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When we hear the word “charity” and especially giving to charity we often think of people wanting to give back to their communities. Sometimes because of the blessings they’ve received, other times because they just know it’s the right thing to do.

Opportunities

Today, the opportunities to give to others have multiplied tremendously, everything from giving money to a cause (like to pay for a well to be dug in Africa) to giving our time volunteering for a local organization.

Actually, many local groups doing really good work just couldn’t function without those unseen heroes who give their time and money in some form of community service to keep the organization running.

Variety

Homeless shelters are an immediate thought, how many people would be literally fending for themselves without them? or the local Hospice, how would they cope without the local volunteers who spend time with the residents and help them deal with the obstacles they face? Another one we see is the local animal shelter. We get our pets from there. Yet without the volunteers they wouldn’t exist!

Payback

One of the things that we don’t really think about is the payback that volunteers get. Yes there is a payback, it’s just not financial, and often they aren’t really seen, but it never goes unnoticed.

Think of the joy of the family that couldn’t afford a house when they open the door to the new house built for them by a local group. Or the joy on a kids face hugging that puppy from the shelter. And it was all because somebody decided to give back.

Image by Lee Cannon via Flickr

It’s a saying that’s usually seen emblazoned on the side of Police cars, or something similar is anyway. Many of us regard community service as a sentence that’s handed down by a judge and involves keeping the streets tidy, it might be a bit of gardening on the roadside, or helping paint graffiti out on a wall (please don’t paint over a “Banksie” painting as someone in Melbourne, Australia did!) but it’s seen as something to be endured and not enjoyed. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Nightlife?

Do you have the heart for helping your community and giving a bit of time? There are many programs that involve helping out at night, but what a night full of excitement and challenge you’ll have. You’ll see your town in a totally different way.

The essentials

Without the volunteer some essential services would be drastically reduced and lives would actually be at risk! The fire department in many small towns might have no one manning the engines, the Hospital have no ambulance drivers, Food Banks would have no workers and more importantly many kids would have no role models to look up to, no heroes to model themselves after.

The vital cog

The volunteer is a vital cog in the greater plan of life, they may seem to slip by unnoticed but when we stop and think we can all come up with one or two in our lives who’ve had a huge impact on us and it was all because they volunteered. That was all the payback they were searching for.

Image by Grand Performances via Flickr

Life is busy. From Monday to Friday it seems as if we are on the go all the time with little chance to take a rest. By the time we get to the weekend all we want to do is take that break, find something to do to unwind and have a little fun with our friends and family.

For many of us it’s heading out to the movies or to a restaurant for a nice meal. And if it’s with friends then so much the better.

Do Something different

But what about doing something a little different this weekend? Still having fun with friends, but taking time to pour something back into the community, possibly having friends over and tell them to make a “Gold coin” donation to a charity or community program.

Or what about firing up the Barbecue and holding one on a Saturday fundraising for the local kids club or something like that? Just a few ideas of what can be done when we want to.

Hospitals may seem like huge organizations with plenty of money but they could always do with more. Fund-raising for a piece of equipment. Or the volunteer Ambulance getting that life saving machine they’ve been asking about but never had the budget for.

Have fun

Fund-raising  can be great fun to do and the events can be great for the whole community (or church) to get behind. They can be a great form of entertainment for all the family as well as giving back to the local community

Image via Wikipedia

Events to raise money for charity have been around for quite some time. The idea is simple: raise money for a worthy cause. This can be done by organizing some type of event. One of the newer trends charity events is poker tournaments.

Poker tournaments are the hot item in charitable events. Due to the mainstream integration of poker, it is now common to see poker on the Internet and even on television. Over the past several years, poker has been a televised sport, and it has become a standard just like seeing basketball or baseball.

With the popularity of poker and even gambling, it is a great idea to use poker tournaments within the context of charitable events. The winner(s) can still perhaps earn a bit of money, but the majority of the entry fees will be donated to the cause.

