It might be assumed that the profile of a typical volunteer would be a retiree or gap year student with plenty of time on their hands, but a study into American volunteerism has found that working mothers are the greatest contributors.

While retirees clock up the highest total number of volunteer hours, statistics show that a greater proportion of working mothers volunteer, with a third of those aged 35 to 44 getting involved in local community work.

Given the hectic social and professional lives of many working mothers, this might be considered surprising. However, Beth Haddock, director of community development organisation United Way, attributes the findings to the drive and energy of the typical working mother: “You want to get something done, you ask a busy person to get it done.”

The motivations for working mothers to volunteer often stem from their own family concerns. Many say that they volunteer to teach their children to give back to the community, while others do so to ensure that their children grow up in the best community possible.

Sociology professor Katrina Bell McDonald attributes their efforts to more altruistic factors: “There is some continuation in terms of service; mothers often see their roles as serving their husbands and children…When you are giving day in and day out to your own family, sometimes you feel like serving other families; you’re being less selfish.”

Read more about the volunteer efforts of working mothers.

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