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?
