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Whether you want to make a small difference in the world, give back to your local community or simply put a smile on somebody’s face, community service is a wonderful way to have a lasting impact on many different groups of people: children, senior citizens, people with disabilities, even animals or the environment. If you want to help, and are still looking for where to get started - here are five of the best ideas to truly make a difference.
1. VOLUNTEER AT A FOOD BANK
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Millions of people in the United States go hungry everyday and rely on food banks to supplement their daily meals. Since many food banks survive on donations they don’t have a large budget for staff, and that’s where you come in. Volunteers usually help out with a variety of tasks, such as preparing and cooking food, serving food, and cleaning the facilities after meals. If you are in the US, you can find a food bank in your neighborhood on www.feedingamerica.org
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2. VOLUNTEER IN AN ANIMAL SHELTER
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Do you love animals and want to play with cute dogs and cats while making a difference? Each year, thousands of pets left without homes for various reasons and taken in by animal shelters. Most shelters are always on the lookout for volunteers, so there will always be something to do for you. Get in touch with your local animal shelter to find out what you can do to help out.
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3. TEACH COMPUTER SKILLS TO THE ELDERLY
While even young children know how to work a computer or a smartphone nowadays, this can still be a struggle for elderly people. Many are eager to learn, but don’t have anyone to teach them. So why not spend a few hours a week at your local nursing home giving personalized computer courses to the residents. Apart from teaching some valuable skills, you will also come in touch with some amazing people who have led rich lives.
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4. BEAUTIFY YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
From organizing a trash-pick-up-day to planting a community garden (with the proper municipal permissions, of course) there are many things you can do to make your neighborhood a more pleasant place. You can tackle this project alone, or draft your friends and neighbors to join in and make this into an enjoyable bonding experience for the entire block.
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5. TUTOR CHILDREN
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If you excel in a particular subject, you can share that knowledge with local children who are struggling. Volunteer your services online or let the nearby school know that you are available to students in need. Many cities also establish learning groups to help recently landed immigrant youth make a smooth transition into, what for many, is a strange new culture.
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