The idea is simple to implement. It is not hard to obtain some quality poker tables and organize the dynamics of a poker tournament. As a result, you have an event that is sure to generate buzz within the community. Some attendees can be spectators, where other ways to make money are provided (drinks, food, a side auction, etc.).

Poker is becoming a popular sport that can really draw a crowd, even for a charity event. You only need to look at the last 10-15 years of the World Series of Poker tournament statistics, the premier tournament in the United States. Consider integrating a poker tournament into the next event for an exciting time.

There are several different types of community service opportunities that you can take part in. Each community service opportunity offers you a chance to take part in something that allows you to pursue interests and discover new passions, all while helping others. Here’s a look at the various types of community service opportunities that are available.

Pet and Animal Rescue

There are many pet and animal clinics looking for volunteers. You’d be able to work closely with animals, while giving back to the community. Volunteer work that pet and animal clinics are looking for include pet care, walking animals and feeding them.

Local Hospital

The local hospital is a great place to perform community service. There are hundreds of community service opportunities available at the local hospital. You could volunteer to work at the front desk, check-in, food service, children’s hospital, elderly care and as a nursing assistant.

Local Churches

Local churches are always looking for volunteers to help the local community. Many local churches run food banks and shelters that are always looking for volunteers. If you don’t want to work directly with the food bank or shelters, you can always donate items as local churches are always in need of items for food banks and shelters.

Community service is a great way to give back and help your local community no matter where you spend your time volunteering.

If you are considering volunteering, whether it’s at the local food bank, church or shelter, here are some ways that volunteering can help you.

Resume Builder 

 

Image by Steve Rhode via Flickr

Volunteer opportunities can be great resume builders. It shows that you have determination, character and even gives you the chance to build some skills that you might not otherwise have been able to show off. Many employers will even ask specifically about volunteer opportunities in a job interview just to get a feel for their potential employee they are going to hire.

Network Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities are great way to meet people. People of all walks of life volunteer, and by giving your time to volunteer you are forming bonds with them. This is a great thing if you are looking to build up a network of friends and acquaintances that you can turn to for help in certain situations. Your network can also serve as a character reference for job interviews or applications.

Rewarding Experience

Volunteer opportunities aren’t just helping those who are in need, but they are helping yourself. Volunteering helps you build character and strengthen your personality. In fact, people who volunteer have reported that the feel good about themselves and are less depressed because they are doing something good.

Volunteering is a great way to help yourself both professionally and personally. It is why so many people love to volunteer at their local hospital, animal shelter or food bank.

If you are thinking of volunteering at your local hospital here are some things you should consider before volunteering which will help you decide where you want to spend your time once you start volunteering.

 

Image by Sam Blackman via Flickr

Play to Your Strengths and Passions

Think about the different strengths and passions that you have them take those into consideration when deciding where you should volunteer at the hospital. For example, if you like hanging out with children you may want to volunteer in the pediatric unit of your local hospital. However, if you enjoy greeting people, you may wish to work at the front desk or as a receptionist. When you play to your strengths and passions volunteering won’t feel like work at all.

Schedule Your Volunteer Time

Before you make any type of commitment to your local hospital volunteer organization you should schedule out how much time you have to volunteer. This will help you decide where you want to volunteer and how much time you can commit to. Some sections of the hospital require a minimum volunteer commitment time, so knowing this information beforehand will help you make decisions on where to volunteer.

Volunteering at your local hospital can be very rewarding. By playing to your strengths and passions, and knowing how much time you have to devote to volunteering you will make your experience with volunteering better.

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2. Apple Bottoms clothing. Unless you’re going to a very formal event, a dark, well-fitting pair of skinny jeans can be smart for day and night. A great transitional piece of clothing.
3. Shoes. Leave your flat pumps at work and slip on a pair of strappy heels. Instant day-to-night transformation, just make sure you have a pedicure the day before so your toenails are in tip top condition.
4. Jacket. A great, smart, fitted jacket immediately smartens up any outfit and takes you from casual to stylish. Slip on over your singlet and with your heels for a great evening outfit.
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Five small steps that will take you minutes to implement for instant day to night glamour!