Volunteer!

Americans are really good about volunteering and contributing! Not everything can be accomplished by government and we rely heavily on churches, faith-based groups and community organizations to help people live better.

This week, I was talking to the director of an organization in my town that reaches out to people needing food in particular. She mentioned to me that the school supplies in our area – not including a backpack or uniform – are $48.00 this year. She also mentioned that several families found they could not spend this money and still have grocery money, especially if they have more than one child in school!

At our church, we have a group of people who meet on Monday evenings to make quilts for homeless people. Essentially these are easy to carry rolls and we put a pack of personal toiletries with each one. This ministry was created by one of our members who knew of a similar effort up north.

During the year, we have several events to raise funds, either for community or church needs. Sometimes we ask people to bring non-perishable food items or gently used clothing.

Everyone likes to think that we have no needy people in our communities, but the truth is we do – particularly now that groceries, gas and most necessities have increased so much in price.

As we start the fall season in our churches and community organizations, we are going to be asked to pitch in with some special projects.

Everybody has lots to do, but everyone who finds about two hours every week in their schedule to help will find out something special.

When we reach out to help others, we also gain. We will have a feeling of accomplishment and contentment knowing we are helping out our neighborhood or church. We learn new skills, make new friends and start to feel really good about ourselves!