As we approach Thanksgiving, I think we all become a bit reflective for all that we have to be thankful for. One of the best ways to express your appreciation for all your good fortune during the holiday season (and all year) is to volunteer. There are countless charities that are doing fine work. I wanted to share a few organization that I support. Add a comment with a link to your favorite charity to get involved in.
Send a warm holiday greeting to a veteran, military family or active-duty service member at hospitals or military installation around the world. All you need to do is make or buy a few holiday cards (please see the website for guidelines like no glitter {as it is harmful to those with health issues} and how to address and sign the cards) and send your cards to this P.O. Box so they arrive by December 6th. This is a great way for “Children of all ages” to participate in a charity:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
This charity feeds children all over the world year-round as well as providing emergency meals for such tragedies as the recent Typhoon in the Philippians. How do they do it? As per their website, “children and adults hand-pack meals specifically formulated for malnourished children, and we ship these meals to nearly 70 countries around the world.” I have volunteered at one of their local permanent centers near my home in Illinois with my kids and their friends. In two hours a room full of volunteers can pack literally thousands of meals. This is a highly organized charity that has broken down the tasks into very simply steps that anyone can do. They will allow volunteers as young as Kindergarten participate. This is a great way to spend a few hours with your friends having fun knowing you are making a real difference in a child’s life. (They ask for monetary donations when you volunteer, but it is not mandatory and there is no pressure to contribute.) This is my kids favorite way to achieve their volunteer hours for school.
This amazing program is truly changing lives for many people in Chicago. As per their website, “The Cara Program prepares and inspires motivated individuals to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty, transform their lives, strengthen our communities, and forge paths to real and lasting success.” I have volunteered at The Cara Program over the past few years and am always impressed with both the students and the staff. The staff is an amazing team of hardworking, caring, motivated individuals. Every Monday – Thursday at 9:00 am they have a meeting called “Motivations!” it is the most impactful, motivating and moving 30 minutes I have ever experienced. This charity has opportunities for adult volunteers in Chicago (sorry teens).
Add a comment here in my blog or on my Facebook page and let me know where you like to volunteer. Let’s spread the word together about charities doing great work. I’d love to hear from you!
“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”
Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965);
Philosopher, Physician, Nobel Peace Prize Winner1
1 http://www.values.com/inspirational-quotes/value/102-Volunteering2
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