Donating Time

Happy summer, everyone! Hope yours is starting off spectacularly! Mine is off to a good start so far. This past weekend was fun for me- I helped backstage with a dance recital at the local dance studio I take classes at! It was my second year helping with it, and it went well!

I tend to get this happy feeling when I help out with kiddos. Do you know the feeling? It’s a good feeling, kind of fulfilling in a way. Feeling like I’ve done something good to help someone else. I get it when I volunteer at another organization that works with children too. I don’t always feel like I do much or am as good at helping as others or as impactful as other volunteers, but I know that I was at least another helping hand, even just someone on standby if needed. You may have felt this way before as well- kind of inadequate, like you aren’t doing enough or making a difference, but I want to encourage you and let you know that your presence and time is more likely than not much more appreciated than you realize! If you haven’t invested time in volunteering, I would definitely recommend it! There are benefits to not only others, but yourself as well!

I like to volunteer because I simply enjoy it, but there are more reasons that I’ve found it to be beneficial to my life as well! One of the positive aspects of volunteering is the community. I have met several people in my community that I otherwise wouldn’t have met if I hadn’t gotten into helping with some of the things I’ve been involved in the past few years. I often enjoy talking to my co-volunteers and others involved and getting to know them better when I have the chance, and I have made some lovely acquaintances and friends during my time serving the community!

Another positive for the one serving is that volunteering consistently with an organization can lead to more cool opportunities! I have chaperoned a field trip two years in a row with the organization I mentioned above that serves children that I wouldn’t have been able to go on if I hadn’t become a volunteer with that particular organization.

One reason I like to help out with kids is being a good influence on them. This isn’t my main reason for helping, but when I am there, wherever “there” is, I try to be a good role model they can look up to. A lot of kids don’t have positive influence in their lives, so I want to be someone that shines light into their lives.

If you’re interested in starting to get involved in your community’s ministries or organizations, one of the easiest ways is to look for opportunities online. You can search for non-profit organizations in your city, which can lead to rabbit holes where you may find something that interests you! Another way is to ask friends what they are involved in or know of in the area. If you go to church, the church may have connections they can share with you. Don’t worry if you aren’t involved with a church congregation, though! There are plenty of ways you can serve without joining a local congregation. You can even serve the people of your community on your own, or gather a group to start serving with. Also, if you’re a Christian, praying about it would be the best thing to do to get guidance on what to do! Also, offering your help is a good way to get involved in things. Sometimes it can be hard for people to ask for help, so it would be a blessing for them for you to step up!

Some of the best advice I can give you about all of this is the same as with looking for a new job, hobby, or almost anything else- try it, and if you don’t like it you don’t have to stick with it forever. You may or may not end up liking it, but you probably won’t know until you try!