Giving to other people is one of the most effective ways to change and improve your own life. Through volunteer service, you can use your talents and skills to help solve a local or global problem. Nothing can compare to seeing the direct impact that your work has on filling urgent needs in your neighborhood or making a meaningful difference to someone else. Changing the world can change our own lives as well.
Although most of us lead busy lives, it’s possible to make a contribution in a way that doesn’t require a lot of time and can even reduce stress. Here are a few simple ways that you can make a meaningful impact and also improve your own life:
1. Start Clipping
Not everyone can afford to buy the food they need for their families, and there are ways you can help—even while strolling down the supermarket aisles. If you cut out coupons, be sure to clip the offers that you don’t plan to use in addition to the coupons for products that regularly appear on your grocery list. For example, if you have no need to buy baby formula or diapers, cut out those coupons anyway. Then, when you’re in the grocery store and passing through the baby aisle, place the coupons that you don’t need on the shelves. You never know who will be coming along behind you. You might help a mother on WIC or food stamps save several dollars, which she can use to buy some fresh fruits and vegetables for her family.
2. Give Someone a Job
Unemployment is still soaring, and many people are out of work. If you’re fortunate enough to be employed, look to see if your company is hiring. If so, think about whether or not you know of anyone who would be a good fit for one of the open positions. As a current employee, you can provide a reference for someone, and this can help them land a new job. If they’re hired, an added benefit is that you may receive a referral bonus from your company.
3. Clean Up
If you haven’t worn an item in your closet over the past year, chances are you’ll never wear it again in your life. Go ahead and get rid of that extra baggage. Free yourself from clothes that don’t fit and don’t flatter your body!
Volunteering enables you to form connections with other people and help solve the world problems we face. By making efforts to give to others, even if it’s as simple as cutting coupons, you can make an impact and also improve your own life.
April 30, 2010
April 29, 2010
Red light!
Sometimes things just don’t go the way we want them to. The printer jams, five people call and need you at the same time, you run out of milk. It’s these small things that can somehow add up and get us down.
So how do you handle days like this? A lot of magazines and TV “experts” will tell you to breathe. However, this doesn’t do a thing for me. I’m always breathing—whether I’m calm or not! I’ve found that the best solution for me is to stop. I simply don’t do ‘printer surgery’, ask if I can call people back later, and eat oatmeal instead of cereal. Then I ask myself what I can do to start fixing the situations I’m in. Writing down a short list of things to do gives me a better sense of control of the situation. Then I do each item on the list, in order. There’s no need to worry about all the other problems going on, just focusing on one thing at a time is enough.
Eventually, I use patience make it through the day and am prepared to make the next day better.
So how do you handle days like this? A lot of magazines and TV “experts” will tell you to breathe. However, this doesn’t do a thing for me. I’m always breathing—whether I’m calm or not! I’ve found that the best solution for me is to stop. I simply don’t do ‘printer surgery’, ask if I can call people back later, and eat oatmeal instead of cereal. Then I ask myself what I can do to start fixing the situations I’m in. Writing down a short list of things to do gives me a better sense of control of the situation. Then I do each item on the list, in order. There’s no need to worry about all the other problems going on, just focusing on one thing at a time is enough.
Eventually, I use patience make it through the day and am prepared to make the next day better.
April 28, 2010
Volunteering While Working Full-Time
When you’re working full-time (or more than full-time), it can be difficult to figure out ways you can fit volunteering into your schedule. Here are some ideas:
-Read to a class of nearby elementary school students once a week on your lunch
break. Even in less than an hour, there’s plenty of time to make connections with students and show them that you care.
-Go on a week-long service trip that’s related to your profession. Some companies will consider this training experience. If you’re a doctor, you can go on a medical mission trip. Restaurant workers can volunteer for a week teaching low-income individuals how to cook healthy meals that are affordable with a monthly budget of food stamps. Accountants can audit the financial records of nonprofit organizations.
-Organize a canned food drive, and give prizes to the department that collects the most food.
-Ask employees to bring in old eyeglasses so that these can be donated to people who can’t afford them.
-Pick one day a week to stop by a homeless shelter or food pantry on your way home from work. Spend just half an hour doing whatever they need you to do. This is a great way to give back and unwind after a day spent on the job.
These are just a few of the ways you can make a difference during the week while working full-time. Of course, there are always weekends. But why wait until the week is over to help someone in need?
