Celebrate Volunteerism During National Volunteer Week
Volunteering is not only important for the people you are helping, but it's also an important way to make a difference in your community. National Volunteer Week, which is April 12-18, is a way to encourage people to find new ways to engage in their community and to celebrate those who regularly volunteer.
Many local community organizations greatly benefit from having a strong volunteer base. The events are often easy to take part in, and also a great way to teach children about the importance of giving back to their community.
Finding places that are appropriate for any age – kids or adults – can be a challenge. Here are a few suggestions of where to turn to start your volunteer search.
- Volunteer in the faith community. Churches, synagogues or other local social service providers almost always have a need for volunteers to help plan or run programs or serve on boards or committees.
- Enjoy animals? Most cities have animal shelters that need volunteers to help with walking dogs or feeding animals, to name a few of the chores.
- Know a senior who needs help? Seniors may need help with things like minor work around the house, grocery shopping, or simply having someone to have a cup of coffee with to keep them company.
No matter your passion, whether it's helping organize canned goods at a local food shelf or helping build homes, you can find a way to help in your community. National Volunteer Week, a program of Points of Light, is a great time to start.
National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 and has grown each year. This year will have thousands of volunteer projects and special events scheduled throughout the week. Points of Light helps connect volunteers to opportunities and service projects across the country, based on your interest level. They have more than 250,000 service projects annually in 30 different countries. The annual dollar value of volunteer hours tops $600 million.
National Volunteer Week is a time to inspire, recognize and encourage people to seek out ways to engage in their communities. It’s about demonstrating to the nation that by working together, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals.
Helping Kids Is As Close As Your Garage
If one of your passions is helping children, you can do it with a donation of an unwanted vehicle to Wheels For Wishes benefiting Make-A-Wish. When you donate your vehicle, you are helping children who are suffering from critical illnesses by giving them an opportunity to have a wish come true.
To donate an unwanted car, truck, boat, motorcycle, or camper to Wheels For Wishes, please call 1-855-278-9474 or fill out our simple vehicle donation form online. Wheels For Wishes will accept your vehicle whether it runs or not, and it will be auctioned off or recycled and reused to build new vehicles. Car donation is green and eco-friendly, so it’s beneficial in so many ways. Plus, you receive a great tax deduction for your charitable contribution.
