring its own rewards: the satisfaction of helping others; the knowledge you're making the world a better place; the smile on another person's face and their expressions of gratitude.

For some people, though, volunteering has brought unexpected returns, benefits they had never imagined when they started giving back.

As millions honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday by volunteering or participating in Day of Service projects, here are a few stories of people who found new paths − and passions − by donating time, energy and love to their communities.

(Scroll down to see how you can volunteer.)

She lost her son to fentanyl, then gained a 'family'

Tonya Doucette's son battled addiction after being introduced to liquor and drugs by an adult family member as an adolescent. But after stints in rehab, he seemed well on the road to recovery with 15 months of sobriety under his belt.

Trey Comeaux had resisted triggers when he returned in late 2020 to Lake Charles, Louisiana, after an extended stay at a Texas rehabilitation center, telling old friends nicely but firmly that he was sober. Most respected his recovery, Doucette said, but one friend asked that he hold onto some pills for him. Trey agreed, and, struggling with sleeplessness (not uncommon for people in re...
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