1. Make New Friends At The Pet Shelter: Animal shelters are almost always looking for extra help, and volunteering has never been so cute. While there might be some unglamorous tasks, on occasion, you'll also get to spend some quality time with some really loving, adorable animals, and nothing beats that!
2. Organize A Clothing Sale : If you've got a flair for fashion, consider organizing a clothing sale. Ask locals to donate new or gently used clothing and accessories, and re-label them for reasonable re-sale prices. Donate all the proceeds from the sale to a local charity—like a soup kitchen or animal shelter—then donate any of the remaining un-purchased clothes to a local shelter
3. Paint A Mural : If you've got an eye for design and a steady hand (or hey, even if you don't!) consider organizing a mural painting somewhere in town. There's bound to be a blank wall that could use some TLC somewhere along your daily route. Gather a few friends, approach the owner with your idea, and see about making a masterpiece that everyone can enjoy!
4. Go Green At The Community Garden : Got a green thumb? Considering taking up a plot at the community garden or volunteering to help maintain the unclaimed or common areas. No community garden in your town? Gather your fellow greenies and get one started!
5. Share Your Skills : There are lots of places looking for volunteers to help with activities for kids—schools, after school care programs, day care centers, camps, church groups, the YMCA, mentorship programs and more. Even if you don't think you're particularly talented, you may be able to help a child (or several!) learn to paint a picture, ride a bike, make a free throw, fold origami, jump rope, grow a plant, braid hair and more. It just takes a phone call and a little patience.
6. Have A Bake Sale : Next time you're baking for a family or work event, consider doubling your batch and bringing the extras to a local police station, veteran club, senior home or soup kitchen. You're already baking your specialty, and there are plenty of places that will appreciate your skills!
7. Share Your Smarts : We've all got something we're good at, and if you're lucky enough to be good at long division or skilled in Spanish conjugations, consider sharing your smarts with local students. Many schools and after school programs would be happy to take on a volunteer to help students improve.
8. Visit Local Senior Homes : Senior Centers will almost always take volunteers, and sometimes you don't have to do anything other than say hello and listen to some pretty cool stories. But you can also read, play cards, dance, run an art class, give residents manicures... whatever!
9. Head to The Web : Looking for some other way to give back in your community? Head to VolunteerMatch.org to find opportunities closest to you. You might be surprised how many ways there are to give back right in your neighborhood!
No comments:
Post a Comment