-Read to a class of nearby elementary school students once a week on your lunch
break. Even in less than an hour, there’s plenty of time to make connections with students and show them that you care.
-Go on a week-long service trip that’s related to your profession. Some companies will consider this training experience. If you’re a doctor, you can go on a medical mission trip. Restaurant workers can volunteer for a week teaching low-income individuals how to cook healthy meals that are affordable with a monthly budget of food stamps. Accountants can audit the financial records of nonprofit organizations.
-Organize a canned food drive, and give prizes to the department that collects the most food.
-Ask employees to bring in old eyeglasses so that these can be donated to people who can’t afford them.
-Pick one day a week to stop by a homeless shelter or food pantry on your way home from work. Spend just half an hour doing whatever they need you to do. This is a great way to give back and unwind after a day spent on the job.
These are just a few of the ways you can make a difference during the week while working full-time. Of course, there are always weekends. But why wait until the week is over to help someone in need?
April 27, 2010
The Value of Your Used Clothing Donation
Did you give away a closet worth of used clothing to Goodwill last year? You can include this on your tax form and get a deduction, which saves you money. You need to keep track of all the items that you donate and get receipts from the nonprofits where you dropped them off. The IRS has special instructions for how to place a value on the items that you give away, so you know exactly how much you can deduct.
Here’s a link to the IRS publication that has information on that:
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p561.pdf
Happy giving
Here’s a link to the IRS publication that has information on that:
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p561.pdf
Happy giving
April 26, 2010
TGIM—Again!
“It makes you feel good, like you’re doing something positive.”
Looking at this quote, you might think that the person who said it had just finished serving soup at a food bank or had helped an elderly woman pick up the groceries she needed for the week. However, this quote has nothing to do with nonprofit service. Howard Fritts, the person who said this to a Washington Post reporter, is a prisoner in the state of Virginia. He had been given the opportunity to work. That’s right, the opportunity to work. And this wasn’t just any work. He was mowing lawns and trimming shrubs on government property. Work is good, an opportunity to serve others and the community. If you have a job, be thankful. This is a wonderful opportunity to do good work.
Looking at this quote, you might think that the person who said it had just finished serving soup at a food bank or had helped an elderly woman pick up the groceries she needed for the week. However, this quote has nothing to do with nonprofit service. Howard Fritts, the person who said this to a Washington Post reporter, is a prisoner in the state of Virginia. He had been given the opportunity to work. That’s right, the opportunity to work. And this wasn’t just any work. He was mowing lawns and trimming shrubs on government property. Work is good, an opportunity to serve others and the community. If you have a job, be thankful. This is a wonderful opportunity to do good work.
April 23, 2010
Living with Laughter
Sometimes I'm just too serious. My sister has always joked that I'm 23 going on 200. That's not a good thing! My 'Serious Syndrome' can sometimes take some of the joy out of life, and I have to remember to keep things light.
For me, it can be a challenge. I dive into new projects and really get into the strategy, quantitative data, and detailed facts. This can all be great, if only you take time to have some fun and always remember to laugh.
Keeping people like my sister around who can remind me when I'm getting too serious is important. They help me stay in balance even when my mind is focused on solving a problem or starting a new initiative. So for me, forget the apple. A laugh a day keeps the doctor away!
For me, it can be a challenge. I dive into new projects and really get into the strategy, quantitative data, and detailed facts. This can all be great, if only you take time to have some fun and always remember to laugh.
Keeping people like my sister around who can remind me when I'm getting too serious is important. They help me stay in balance even when my mind is focused on solving a problem or starting a new initiative. So for me, forget the apple. A laugh a day keeps the doctor away!
April 22, 2010
Earth Day (for people who don't hug trees)
I must confess that I'm not a tree-hugger. I recycle, try not to take showers that are too long, and use some of the more environment friendly light bulbs. That's pretty much the extent of my environmentalism.
