It’s Christmas in July!
Whaaaa? you say.
That’s right…Christmas in July.
The tricities Share Food Bank says that
The generosity in food donations through Christmas 2009 was extraordinary.
These donations have stretched right through June even though the number of people coming to the Food Bank has been so much higher.
But now the stock of food in their food bank is nearly finished.
So Share’s holding a “Christmas in July” campaign that you can support with a cash donation or a donation of food at any grocery store in the Tri-city area.
And to lend our efforts to Share’s festive “Christmas in July” season, we’re musing about the meaning of sharing: gratitude.
And gratitude – giving thanks – is a great reason to volunteer.
If we do say so ourselves.
How (and Why) To Volunteer: Giving Thanks by Giving Yourself
It’s Christmas in July! And every holiday season is a reason to give thanks.
And what better way to give thanks than to volunteer?
Let me offer up a few tips and opportunities that you might find helpful as you think about volunteering as a way to express your gratitude.
Find the Right Opportunity
Find the opportunity that suits you best!
- Choose a cause that you’re passionate about.
- Find an opportunity that matches your skills, interests, and schedule.
- Follow up promptly with the nonprofit after you’ve referred yourself to an opportunity. There are lots of great folks looking for an opportunity and if you do not follow-up promptly your spot could be taken.
Be a Great Volunteer
Part of having a great volunteer experience is your ability to be a great volunteer. These basic principles are good to keep in mind:
- Be professional.
- Honor your volunteer commitments.
- Extend gratitude to an organization for any training or professional development you receive while volunteering.
So now that you know you do want to volunteer, how do you find the right opportunity?
Look in your backyard: Is there something going on locally where you can plug in? Maybe the local school is planning a work day to revitalize the school building; maybe the Red Cross is collecting supplies for a local or national disaster; or maybe your church is going to rake leaves for some elderly residents.
The economy is impacting hunger in every community across our country. Many food banks, like the Share Society’s Food Bank, are in desperate need of donations. Local communities of faith such as local churches and synagogues also have opportunities to volunteer, especially during holiday seasons (even if we make those holiday seasons up!).
Look across the water: The Internet is a great place to find local and even international service opportunities. Here are a few sites where you can search for ways to help:
Serve.org
Taproot Foundation
Idealist.org
DoSomething.org
HandsOn Network
Take away: Marianne Williamson once said that “Nothing liberates our greatness like the desire to help, the desire to serve.” Start by finding the right opportunity and then liberate your greatness through service!
———
If you have plans to volunteer this “Christmas in July”, I would love to hear about them! Please share your story in the comments.
