Everyday there is someone out there who needs help. Whether it's simply a little bit of tutoring, working a birthday party, or even getting involved in an organization, there is always something out there to do. This Summer I got involved in working at a camp from 7:45am to 4:00pm (5 days a week and no pay), and not only did I rack up multiple service hours, I also enjoyed it! This brings me to the topic of this post: ways to get involved in your community.
Below you will find different and creative ways to help out in your community and enjoy it too. Here they are:
1. Check out opportunities at your local recreation center. There you may find fun things such as city flash mobs or even teaching art to younger children each week.
2. Search online for some elderly homes in your area and give someone who has no one left company for a day or two a week.
3. Usually, libraries within different counties have ways for students to volunteer to put books away and to even tutor younger children who are struggling in school.
4. When Summer time comes around there are always many opportunities to volunteer at a camp that needs people to watch the kids. There you may find people who need you babysit or work at their child's birthday party.
5. Join charity clubs in your school that help fund things such as wells in Africa or even the Ronald McDonald House.
6. If you have a day off at your school, offer to become a teacher's helper by grading papers or even by keeping the kids occupied for awhile.
7. There are always places that have become run down due to funding issues. Try to get a group of people together to work and landscape a place for a day to get the place back in check (My mom's company did this at the Haven and I helping by flooring a room and by mulching the front garden).
8. Many non-profit organizations are out there that want to help people with medical or life problems. Check out websites for foundations like Relay for Life or March of Dimes to see what you can do to help.
9. Animal shelters in your area may need help walking, feeding, or even playing with the dogs and cats on a daily basis. Give them a call or even gather up a donation to be dropped off. Maybe you could even adopt an animal!
These are only a few ways to get involved in your community and there are thousands of ideas that you could play out. Not only does it help the people that you are working with, but it gives you a feeling of fulfillment. Additionally, your hours will give you more to put on a college resume!
Next week I plan on giving you tips on organization. If you struggle to keep up with where you've placed something, fret no more and come back to my blog next week to be relieved of your problems!
Have a fabulous weekend,
Charlie
