Sheldon’s Corner: Sheldon Challenges YOU: Give back this month (donate food, clothes or your time)
Is is so easy to take for granted the things we have, the people in our lives, the food we eat, and even the clothes on our back. In a time where poverty is at an all time high and food, shelter, and clothes are in high demand…now is a great opportunity for all of us to give back.
Giving back always seems like a later thing, rather than a now thing. You don’t have the money this month, and you don’t have the time this weekend, and you couldn’t make that big of a difference on your own, right?
Not so fast. Making a positive impact in your community can be easy, and even fun, when you expand your ideas about how you can help. You don’t need a heap of money, a crew of fellow volunteers or boatloads of time to make a difference. Simply by using the skills you already have, and sharing them with others, you can come up with all sorts of creative ways to help someone in your community have a better day. Here are 10 Fun and Easy ways to give back:
Make New Friends At The Shelter: Animal shelters are almost always looking for extra help, and volunteering has never been so cute.
Organize A Clothing Sale: We all have extra cloths in our closet we never ware. Ask locals to donate new or gently used clothing and accessories, and re-label them for reasonable re-sale prices, then donate all the proceeds from the sale to a local charity.
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.
Share Your Pet: People love pets no matter where you go! Your pet makes you smile, so maybe he can make someone else smile too! Consider bringing your pet to a local senior center, veteran’s club or hospital to bring some joy to the residents.
Get Your Arts and Crafts On A Local Theater: If you’re the artsy type, then you may be able to find volunteer work you’ll enjoy at a community theater or school. Tell them your artsy specialty and ask if they’ve got any sets that need painting, costumes that need sewing or props that need building.
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.
Double Your Dessert: 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.
Visit Local Seniors: 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.
Boost Careers As A Resume Editor: Got a way with words or a sharp eye for detail? Consider helping your fellow residents with their careers by volunteering as a resume editor. See if local high schools, transitional houses, shelters or veteran assistance programs might be interested in having you come in and offer a workshop.
Search 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!