Whether it's planting a community garden, helping out at a local elementary school, or delivering flowers to a retirement home, everyone has done some type of volunteering in their lives. We've all heard that it is important to keep your city clean and to give back to all of the people that have done so much for us.

Everyone knows how much volunteering does for the community and the environment, but very few people have talked about all the positives volunteering can do for the self.

1. It makes you feel good.

Volunteering in your community and seeing the change you are making happen can really help make you feel good inside. It really does help you feel like you are really making a change when you can see the change you are making.

2. It opens your eyes to what is happening in the community.

Volunteering in your community allows you to see the problems in the community, some of which you might not have been aware were there. It also allows you to find ways to help these problems. Whether it's the fact the you never knew there was a homeless shelter in your neighborhood or that you didn't know that there were so many kids at the local school that need free tutors, volunteering is a great way to open your eyes to the problems that surround you.

3. It helps you get involved in your community.

Volunteering is a great way to get you out of your house and away from your usual activities and involved in your community. It is an amazing way to get you helping your community and make a change.

4. It helps you build a portfolio.

It is no secret that most colleges and scholarships LOVE to see volunteer hours. The more the better!! They want to see that you're involved in the community and love to give back. So, get out there and give back!

5. You can meet a ton of interesting people.

Some of the best stories I've heard have been during volunteering. Most of the people that volunteer are usually retired or high school kids, and retired people have the best stories. They have been around the world 20 times, have seen war, lost love, and have suffered real heartbreak. I always come away from volunteering with a nice new story to tell.

So, while you should be going out to volunteer with all the right intentions, don't forget all that it can do for you. It can make you feel a thousand times better by just doing something little like spending an hour at your local soup kitchen. So, get out there and start making some change in your community!

If you are at a loss for where to volunteer, take a look at this list for some inspiration.