Some of the best experiences you can take part in for yourself aren’t about you at all, they’re about other people. Few feelings compare to the joy of giving back to the community and those around you. Volunteering can put the world into perspective, benefit those who need it the most, boost your resume and have a positive impact on your life.
It may seem like there aren’t very many options in your town where you can have an opportunity to give back, but these few suggestions are likely to inspire you and give you ideas of how to benefit your community and fellow human beings.
Food Pantry: With the holiday season quickly approaching, places like food banks are going to need more help and supplies. Start your own food donation drive at school or work to help give back. Have your fellow peers or co-workers bring in non-perishable foods such as canned goods, pop-tarts and pastas to collect. Also, give your local food bank a call and see if you can come in to sort foods and help out. Having even the smallest part in helping a family have a meal to eat will make you feel good and have a direct and amazing affect on someone else’s life. If your town has a soup kitchen, volunteering to serve the food or cleanup can be an option as well.
Nursing/Retirement Homes: Taking care of and paying attention to the older generations in our communities is vital. By simply going down to your local nursing or retirement home to visit with some of the residents can have an enormous impact on their lives. They may feel lonely and might even be away from their families.
Lending an ear to listen make all the difference in their day or even week. Play a game or cards, watch TV or read a book to them can make all the difference. Giving a small part of your day can make all the difference in theirs.Mentoring Programs: Being a mentor to someone who is younger can help mold them into a better individual and put them on the right track to future success. Connect with the elementary, middle and high schools in your area and see about any after school programs you can help out with. Helping students with their homework, playing an after school game or being there to be a positive role model can have a bigger impact than you think. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is an amazing resource for connecting you with a young individual in your area to mentor.
Adult Services: Several towns have centers for the mentally handicapped where you can volunteer your time. These individuals deserve love and support just as much as any other group. By connecting with these organizations, you will have the opportunity to have the world put into perspective for you and open your eyes to how kind other human beings can be. Easter Seals is an organization that works with the mentally disabled, both young and old. Simple acts of kindness for these individuals can make all the difference.
Other resources for finding volunteer options in your community:
http://www.createthegood.org | www.volunteermatch.org | www.createthegood.org
Helping those around us is one of the most crucial parts of living our lives. What good can a life be if it doesn’t impact others in a positive way? Reach out to those around you, even if it is in the smallest way. You never know what kind of impact you can make or what kind of a help you can be. Treat this upcoming holiday season as a chance to give back and make a difference.
(Feature Photo via We Heart It)