Life is stressful, and it’s sometimes hard to remember that there’s always someone who has it worse than we do. We can make a difference by finding ways to give back to the community. Here are twelve ideas.
1. Donate
Charitable organizations are always in need of money and supplies, which makes this a good way for people with busy schedules to participate. If you have a free weekend, summer is a popular time to host a garage sale. Consider donating half the proceeds to a charity.
2. Get involved with schools
Participate as a teacher’s assistant in a classroom or get involved in an after-school program. These programs help students with their academics and encourage them to maintain a safe and healthy lifestyle.
3. Participate in a charity race
Athletic people have a chance to give back while engaging in an activity they love. Runs and walks across the nation raise money for research and other causes.
4. Join a service organization
There are dozens of service-based organizations across the country. They range from religion-based to secular and focus on many different kinds of service. There’s bound to be a good fit for any philanthropic person. If not, you can establish your own organization and get other people involved!
5. Pick up litter
Keeping public spaces clean improves the quality of life for everyone in the community. It makes those places safer and more welcoming.
6. Spend time at an animal shelter
Love animals? Consider volunteering at a local shelter.
7. Craft a blanket or pillow case for charity
There are multiple organizations that facilitate the donation of handmade pillows, pillow cases, blankets, and other crafts for people in need.
8. Help out at a food drive or soup kitchen
Every year, food banks ask the community for donations of food to distribute to those in need. Take it a bit further by offering to help in person.
9. Recruit your children as helpers
Training children to give back to the community is one of the best things a parent can do. It demonstrates responsibility and kindness and is a fun activity for a family to do together.
10. Volunteer at a home for abandoned children
Abandoned and orphaned children need help more than almost anyone. Children’s homes are in desperate need of volunteers to help them with their vitally important work.
11. Write to a soldier serving overseas
People in our military are suffering from the type of isolation most of us will never know. Ease some of that homesickness by writing to a soldier and expressing our gratitude.
12. Become a foster parent
People with a large quantity of time and patience are in a position to become the most important person in a child’s life. More than 400,000 children in the US are in need of foster parents to play a positive role in their lives during this incredibly difficult time. Get more information on how to help others.