Get Involved in Volunteer Work!

If you have ever done any volunteer work before, you know how rewarding it can be. There are generally a number of nonprofit organizations in our communities that depend heavily upon the generosity, time, and energy of willing volunteers. A volunteer is someone who serves not because he or she has to or is paid to, but simply because he or she wants to!

What opportunities are there in your own community to give of yourself as a volunteer? Perhaps there is a local soup kitchen, a homeless shelter, or a Meals-on-Wheels program for the elderly. How about a Boys and Girls Club, a youth residential treatment center, or a tutoring program where you could offer your know-how, resources, and energy? What about volunteering through the public school system as a tutor, the Child and Family Court system as a mentor or child advocate, or at a local nursing home? Habitat for Humanity is yet another wonderful program to get involved and provide adequate housing for those who need it.

Relay for Life (for the American Cancer Society) and Light the Night (for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) are also wonderful ways to raise important funding for cancer research. Sometimes churches provide weekly Mothers Day Out programs to give overworked and frazzled moms of little ones a much-needed break to get some time to themselves either to rest, go to the beauty parlor, or catch up on some chores without distraction.

What opportunities exist in your community where you can make a real positive impact? If you take a moment to think about it and explore the possibilities, you won’t have to look too far. Opportunities to serve in the community abound everywhere.

While working at these places and giving of your valuable time, you will be afforded many opportunities to show God’s love by providing people with services they could not obtain themselves. Moreover, working with persons who are in need has a way of opening Christians’ eyes to some of the hidden problems that exist in our society. So what are you waiting for? Go head and get involved, and make a difference! Show Christ’s heart of compassion by volunteering!