How to Get Involved In Your Community

There is always some place or person that needs a little extra help. If you find some extra time in your schedule think about volunteering around where you live.

Things You'll Need

• In most cities you have the Good Will, YMCA and a food bank. Beyond those there are beach clean-ups, community gardens and after school programs. Here are some specific areas of service you could len

Instructions

1. 

   The Red Cross, Salvation Army, Good Will, and Veteran hospitals always need donates. You can donate blood or your time at the Red Cross. Veteran homes and hospitals need volunteers to visit with the veterans especially around the holidays. All of these places accept donations of clothes, blankets, and everyday items. Clean out those closets and garages of all those things you haven't used in a year.

2. Food pantries and soup kitchens constantly need workers to stock the shelves. They need friendly servers to serve at their dinners. And if you do not have a lot of time, consider when you go grocery shopping picking up a couple of extra cans and dropping them off once a week.

3. 

   If you like being outdoors and cleaning up the environment just visit park and recreation centers to find organized nature walks or gardening events. If you live by a beach, Heal the Bay is a great organization to get involved with and you get to spend the day at the beach!

4. You can not forget those cute children and furry animals. Visit you local animal shelter to volunteer playing or cleaning up the cats and dogs. There are many after school programs ranging for drama to athletic events that would appreciate your time.

Tips & Warnings

• One place to start looking for opportunities is the Rotary Club and Sierra Club.

• Be willing to do some hard work while keeping a positive attitude.