Volunteering not only helps others, but it also brings a sense of accomplishment to all involved. You don’t have to limit our volunteering to large projects, helping a neighbor is just as rewarding. The impact of volunteering is something that is often overlooked in the hassle of everyday life. But, the most important things in life are often the easiest to neglect. Volunteering gives you that satisfaction of knowing you helped out without being asked and contributed without looking for reward. It gives you the chance to feel proud to know that you are doing something for the community.
In the world today, there are many ways to lend a helping hand to places trying to make a difference. Volunteering can open your eyes to not only the opportunities it presents, but also the efforts of many non- profit organizations.
One of the most powerful ways to connect with others and solve social problems is to reach out to one person, commit one act of kindness, offer the best we have to others who need it, and then watch the giving gather steam. Volunteering is an activity where you also can meet many new people and develop fresh ideas for yourself. When you volunteer your time, you usually get more out of it for yourself rather than the actual cause.
Through volunteering, you can accomplish many tasks, and realize that it’s the small things that make all the difference. Every volunteer counts!
How one gives depends in large measure on what one has to offer. An artist with little money might teach shut-ins or others how to paint, for example. If you are disabled yourself but are on a fixed income you may consider checking in at your local AIDS organization for opportunities in helping those who are homebound because of limited physical mobility or without transportation. Many of these people need help with weekly chores such as doing laundry, going to the grocery store or other transport needs. Some would just enjoy the socialization of just having company on a regular basis. Others might enjoy just going to a local park, maybe a simple walk with someone who has a good ear that just listens, or help doing a small hobby project at their home.
If you are not the type of person who wants to socialize with another on a one on one basis think about becoming involved in your local food and clothing pantry. Even if it’s just an hour or two a week stocking shelves, bagging groceries, working at the front counter or even answering the telephone - ANYTHING HELPS!
If you cannot contribute money or food, consider volunteering for the local Meals On Wheels or local HIV food delivery service provider. The fluctuating costs of gasoline and economic crises has forced many of its delivery volunteers to cut back their help since many of these volunteers themselves are retired and on fixed incomes. These organizations need help delivering meals and can always use help in their facilities and food banks. If you are more comfortable volunteering with others who are affected by HIV check with your local AIDS service provider or United Way and find out who does what.
Homeless people DO NOT always go to the local Salvation Army for meals and other immediate personal needs in major metro areas. There are many reasons most homeless people don’t go to the local Salvation Army. Some may be sleeping/camping in an area they feel is safer than where the local “Sally’s” is located. The areas outside some local Salvation Army kitchens and shelters tend to be populated with drug users and those homeless people who victimized other homeless people.
For the homeless there are many small organizations in major metro areas that deliver prepared food, clothing and personal items to our growing homeless population. Most organizations that do this are usually out of the larger churches. Many Episcopal, Catholic, and Unitarian/Unity churches have vans that go to parks, libraries, bridges, lakes, freeway overpasses, and other known and not so well known areas where many homeless people can be found. Some of these churches also operate soup kitchens, pantries, and temporary sleeping shelters during bad weather. A few offer many other social services for both the homeless and those who are not homeless. Your local AIDS service provider almost always can tell you about others who also need volunteers.
Each community has its own unique needs. Look around yours to see where you can reach out, connect with someone, and make a difference in someone's life, including your own.
For more about MEALS ON WHEELS please visit their national website where you can find your local Meals On Wheels organization.
I think most people only give or volunteer just around the holidays. It's important to do something throughout the year since hunger happens daily. It's also getting worse these days with the foreclosures happening. There are people living in their cars. Then they can't make the car payment and guess where they have to sleep.
When Rex and I get those junk food cravings we usually buy a gift card in a small amount each time we eat out. We keep them in our wallets. When we see someone who obviously is homeless we give that person a gift card. Beats some of the food they get at those soup kitchens.
It's also a good way to give that person hope. Picks their spirit up!
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