Volunteering your time and energy to an organization is one of the easiest ways you can give back and make a difference. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, 62.8 million people volunteered through or for an organization in the United States in 2014. However, many people are unsure about how they can make a difference in the world while still leading their busy lives. If you are one of these people, we have compiled a list of 25 easy ways you can get involved in your community and make a difference on a local level.
- Volunteer to help children learn to read at your local library.
- Help cook/serve a meal at your local homeless shelter.
- Hold a clothing drive/canned foods drive in your neighborhood and donate the goods to a local shelter or food bank.
- Visit an elderly person at a local retirement home.
- Pick up an elderly person’s medicine or groceries for them.
- Volunteer to walk dogs at your local animal shelter.
- Donate animal food/blankets/toys to a local animal shelter
- Coordinate a local park/beach cleanup.
- Volunteer at your local hospital.
- Donate toys to your local children’s hospital.
- Donate your blood in a blood drive.
- Coordinate a holiday toy drive to donate to local foster children.
- Paint a mural over a graffiti covered wall.
- Volunteer at (or start) a community garden.
- Donate your old books to a local school or library.
- Plant flowers to brighten up your neighborhood.
- Volunteer at your local boys and girls club.
- Tutor students in your local schools who need a little extra help.
- Vote and encourage other people to vote.
- Send a letter to a local U.S. veteran or to an overseas soldier thanking them for their service.
- Become an organ donor.
- Bake cookies and bring them to your local fire/police station.
- Set up a recycling system in your neighborhood.
- Have a lemonade stand and donate the money to a local charity.
- Visit CharityForHope.com for other ways you can help!
These simple and easy ideas can help you make a difference right in your community and can help us all move towards a better and more peaceful world.