When I picked up my 13-year-old son and his friend from school the day before Thanksgiving break, all they wanted to do was enjoy their holiday vacation. They moaned and groaned when I told them we’d be spending the afternoon volunteering. I ignored their sighs and took them to the community center where we were tasked with delivering Thanksgiving meals to local low-income seniors.
The boys loaded up the car and typed the addresses into Google maps. (They said it was like a scavenger hunt to find the homes). They were surprised how happy the elderly folks were to see them and how appreciative they were of the meals. The boys had ear-to-ear smiles on their faces the whole afternoon. They’ve even asked me to sign them up to deliver turkeys this year.
Don’t volunteer just because it’s required by your school or as something to put on your college applications. Volunteering does the body good. It benefits your well-being, making you happy and confident. You can meet new people and become better friends with your social circle. It lowers stress and makes you feel more relaxed. Once you help others, it will likely become a habit that you practice all year, not just around the holidays. Here are a few ways you can help. (Note: You may need to be a certain age to volunteer at some places or need an adult to go with you).
Select a meaningful cause
Find causes that interest you. That way volunteering won’t feel like a chore. Animals lovers can organize a pet food drive. Artists can draw pictures for kids in the hospital. Bakers can make bags of cookies for the elderly.
Use your talents
Donate services for what you’re good at. If you excel at math, tutor a younger student at the library once a week. If you’re a pianist, play songs at the local senior center during the holidays. If you’re a gym fiend, shovel snow or mow the lawn of a neighbor.
Go grassroots
Collect canned goods and other nonperishable items and drop them at a food bank. Set up a lemonade stand and donate earnings to your favorite cause. Donate old clothing to a shelter.
Do what you can
With school work, social life and maybe a job, we know it may be tough to find time to give back. If you’re short on time, you can always make an online donation or put a check in the mail using money from your allowance.
Host a give-back party
The next time you throw a party, ask guests to donate items to your favorite organization. Maybe they can bring towels to give to the dog shelter. Or they can purchase toys for a needy children’s organization. Collect toiletries for a homeless shelter.
Get active
Do your body good while doing a good deed. Run, walk or bike in a race that supports a nonprofit. It’s a fun way to stay in shape while doing something altruistic.