It's not too late to participate in charity events! In hard times, communities need to come together to raise awareness and raise money for different causes. In every city, there are community events that can benefit places all around the world. Here are some different events that you can participate in throughout the summer while having fun and raising awareness.

1. 5K runs

Grab a few friends and get some exercise on a nice and warm day! There are hundreds of races that benefit charities each summer in multiple cities. If you visit active.com, it will ask you to type in an area code, and the search will produce multiple events that are near you! Running a 5K is a great way to get exercise during the summer, in addition to raising money for a good cause -- not to mention the added health benefits for you. Whether you want to just get daily exercise, lose weight or train for a marathon, running 5K races is a great start.

2. Ride your bike

In the Buffalo area, there is an annual Ride for Roswell event that raises money for cancer research. Long Island has a similar event called the Long Island Bike Challenge. These events can be shorter distances or long distances, but either way, money is being donated to help find a cure for cancer. Training for this kind of event can be fun, too. Meeting up with friends after a long day to go on a bike ride is a good way to unwind. The longer races will be lots of hard work, but you will feel great once you cross the finish line.

3. Build houses for those who need one

Spending your Saturdays laying out by the pool getting some sun? Why don't you spend the morning helping build a house with Habitat for Humanity instead? You can get some sun and do a wonderful thing for people who need your help. Spend your Saturday mornings helping to build a house for someone who needs one, then spend the rest of the day lounging out by the pool.

4. The local zoo

Check your local zoo for any charity events that benefit different animals! For example, the Buffalo Zoo is partnering with a local bowling alley to host an event called "Bowling for Rhinos." At this event, there will be bowling to benefit nonprofit conservation organizations that work to protect endangered wildlife and their habitats.

5. For those over 21

For those of you over 21 years of age, there are always charitable wine and beer tastings, some of which benefit different charities or, in some cases, zoos! The annual Wines in the Wild event at the Buffalo Zoo will have a variety of wines, beers and desserts, and will have live music. All ticket sales will benefit the Zoo’s Adopt an Animal program.

There are so many events in your city that will benefit different charities. All it takes is a quick search to discover these events near you!