| One of the best ways to relieve yourself from | | | | ministry, missions ministry, prison ministry, music |
| the stresses in life is by giving to others. When | | | | ministry, just to name a few. Check with your |
| you help others it takes the focus off of you and | | | | local church to see where you can be of the |
| your problems and shifts the focus to the needs | | | | most help. |
| of others. Helping others brings about change in | | | | 5.Local Food Bank- |
| the community and a peace to you and someone | | | | This is a wonderful charity where you can help |
| in need. Below are 10 ways to volunteer and give | | | | those in your community get the food they need. |
| the gift of yourself to others: | | | | All it takes is a phone call to your local food bank |
| 1.Walkathons- | | | | to get started. |
| Walkathons are charity walks. The only thing | | | | 6.Homeless Shelter- |
| required is desire, determination and some good | | | | Help those who need shelter to get the food and |
| walking shoes. To participate contact the charity | | | | shelter they need. Think of the difference you will |
| of your choice who is hosting the walk to register. | | | | make to those in your community by devoting a |
| Once you register you will be asked to get | | | | couple of hours a week of your time to this |
| sponsors to donate money on behalf of you | | | | charity. |
| walking. Sponsors can be anyone- your family | | | | 7.Girls and Boy Scouts of America- |
| members, co-workers, church members, local | | | | What a fun charity. Responsible and patient |
| businesses etc. Donations can be anywhere from | | | | volunteers are always appreciated. It requires only |
| $1.00 to as much as your sponsor is willing to | | | | a few hours of your time a week meeting with |
| donate. | | | | the children. You would play games, participate in |
| 2.Local Nursing Home- | | | | badge earning activities, go on local outings and |
| Many residents of nursing homes don't have | | | | more. Check with your local Boys Scouts or Girls |
| anyone to visit them and would love a visit from | | | | Scouts office to find out about the volunteer |
| a warm and friendly person. It would only require | | | | opportunities in your area. |
| an hour or two of your time a week and it would | | | | 8.Domestic Violence Centers- |
| really make a difference to an elderly resident | | | | There is a great need in our country to protect |
| who does not have family or someone to look | | | | those suffering from physical abuse. Volunteer |
| after them. Check with you local nursing home to | | | | opportunities are available in the shelters and to |
| find out how to volunteer at their center. | | | | answer domestic violence hotlines. Contact your |
| 3.Boys and Girls Club- | | | | local shelter today to find out how you can help. |
| Many of the youth today are in need of activities | | | | 9.Rape Crisis Center- |
| to keep them out of trouble and someone to | | | | Rape is a serious crime and rape victims need all |
| guide them so that they stay grounded and out | | | | the help and support that they can get to |
| of harms way. Your local boys and girls club does | | | | recover from this form of abuse. Volunteers are |
| just that by providing sports and fun activities for | | | | needed to work in local crisis centers and on crisis |
| children in the area. The club is always in need of | | | | hotlines. There may be special training that is |
| responsible, patient adults who are willing to help. | | | | needed for this type of charity due to the |
| Check your local yellow pages to find the center | | | | circumstances of the service. Check with your |
| near you and give them a call to find out how to | | | | local rape crisis center to find out how you can |
| volunteer. | | | | help. |
| 4.Local Church Ministries- | | | | 10.Pet Shelters- |
| The church is a place where people can go to find | | | | Pets need love too! There are many pet shelters |
| help in a variety of areas. Put your spiritual gifts | | | | that are in need of volunteers to care for sick |
| to good use at your local church by joining a | | | | and homeless pets and to help them to find good |
| church ministry. There are many areas that you | | | | homes. If you love pets and enjoy working with |
| can be of help in- youth ministry, usher board | | | | them this is a great charity for you. |