However, today, the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, is a good opportunity to consider new ways to be earth-conscious even if you're not working every day to 'save the rainforest'. Here are some easy but impactful things anyone can do:
-Choose one meal a day where you don't eat meat (it can be breakfast)
-When you're grocery shopping, think about the packaging materials that are used to preserve food before you buy them. Buying in bulk can reduce the plastic waste that you throw away
-Try not to buy more food than you'll eat
-Recycle your newspapers
-Don't litter
-Reuse things before throwing them away
However, today, the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, is a good opportunity to consider new ways to be earth-conscious even if you're not working every day to 'save the rainforest'. Here are some easy but impactful things anyone can do:
-Choose one meal a day where you don't eat meat (it can be breakfast)
-When you're grocery shopping, think about the packaging materials that are used to preserve food before you buy them. Buying in bulk can reduce the plastic waste that you throw away
-Try not to buy more food than you'll eat
-Recycle your newspapers
-Don't litter
-Reuse things before throwing them away
April 21, 2010
The Hard Questions
As we all know, life isn’t always easy. There are inevitably tough times that come our way. Usually when this happens, we think about all the big, hard questions surrounding our life—how we’re living, what we should be doing, what’s going to happen in the future, and if the mistakes in the past will be relived. Before getting into a crisis situation, it’s important to stay vigilant about these difficult topics and keep them in mind as we go through daily life.
Living a life that is worthwhile every day is the best method for avoiding sudden life purpose crises in which we don’t know who we are, what we’re doing, where we’re going, and who we love. Reflect on some of these questions to make sure you’re using your life in a way that you’ll find valuable and meaningful whenever you look back at your life’s course:
Am I using my natural talents on a regular basis in my daily life?
What is my first priority in life?
What will happen to me when I die?
How and what am I giving to others?
Is this the way I want to keep living?
How can I change to become a better version of myself?
Living a life that is worthwhile every day is the best method for avoiding sudden life purpose crises in which we don’t know who we are, what we’re doing, where we’re going, and who we love. Reflect on some of these questions to make sure you’re using your life in a way that you’ll find valuable and meaningful whenever you look back at your life’s course:
Am I using my natural talents on a regular basis in my daily life?
What is my first priority in life?
What will happen to me when I die?
How and what am I giving to others?
Is this the way I want to keep living?
How can I change to become a better version of myself?
April 20, 2010
April—National Month of Service
According to Congress, April is the official month dedicated to service. This is a great way to remember the importance of giving to others. There will be numerous special events that celebrate the contributions of volunteers to our communities. We need to remember, of course, that service isn’t just a one-month or one-day event. It’s an everyday spirit and set of actions. Live in a way that gives to others every day, not just in April.
If you’re not already volunteering, this can be an ideal opportunity to test-drive doing service work at a nonprofit. They’d love to have you on board. Or, if you’re already volunteering and want to try something new, there’s no better time to do a volunteer ‘refresh’ and try out a new way to give to others. If you find something you like and that you’re passionate about, you can commit to making a difference all year long.
If you’re not already volunteering, this can be an ideal opportunity to test-drive doing service work at a nonprofit. They’d love to have you on board. Or, if you’re already volunteering and want to try something new, there’s no better time to do a volunteer ‘refresh’ and try out a new way to give to others. If you find something you like and that you’re passionate about, you can commit to making a difference all year long.
April 19, 2010
Giving Someone the Gift of Sight
Every year I go to the eye doctor for my regular eye exam. Each visit inevitably results in a stronger prescription for my glasses and contacts. I spend so much time working at the computer and reading that it’s a wonder I’m not already blind!
I’ve been wearing glasses since I was in the 2nd grade, and the upside of my annual eye appointments is that I get to help someone else be able to see. This helps cushion the realization that my eyes are probably never going to get any better. I’m fortunate to be able to purchase the new glasses that I need, but many other individuals around the world cannot do this. They don’t have access to skilled medical doctors that can examine their eyes. Even if they do, many individuals cannot afford this. The result is that there are people across the globe who are unable to read or even see the faces of their family and friends.
You can make a difference every time you get new glasses by donating your old pairs to nonprofit organizations that help match low-income individuals with used glasses. Even if you don’t purchase your glasses at LensCrafters, many of these stores have bins where you can drop off your unneeded pairs. Lions Clubs also have outreach efforts to do this.
By doing something as simple as giving your old glasses away to people in need, you prove that you don’t have to be a medical doctor to give someone the gift of sight.
I’ve been wearing glasses since I was in the 2nd grade, and the upside of my annual eye appointments is that I get to help someone else be able to see. This helps cushion the realization that my eyes are probably never going to get any better. I’m fortunate to be able to purchase the new glasses that I need, but many other individuals around the world cannot do this. They don’t have access to skilled medical doctors that can examine their eyes. Even if they do, many individuals cannot afford this. The result is that there are people across the globe who are unable to read or even see the faces of their family and friends.
