Dec
In my December newsletter I wrote about how in these challenging economic times perhaps we should look closer at the meaning of the holiday season and I suggested that we all make more effort to give back to those in need. The Circle of Strength motto is “Strengthening Women, Strengthening Communities” which is the message I feel most strongly about.
Women by nature are givers and so when we strengthen women, we give them what they need to take care of their families and thus their communities.
I compiled a list of things we can all do right now this holiday season to make a difference in the lives of others, if you can add to my list please COMMENT BELOW, I’d love to hear more ideas that I can share with others.
10 things you can do NOW to make a difference
1. Ask your neighbors if anyone in your neighborhood is out of a job and may need financial assistance, then gather some donations and give it to the family in need as an anonymous gift.
2. Do you have elderly neighbors that need help around the house, maybe hanging Christmas decorations or shoveling a sidewalk? This is a great job for teenagers to volunteer their time.
3. Contact a local senior center and volunteer your time with whatever needs they may have. It might be driving the elderly to the store or other appointments, it might be coming in and visiting with the seniors. The seniors are always so in need of company and often times you will get more out of the visit than they do!
4. Donate a bag of groceries to your local food bank or church.
5. Don’t walk by the Salvation Army Bell ringer next time you see one, drop in something even if it’s a buck! Those bucks add up.
6. Drop off a toy to any donation center. Teens are always in particular need of a gift. Don’t know where to drop it? Call your local fire station, they usually accept gifts for the Toys For Tots program.
7. Are you a good networker? Ask amoung your network groups if anyone knows of any job openings and then pass on that information to your email list. It can be a simple email saying…If anyone is looking for a job, I heard that so and so is hiring, here is the contact info…”
8. Do you have particular skills that could benefit someone else who is experiencing tough times? Volunteer 1-2 hours a week offering your skills for free to help someone else back on their feet. You can do this through your church, your local employment offices, a job placement organization or training program such a ROP or many other non-profit agencies.
9. Are you retired with time on your hands? I bet you have lots of business and personal skills to help someone get back on their feet, call your church or local employment offices and volunteer some time to someone in need.
10. If you like to talk and have a car, you can call on your neighbors for food or clothing donations that you can then deliver to the food bank, church or agency in need of the clothing. There are clothing agencies in your city that help those needing business appropriate clothing for job interviews, particularly now with many people being experiencing job loss. Can’t find one, ask a friend or contact me with the city you are in and I’ll email you a referral.
Here are some volunteer resources;
Tags: Circle of Strength, communities, making difference, strength, volunteer
