People across the country are wanting to constantly help those less fortunate, and instantly think about ways to help those in other countries, especially third world countries. Now, a month after the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti, people are wanting to help there. My advice? Wait and let the professionals that know what they are doing, (with a few exceptions of a particular group *cough unicef cough*) So my thought is why not help in your own community? And you're thinking "Didn't you start this blog to talk about your trip to Haiti?" Yes, you are right, but I also do a lot to help locally in my community and have some cool plans coming up to do so:
So here are some of my favourite ways to:
- Volunteer with a youth based organization : I work with my church's youth group as a small group leader with some amazing grade nine girls, who love to help in any way they can and help push me further into a service roll than I could ever imagine.
- Walk around your neighbourhood picking up garbage: Silly, I know. But grab a group of friends, some garbage bags, plastic gloves and go for a walk. Make a game out of it and see who can pick up the most garbage. We did this right after halloween this past year and the kids picked up a TON!
- Go down to your local shelter and do what ever they need help with: It could be peeling potato's, sorting clothes, or power washing the side walks around the building.
- Throw a party for those who need it: I have yet to do this, but it is one of my goals this year with my small group. We are planning on going to our local women's shelter, and having a fun night with the ladies that live there and their children, by doing crafts (we are going to make picture frames) have dessert, and then we are going to take a family picture or a picture in general for them, since many of them cannot afford this.
- Finally... Don't forget about the behind the scenes people like youth workers, youth pastors, teachers or just anyone in general who doesn't get enough praise, and appreciate them for what they do: This past Christmas my girls and I made almost 12 dozen cookies, and thank you cards to go with them to say thanks for all the hard work. Now you might be thinking how is this a service project? Well I'm not sure, but my lesson behind it is that everyone no matter what needs a little uplift. It doesn't matter on how much money you have gender or anything, everyone needs to feel appreciated in their life.
- Food Bank grocery shop" The food banks need food all year round, so why not get a group all pitch in 5,10, 15 or any amount of money and do a grocery shop in the spring or summer for your local food bank!
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