With the holiday season fast approaching, thoughts of giving start to creep into peoples minds. Often these thoughts are daunting and cause anxiety. People worry how they will pay for gifts and what gifts to buy whom. Giving shouldn't feel like a burden or an obligation, nor should it occur only once a year. To alleviate these unwanted feelings, why not give to those truly in need the things they truly need? The act of giving will take on a new meaning and feeling. Imagine how good you would feel if you did it year round. Here are some easy ways to give to those in need…
FOOD DRIVE
Did you know (according to Feeding America Stats)
that EACH WEEK 5.7 million people receive emergency
food from a food assistance agency? Local food banks,
food drives, community programs are everywhere-
especially during the holidays- and it couldn't be easier
to participate and donate to. Find a local food drive in
your community or visit Feeding America for ways to get
involved to fight hunger in the U.S. Or teach your children the
virtue of giving by helping them organize a food drive at their
school or community center.
VOLUNTEER
Volunteer at the hospital -
Help is always needed at the hospital, and the tasks that you will be asked to do can vary greatly. You may sit at a reception desk and greet people, or you may be asked to deliver flowers to patient rooms. Every hospital is different, but they all welcome volunteers.
Volunteer at the soup kitchen -
There are several ways to volunteer in your community through the local soup kitchen. You can either donate food items, pick up donated food, serve food, prepare food, or even offer administrative assistance.
Volunteer as a mentor - Many young people lack sufficient positive male or female
influences in their lives. Organizations like Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and the Boys and Girls Club often have opportunites to mentor. You will have to undergo a background check.
Volunteer to deliver meals -
Most communities sponsor a "Meals on Wheels" service, which is where volunteers are needed to deliver meals to the elderly. If you're interested in learning how to volunteer in your community, this is a very rewarding way to help. Not only do you deliver a hot meal, but you are offering the warmth of companionship to elderly people that are sometimes very lonely individuals.
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