Making A Difference
Let's face it. We're all incredibly busy these days. But, imagine this: if each of us took just an hour each week -- or even an hour each month -- to volunteer for a worthy cause, the social ills and challenges we face (as communities, as a state, and a nation) would be dramatically reduced.
The great thing is, there are so many ways to make a difference ... truly something for everyone!
It's a Win-Win experience ... and you don't have to be rich, brilliant or possess special skills or training. You simply have to care.
Consider these options:
- Be a Hospice volunteer or visit residents in a nursing home -- e.g., read a story, help write a letter, listen to their concerns, provide a supportive ear. Donate school supplies to a teacher, class or school. For many schools and children, the need is great
- Donate needed items to an animal shelter -- so many shelters need such basics, whether things you already the house or inexpensive items you can pick up at the store.
- Mentor a child -- whether one-on-one like as a Big Brother/Sister, or as a school volunteer or helping youth at a community center.
- Help the environment -- e.g., volunteer with an environmental group, conserve resources like water and energy, recylce and compost, plant a community tree on Arbor Day, organize an event like Arbor Day, use solar energy.
- Thank those who keep us safe -- e.g.,send a thank you note to your local fire or police/sherriff stations (or both).
- Be a Red Cross Volunteer -- e.g., whether you can donate time, money or goods.
- Donate blood -- periodically call your local blood bank to see what they need and donate when supplies are low.
These are just a few of the MANY opportunities to help. Share your ideas here on still other ways ... what you say may inspire someone else to action; what you read may do the same for you.
Every step, no matter how large or small, is part of a cumulative effect that does indeed "make a difference".
Three of the simplest, yet most profound words ever written apply here: Just Do It.
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