It doesn’t take a college degree or years of worldly experience to see that the communities in the US and around the world are suffering. From global warming and financial woes to social injustices and medical epidemics, there is an increased need for support to make positive change. Though there is a growing number of everyday people taking an interest and finding ways to support their community, many want to help but have no idea what to do.
There are people who believe that they have to donate a large amount of money or make some grand gesture in order to make a significant impact within their communities or the world around them. Struggling themselves, they, essentially opt to do nothing at all. The truth, however, is that if everyone were to dig deep and do what they can, the world would be a better place.
Let’s take a look at some little things you can do to help your community on a regular basis to make a more positive impact:
Volunteer Your Time
Money is great, but it’s not the only way you can do more to help your community. Volunteering your time within the community is invaluable and can help in ways you never imagined. Try going to your kid’s school and volunteering to read to children once a week on your lunch break and see what a difference it makes in their lives. Visit a church or community center and donate your time at a clothing drive and pay attention to the smiles on people’s faces when you’re helping them get essentials they need. Whether you volunteer 15 minutes a week or an entire weekend, it’s what you do during that time that makes the most difference to those who need help.
Buy Locally
The businesses large and small located within your community or country are essentially helping to stimulate the local and national economies. When you spend your money locally, you help to support your community. Whether you buy American made products in support of small businesses and factory workers or you purchase your produce from a local farmer’s market, you’re doing your part to give back and show your support.
Help a Neighbor
You don’t have to travel very far to support your community. There are people in your neighborhood that could use help. Maybe there is a senior citizen you could check in on throughout the week. You can spend time with them, bring them meals, see if they need transportation to the doctors, or assist them with things around the house. Perhaps there is a single mom who you could help by watching her kids, setting up play dates, or carpooling to get the kids to school.
Clean Up
From public parks and beaches to city streets and alleyways, there are a lot of places within your community that could use a little TLC. In your spare time, why not organize a community clean up with a group of friends, neighbors, or relatives. All you need are some basic materials like trash bags, brooms, dustpans, and gloves, and you’re ready to go.
Donate Personal Effects or Food
Again, while money can be appreciated when donated to the right cause, it’s not the only way you can donate and give back to your community. Often, you have a lot of things in your home that wouldn’t cost you a cent to donate to someone in need. Go through your attic, basement, garage, closet, and other storage areas in the home and take anything you don’t have a need for to a local church or community center to donate to members within your community. You can also clean out your pantry and donate canned and boxed goods to a food drive or soup kitchen in your area.
Life is without a doubt stressful. So much so that it can be hard to look beyond your own problems to see the needs of others. Be that as it may, in an effort to improve the lives of everyone (including yourself) it is important to be an active member in your community and give back. As you can see, even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.