Ways to help your community

When God blesses us, He expects us to use those blessings to bless the lives of others ~Jim Gallery

When you look the word "volunteer" up in the dictionary, it states "one who renders a service or takes part in a transaction while having no legal concern or interest." Volunteers are not in it for recognition or special attention. They simply do it out of the goodness in their hearts. Sometimes communities just need a little extra boost or assistance in handling a task. Your community needs you even if it is just a little while.

Most women have such a busy schedule from waking up early to make breakfast for your family, taxiing all afternoon, house work or maybe working outside the home until they have little time to think about volunteering for community projects. But busy schedules does not mean that you can't get a little involved in your community. In 30 minutes or less you can make a difference.

Here are a few ideas for ways to help in your community.

*Take a garbage bag while walking through the neighborhood and pick up the litter along the way

*Shop with locally owned businesses which will save time and money. Many will offer services such a free gift wrapping and local delivery. Plus a percentage of your sales tax goes directly back into the community

*Find positive aspects of your community to share with others. A positive image will encourage residents to support businesses and may even increase the chances of other businesses opening in the area

*Attend local school, church and community functions or events.

*Look for opportunities to give back to the community. Many schools and churches have programs collecting items for the less fortunate. If there isn't a program like that in your area, you may want to consider starting one.

*VOTE. The Presidential election is only every four years but their are several that happen every year. Check out the candidates for the local and state elections. *Help clean the park, cemeteries and roadside verges. Most towns have a maintenance crew but they can't always get around to doing everything all the time so they would probably appreciate the assistance

*Help in nursing homes and senior citizens centers

*Assist in the pee wee coaching programs in your area. Help by putting extra attention to those that take a little longer to catch on to the program. Be a mentor to a child in need

*Assist in church. You could pass out bulletins, be a door greeter welcoming people attending church or assist with special needs.

These are just a few small things that could make a world of difference in your small piece of the world. I am sure there are so many more things you could do if you just think about it. And remember that there is always going to be some type of criticism that comes with it but just remember Albert Schweitzer once said," The purpose of human life is to serve and show compassion and the will to help others".

By doing what we can to contribute to the community, we add people to our circle of influence and gain opportunity to build relationships with our fellow man. We also set a good example to the children to follow in the future sculpting them to help others and do their part to be a good citizen. And I personally would like to thank you in advance for your hard work and efforts.