Why should you volunteer? First of all, volunteering strengthens your community and helps the people who live in it. In addition, if you focus your efforts on something that you're interested in, volunteering can also help you learn, develop passions, and build your career. Plus, it's a lot of fun!

To uncover various volunteer opportunities in the Madison, Wisconsin area, I spoke with Chris Morris, Director of Communications at the National Credit Union Foundation, and champion of volunteering. Chris volunteers regularly himself and leads a monthly volunteer group in the area, so he had plenty of opportunities to share.

Here are 5 different ways you can help serve the Madison community:

1. Box of Balloons

If you want to support the youth in the community, or if you simply enjoy party planning and want to give back, consider volunteering with Box of Balloons. The non-profit organization is on a mission to make each birthday happy and every child celebrated. According to Box of Balloons, 22% of children in America live below the poverty level, so a birthday celebration can give families the joy and hope they may be missing. As a volunteer, you’ll help put together a birthday box for a child in need so they can celebrate with their family on their birthday.

For more information on how to volunteer, visit: http://www.boxofballoons.org/volunteer

2. Clean Lakes Alliance

Do you have a passion for the outdoors, or a desire to help take care of the environment? Then check out Clean Lakes Alliance, a not-for-profit organization devoted to improving the water quality of the lakes, streams, and wetlands of the Yahara River watershed. I have personally volunteered with Clean Lakes Alliance for the past three summers, and helped with projects such as: native seed planting/collection, invasive plant and woody debris removal, and prairie restoration. It feels good to help clean up and preserve the beautiful, natural areas in Madison. Plus, it's fun to spend time outside!

For more information about volunteer opportunities, visit: www.cleanlakesalliance.com

3. St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry

If you want to help serve the hungry in the community, consider volunteering at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Madison. It's one of the largest, busiest food pantries in Dane County. As a volunteer, you’ll help stock their pantry and/or host customers in the pantry.

For more information on how to become a volunteer, visit: http://www.svdpmadison.org/need-assistance/food-pantry/

4. Porchlight

According to Porchlight, each year in Madison over 3,500 people experience homelessness. That's why the organization strives to decrease the homeless population by providing shelter, housing, supportive services, and a sense of community. If you feel compelled to help the homeless, you can donate your time and help clean a Porchlight property to keep it comfortable and safe.

For more information on how you can help, visit: http://porchlightinc.org

5. Ronald McDonald House

Maybe you want to focus your efforts on helping the sick. In this case, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison is the perfect place to volunteer. They provide services and a “home-away-from-home” for families while a child they love receives treatment at area hospitals. As a volunteer, you’ll be donating and preparing the evening meal for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

For more information, visit: http://www.rmhcmadison.org/get-involved/volunteer/

However you get involved, volunteering is a great way to have a real and lasting impact on your community.