As everyone gets into the holiday spirit, the topic of volunteering begins to circulate. Something about spending extra time with family members and planning those ugly sweater holiday parties reminds us that there are people who are homeless, have no family, and are going without food during this time. Many people sign up to serve meals at soup kitchens, help at their local food pantry, and donate food/clothing items during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. While this is greatly appreciated by the people in need, as well as the wonderful organizations coordinating and making these types of places available, what about the other 10 months of the year?
For 365 days a year, there are people in need. People without a roof over their head. People without food on their table. People without clothing for their children and for themselves. People who endure natural disasters and lose everything. There are many non-profit organizations in place to offer help during these types of situations, but they rely heavily on volunteers and can always use an extra hand.
I have found that volunteering is a great way to keep me humble and thankful for everything in my life. When you're constantly meeting, helping, and making a positive impact for people who are less fortunate, you start to see your life from a different perspective. Things you thought were a big deal before become so irrelevant. You realize you're changing someone's life for the better and it makes you feel really good. It's also a great way to get involved in your community and meet new people.
We all make those cliché New Year's resolutions like eating healthier, giving up sugary beverages, and losing weight. This year, I challenge you to add volunteering to your list. If you're thinking "oh, I'm too busy" between going to class, working, etc., then set a goal of volunteering once or twice a month. Everyone can spare a couple hours. Whether you find this time by waking up a little earlier on a Saturday morning or skipping that Netflix binge session on a Tuesday night, I promise it will be greatly appreciated and others will find your actions inspiring. Small acts, when multiplied by hundreds of inspired people, can transform the world. The world is in our hands. It starts with you.
