Hi, I grew up JW and my 'volunteer' work was FS. I didn't know about it till my 30s, when my doctor suggested that I volunteer to help myself! He said it would give me a purpose, let me meet people who were 'like-minded', as they were volunteering for the same thing, and you know what? He was so right, and it's been over 20 years now.
Volunteerism can be formal, as in working at the hospital where they have an actual 'Volunteer Director' who is your boss, or informal, like shovelling snow, or clearing the rain gutters for your neighbour! It's one of the joys in life that many people miss out on, not just JWs. There's something about actually doing the act, that gives me a sense of community and well-being, that I never got from writing a cheque or dropping some cans off at the local Food Bank drive (though both those things are just as honourable and are sooo needed!).
enjoy! :))
tal