How to Help Others During the Holidays

I used to be a member of the Jaycees (Junior Chamber of Commerce) which is a group of young people between the ages of 18 and 41. This group gives young people the tools they need to build the bridges of success for themselves in the areas of business development, management skills, individual training, community service, and international connections.

With the focus of the nation on volunteerism, from the smallest towns to the largest cities, the Jaycees are enlarging areas of opportunity for young people. To learn more about getting involved with this unique organization contact the National Service Center at: 1.800.JAYCEES.

Times are really tough right now for most people.  Here are some ways that you can help out your community.

1. Donate Food - Most schools, churches and stores are having food drives right now.  I know that the economy is hard.  I know that money is tight for most of us.  But even I can donate one can of food to a food drive.  Even that will give you a holiday thrill.
2. Donate Your Time - Help out in a homeless shelter, hospitals, food pantry, school, etc.  Join a group like Jaycees that volunteers so that you can find all those places that need help.
3. Clean Out Your Closets and Donate What You Don't Need - I have tons of stuff in my closets that I don't touch.  You can donate it to Salvation Army, churches, schools, and so many other places.  They are always looking for household items, clothing, toys, and various other things.
4. Shovel your older neighbor’s driveway and sidewalks – Bring a smile to your community senior citizens by shoveling their sidewalks and driveways.  Most of them are living on a fixed budget.  They can’t afford to pay someone.  The simple act of you doing this may allow them to get out of the house.  It can be hard for them to walk around it.
5. Donate furniture – Do you have an old table, lamp, couch that you don’t use?  Donate it to your local Amvets.
6. Make a food basket and leave it on the steps of someone’s door – This is an old favorite of mine.  You make a food basket and leave it on someone’s steps that you know is going through a hard time.

When you give of yourself and your time, you give so much back to the community and at the same time receive so much reward for your volunteer work. Give it a try it is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a happy, warm feeling in your heart!