It's so important to make giving back to your community a part of your life.
While finding the time isn’t always easy, it really doesn't take a big commitment to make a big impact. Just look for something you, your family, and friends are passionate about, and know that no matter how big or small the effort, giving back touches peoples' lives while creating a positive impact.
Whether it be your time or energy, giving doesn’t just benefit those you’re helping: Research shows that generosity is also beneficial for the health and happiness of the giver, and it can even add years of life!
Need some inspiration to get out there and give back? Check out these six easy ways to give back to the community in a big way — and without ever writing a check!
1. Serve A Meal At A Shelter
Start a new family tradition of service by volunteering to help cook and serve meals at homeless shelters. By volunteering as a family, you and your kids get to spend quality time with each other while giving back.
Your time adds up and will make a difference, as you help get food into the hands of those who need it most.
2. Help Clean Up Your Neighborhood Parks
Keeping your community park clean can make an immediate and lasting impact.
By joining a community cleanup project, volunteers of all ages work together — mowing grass, picking up trash, and hauling away debris — to keep parks and playgrounds clean and beautiful for all to enjoy.
Parks are a crucial part of any community, as they’re great spaces for people to get active. Parks are also perfect for events big and small, including picnics, concerts, and farmers markets, all of which bring people together.
So what are you waiting for?
3. Sing For Seniors
Do you love to sing, or do you participate in a school choir? Playing gigs at retirement homes can provide endless joy for seniors.
If singing programs sound like fun, grab your choir (or just a group of friends) and get singing! Just be sure to gear your music to the era of your audience. Songs from their youth are the perfect fit, especially if you want to encourage the audience to sing along.
4. Hold A Bake Sale
Next time you want to give back, think about hosting a bake sale for your school, religious organization, or favorite charity. Holding a bake sale lets you tap into your community's love of sweet treats while raising money for organizations that are near and dear to you.
Have friends and family bring their favorite baked goodies — from cookies to cakes, fudge brownies, and cupcakes — to make it a community effort. Any way you look at it, bake sales are a win-win fundraiser.
5. Volunteer To Help Elderly Neighbors
Lending a helping hand to senior community members can make a big difference. The smallest, simplest things can make an elderly neighbor's day easier.
Make it a team effort by getting family or roommates to help out. Just make sure to call your neighbor in advance and let them know you're coming over. Offer to rake leaves, shovel the walkway, or do housework.
When you spend time volunteering with seniors, you’ll benefit just as much as they do — and you can learn a lot from them, too!
6. Start Knitting For Those In Need
Knitting and crocheting can be much more than just a hobby. In fact, you can put your skills to good use by knitting for charity.
There are many charities that rely on the generosity of knitters to help them raise funds and awareness. Consider creating a knitting group with other community members to make mittens, hats, and blankets to donate to organizations that help the homeless and the less fortunate.
If you believe it's important to give back to the community, please SHARE this to help inspire your friends and family to volunteer.