You can make a difference every time you get new glasses by donating your old pairs to nonprofit organizations that help match low-income individuals with used glasses. Even if you don’t purchase your glasses at LensCrafters, many of these stores have bins where you can drop off your unneeded pairs. Lions Clubs also have outreach efforts to do this.
By doing something as simple as giving your old glasses away to people in need, you prove that you don’t have to be a medical doctor to give someone the gift of sight.
April 16, 2010
Thoughts on Karma
A lot of people put faith in Karma, the belief that if you do good things to others, then you will receive good things in return. However, this isn’t always true and should be taken with a grain of salt. We’ve all heard the phrase that bad things happen to good people. The reverse is true as well. Good things happen to people that we deem to be bad. When natural disasters occur, the ‘good’ face devastation as well as the ‘bad’. Cancer and terminal illnesses strike ‘good’ people and cause them to die too young. There are ‘bad people’ that achieve worldly success. So the principle of Karma should not be taken seriously.
We should do good deeds and be kind to others because they are good. There is a right and wrong, and treating others with respect and kindness is right. Regardless of the effect that these actions have on our lives, we should do them because they’re right. Fortunately, serving and giving to others can have very positive impacts on us. In fact, living a generous life and striving to be good to others can be life-changing. This is selfless service. It’s doing good because it’s the right thing to do, not because it will make our lives perfect.
“Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get—only what you are expecting to give—which is everything. What you will receive in return varies. But it really has no connection with what you give. You give because you love and cannot help giving.”
-Katherine Hepburn
We should do good deeds and be kind to others because they are good. There is a right and wrong, and treating others with respect and kindness is right. Regardless of the effect that these actions have on our lives, we should do them because they’re right. Fortunately, serving and giving to others can have very positive impacts on us. In fact, living a generous life and striving to be good to others can be life-changing. This is selfless service. It’s doing good because it’s the right thing to do, not because it will make our lives perfect.
“Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get—only what you are expecting to give—which is everything. What you will receive in return varies. But it really has no connection with what you give. You give because you love and cannot help giving.”
-Katherine Hepburn
April 15, 2010
National Problems, Local Solutions
One of the best features of the American political system is that it is based on multiple levels government: local, state, and federal. Because of this, good ideas in a small local community can be shared with other communities across the country. It’s true that if a community clinic works in Jacksonville, Florida it might not be a good fit for a rural farm community in the farmlands of South Dakota. However, many of the successful principles of the success stories can be shared and adapted so that as many people as possible benefit.
The bottom line is to not discount your efforts just because they are local. Your local greatness can be shared with other people across the country. By taking service seriously and building upon each other’s successes, we can solve our national problems.
"There is no problem in America that is not being solved somewhere."
- President George H.W. Bush
The bottom line is to not discount your efforts just because they are local. Your local greatness can be shared with other people across the country. By taking service seriously and building upon each other’s successes, we can solve our national problems.
"There is no problem in America that is not being solved somewhere."
- President George H.W. Bush
April 14, 2010
Ever Wonder?
Ever wonder how many worker bees it takes to make one jar of honey? Or how about the reason why we need to sleep for a third or our lives? Have you ever thought about how spiders create their webs?
So often, we forget about the wondrous natural world that surrounds us. Wrapped up in spread sheets, data analysis, research reports, and performance reviews, it’s easy to ignore the splendor that surrounds us every day. Take a few moments to think about this and appreciate the miraculous life forms and natural phenomena that inhabit our lives. What do you wonder about?
So often, we forget about the wondrous natural world that surrounds us. Wrapped up in spread sheets, data analysis, research reports, and performance reviews, it’s easy to ignore the splendor that surrounds us every day. Take a few moments to think about this and appreciate the miraculous life forms and natural phenomena that inhabit our lives. What do you wonder about?
April 13, 2010
I think I can, I think I can…
Ever have those days where you wake up tired and need an extra energy boost to get started on your day? That’s natural for anyone. Sometimes we just get worn out and need to take a break. The challenge comes when we already have meetings, parties, work, errands, and other things planned and can’t change those.
