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New Years Resolution - Community Service

There are many benefits to participating in community service and community give back projects. You are helping others by making someone’s life better. You are exhibiting compassion and setting a foundation as a role model for others. You may make new friends or learn a new skill. There are numerous benefits to volunteering. Unfortunately, many people do not volunteer because they don’t think they have the time or believe small acts of kindness “are just not enough”. Some think that it will be expensive. Or, maybe they just don’t know where to start.

If you have decided that giving back to your community is the New Year’s resolution for you, here is a list of 10 suggestions to get you started:

  • Host a drive: Find an agency you would like to work with. National examples include, but are not limited to, Goodwill and the United Way. Contact your local chapter to find out their needs. Needs may change depending on the time of year. Pick the item, set a collection date and make it happen.

  • Donate Blood

  • Be a tutor: You’re smarter than you give yourself credit.

  • Do you play an instrument or sing? Many senior care facilities have activity programs looking for creative people to bring light to their community.

  • Visit your local library and be a volunteer reader.

  • Ring the bell at a Salvation Army kettle

  • Volunteer with your local running organization. Every walk / race would not happen if it wasn’t for the many people involved. And don’t think you have to be an athlete to be helpful.

  • If you are an athlete, Relay for Life, Bike for MS, Race for a Cure and many other organizations need help raising money and promoting the charitable work.

  • Special Olympics – check it out.

  • Looking for something more specific? Check out VolunteerMatch.org, Idealist.org and Hands on Network. Type in your location and interest and let the opportunities come to you.

If you want to ensure that you continue your resolution for all the year, pick one item off this list to do each month. Another idea is to create a “Giving Club”. Like a monthly book club, but your focus is community service. Be creative. Make it enjoyable. When you are passionate and caring, it will shine through to those you are service. By helping other, you will be amazed at the empowerment felt within yourself.

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