Food Lion
Give back to the community. Give back to yourself.
According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, volunteers are:
- More likely to live longer
- More likely to have a healthy heart
- Better able to cope with serious health issues
- Less prone to depression and more inclined to feel a greater sense of purpose - especially for seniors
The good news doesn't stop there. Community gardening, for example, can help participants reduce stress, increase exercise and eat more nutritious diets. And student service learning - learning through community volunteering - has shown to increase students' social confidence and personal skills, among other benefits.
Getting In The Game
Volunteering is not only good for your health, it can be good for your résumé, your confidence and your social circle. So how should you best devote your time and talents?
Ways To Volunteer Across The Board
Donate your know-how. Help draft a legal document, play a musical instrument, design a Web site, build a playhouse. No matter what you do for a living or a hobby, organizations would happily benefit from your expertise.
Organize an event such as a walk, drive or party for a cause and collect items or pledges. Or simply turn an event you have already planned into a charitable endeavor, such as asking for donations in lieu of presents at a birthday party.
Not Sure Where To Start?
- Contact your place of worship, or other faith-based organizations
- Check where you work - most companies are involved in community service
- Go online - there are many online volunteer resources that match volunteers with jobs
You can find everything from opportunities in your area to virtual opportunities that enable you to help from afar - nationally or even internationally.