I usually find that the best way to approach these days is by giving myself what I call a little ‘extra cushion’. If I exercise, I take it easy. No 7% inclines on the treadmill for me! I read a mindless magazine before work for a few minutes. When I’m working I try to remember to give myself a brief break to stretch every few hours.
By doing this, you can still do good work while allowing your body to recover. Listen to yourself. It’ll do your body good. You can have a productive day and seize be ready to seize tomorrow.
I usually find that the best way to approach these days is by giving myself what I call a little ‘extra cushion’. If I exercise, I take it easy. No 7% inclines on the treadmill for me! I read a mindless magazine before work for a few minutes. When I’m working I try to remember to give myself a brief break to stretch every few hours.
By doing this, you can still do good work while allowing your body to recover. Listen to yourself. It’ll do your body good. You can have a productive day and seize be ready to seize tomorrow.
April 12, 2010
TGIM?
TGIM…
Thank goodness it’s Monday! If you’re fortunate enough to have a job, Monday shouldn’t be thing to dread. Even if you’re not working in your ‘dream job’, you have something very important to be thankful for. Choose to make this a great Monday. It’s essential to remember that Mondays account for 14% of your life, so it’s important to use your time wisely and not to discount these days just because you’re no longer on a weekend schedule.
Here’s something to consider: What can you do to make a difference today? Yes, even though it’s a Monday and your mind might be a little less sharp than usual, you can still have an impact. What are you going to do to make this a “meaningful Monday”?
Thank goodness it’s Monday! If you’re fortunate enough to have a job, Monday shouldn’t be thing to dread. Even if you’re not working in your ‘dream job’, you have something very important to be thankful for. Choose to make this a great Monday. It’s essential to remember that Mondays account for 14% of your life, so it’s important to use your time wisely and not to discount these days just because you’re no longer on a weekend schedule.
Here’s something to consider: What can you do to make a difference today? Yes, even though it’s a Monday and your mind might be a little less sharp than usual, you can still have an impact. What are you going to do to make this a “meaningful Monday”?
April 9, 2010
TGIF!!!
TGIF…
Thank Goodness it’s Friday! I hear this all the time from people. It’s meant as a celebration of the weekend, but it really alludes to something else. Many of Americans don’t like their jobs. They feel like their work isn’t worthwhile, and their ‘true lives’ begin on Friday night and end on Monday morning.
But is this really the right way to live? If you think about it, if you’re only living for the weekends, you’re only truly living 29% of the time. So if you live to be 100 years old, only 29 years of your life are going to be worthwhile and 71 years will be lived in vain. 71 years is a long time.
The solution isn’t to stop working! Work is important because it allows us to meet our fundamental needs and improve the world that we live in. This is true for both nonprofit and for-profit work. So be thankful that today’s Friday, but recognize that today is an opportunity to do great things. You don’t have to wait until 5pm to live.
Have a great Friday!
Thank Goodness it’s Friday! I hear this all the time from people. It’s meant as a celebration of the weekend, but it really alludes to something else. Many of Americans don’t like their jobs. They feel like their work isn’t worthwhile, and their ‘true lives’ begin on Friday night and end on Monday morning.
But is this really the right way to live? If you think about it, if you’re only living for the weekends, you’re only truly living 29% of the time. So if you live to be 100 years old, only 29 years of your life are going to be worthwhile and 71 years will be lived in vain. 71 years is a long time.
The solution isn’t to stop working! Work is important because it allows us to meet our fundamental needs and improve the world that we live in. This is true for both nonprofit and for-profit work. So be thankful that today’s Friday, but recognize that today is an opportunity to do great things. You don’t have to wait until 5pm to live.
Have a great Friday!
April 8, 2010
Greatness in Small Things
One reason why many of us don’t give donations or time to good causes is because we think what we have to give is too small. We rationalize and say that we’ll donate when we make $X a year or when we retire or when we’re at a more stable point in life. But if you’re not able to take care of the small things in your life, why would you be able to do ‘big’ things that we dream about? Give what you can, even if it’s a few dollars a week. Serve when you can, even if it’s only an hour each month. Then you’ll be ready for the bigger, better, and brighter times ahead.
April 7, 2010
Giving from the Garden
Have a green thumb? You have a great opportunity to bring joy to others by sharing your garden’s spring bounty with others. Flowers can brighten anyone’s day, and this is a free way to make a difference. Here are some people to whom you can give your blooms:
Elderly individuals
Your secretary at work
People who are sick
Women who have recently given birth
Your roommate
A stranger
Elderly individuals
Your secretary at work
People who are sick
Women who have recently given birth
Your roommate
A stranger
April 6, 2010
Guilt in the City
Whenever I’m in downtown DC I feel guilty when I’m approached by a person begging for money. I never give because I never know where my dollars and change will go. Is this wrong to refuse to give? I don’t think so. I keep food in my car so that I can give something to help the person without gambling on whether or not the homeless person will use the money I give to meet his/her needs. Is this an ideal solution? No. I’d venture to say that’s it’s not even a solution. However, it’s the best way to give in a difficult situation.
April 5, 2010
We are Blessed
Living in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, it’s surprising how easy it is to forget how blessed we are. Here are some fundamental things to be thankful for:
Clean water to drink
Free public education
Family members
A bed
Clothes
Healthcare and modern medicine
Religious freedom
How are you blessed?
Clean water to drink
Free public education
Family members
A bed
Clothes
Healthcare and modern medicine
Religious freedom
How are you blessed?
April 2, 2010
Being a 'Loser'
All of us want to win. Winning is usually seen as a validation of all the hard work that we put in to achieving our goals. Striving for excellence and being the best at something that’s important to us can be worthwhile. The personal satisfaction and joy that we gain from winning can affirm that we are using our talents in the best possible way.
The hard part, though, is that we can’t all be winners all the time. Being a loser is a part of life. It’s challenging when we dedicate what we think are our best efforts to something and then don’t get the “gold medals” results in life that we dream about. It’s normal to have these feelings of disappointment and failure. They can cause us to reflect on the true value of our goals and whether or not we’re using our skills and natural gifts in the right ways.
Here are some things to think about to cushion the blow of losing and help you grow from a difficult experience:
When was the last time you were a loser?
How did you handle the feelings of rejection and imperfection?
Even though you weren’t declared a winner, were there other ways that your efforts, practice, and dedication had positive impacts on others?
Is this still a goal worth striving towards?
Are you living the purpose that you want to live in life by working towards this goal?
The hard part, though, is that we can’t all be winners all the time. Being a loser is a part of life. It’s challenging when we dedicate what we think are our best efforts to something and then don’t get the “gold medals” results in life that we dream about. It’s normal to have these feelings of disappointment and failure. They can cause us to reflect on the true value of our goals and whether or not we’re using our skills and natural gifts in the right ways.
Here are some things to think about to cushion the blow of losing and help you grow from a difficult experience:
When was the last time you were a loser?
How did you handle the feelings of rejection and imperfection?
Even though you weren’t declared a winner, were there other ways that your efforts, practice, and dedication had positive impacts on others?
Is this still a goal worth striving towards?
Are you living the purpose that you want to live in life by working towards this goal?
April 1, 2010
Getting Kids Involved in Service
If you want to get your kids to care about others in the community, here are some easy ways to get them involved in service:
• Have them draw pictures and make cards that you take to residents in nursing homes.
• Give them a piggy bank that they can use to save money from their allowance. Each month, they can choose a charity that’s important to them and give away some of their savings.
• Visit a children’s hospital together and play with some of the children who are undergoing serious treatments.
• Ask an elderly neighbor if they need help with any household chores. Your family can offer to come over for an hour a month and help clean or take care of any of their needs.
• Let them adopt and care for a seeing eye dog and explain how this helps people who are blind.
• Bake chocolate chip cookies together and give a plate to new neighbors that are just moving into your neighborhood.
There are countless ways that kids can make a big impact and help others. This is a great way to help them grow into the kind of caring and thoughtful teenagers and adults you want them to become.
• Have them draw pictures and make cards that you take to residents in nursing homes.
• Give them a piggy bank that they can use to save money from their allowance. Each month, they can choose a charity that’s important to them and give away some of their savings.
• Visit a children’s hospital together and play with some of the children who are undergoing serious treatments.
• Ask an elderly neighbor if they need help with any household chores. Your family can offer to come over for an hour a month and help clean or take care of any of their needs.
• Let them adopt and care for a seeing eye dog and explain how this helps people who are blind.
• Bake chocolate chip cookies together and give a plate to new neighbors that are just moving into your neighborhood.
There are countless ways that kids can make a big impact and help others. This is a great way to help them grow into the kind of caring and thoughtful teenagers and adults you want them to become.
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