Service Projects for Spring Break 2009

Now is about the time that most people will begin planning their spring break. Make 2009 different. It's time for you give back to the community that does so much for everyone. Instead of going to same beaches and the same bars this spring break, dedicate some of your time to a service project. It will not only benefit the community, but you will gain a sense of accomplishment this spring break. Here are 5 service projects you can look into this break!

Project #1:

Plant a Tree in Your Park. What better way to start of spring then to plant a tree in a park? Spring is the start of a new beginning, and there is no better time to plant trees than during the spring season! You can either begin a service group from scratch or join one that focuses on beautifying the community by planting trees where they are needed. You can find these groups by communicating with your state or local park district, and they should be more than happy to assist you. If you wanted to make this into a bigger project, you can visit the Arbor Day Foundation (http://www.arborday.org), and there you will be able to take this project into a whole different level!

Project #2:

Volunteer at Your Hospital. Whether it's greeting visitors or helping patients feel more comfortable in their current health conditions, you will feel a sense of accomplishment when you volunteer at the hospital. I volunteer at least a few times a year, and try and do different things every time. One day I would help deliver flowers and candies to a patient, and the next I would help keep the rooms clean between patients. There are so many things you can do at the hospital; you are bound to find something that fits your interests. Most of the time, they will try and fit your service hours with your schedule, and you can choose what area you may want to volunteer in as well. You may want to call your hospital's service number or visit their website to find out the exact details. You may take a lot of things that occur at a hospital for granted, but they are tasks performed by volunteers!

Project #3:

Build Homes for the Needy. Some people may want to travel during spring break to get away from their current location for a while. This would be a very good option for them. You can go to different locations and help build homes for those who need it the most. There are unfortunate people in this country that have been affected in ways you can only imagine. As the economy is getting worse, there is no better time to help other people then with this cause. I would recommend going to the Habitat for Humanity website (www.habitat.org) and finding a location you are interested in helping out. You can help build houses anywhere from Africa, Asia, to even the United States!

Project #4:

Work With the Youth. Kids are always looking for role models in their lives. What better way than to help volunteer at a Recreational Center near your own home! This is the most affordable option you have when it comes to volunteering since you won't have to pay to go anywhere except to a local recreational center near your own home. You can coach a youth basketball team, teach them how to swim, or even help them with their homework. There are so many things you can do to help kids in the community, and believe me, everyone has a skill that they can put to good use! I've seen professional C.P.A. Accountants come and help kids with their math homework! Contact your local recreational center for service opportunities in your community.

Project #5:

Volunteer for a Charity. Charities help the needy individuals in the community. If you are having trouble directly helping the needy individuals, you can look into volunteering for a charity. There are so many things you can do to help a charity. You can help out at an event (such as a charity walk/run for cancer research, http://www.Avonwalk.org) or you can help organize an event (such as Relay for Life, http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/). There are so many things you can look into but you have to find the one you are most interested in. You can help advertise with flyers, help organize an event, help the charity during the events, and so much more! If you can't find a location to directly help a needy person, this is the right service project for you!

This spring break, you should go out and do something different. These are 5 ways you can help out in your community. You will definitely get a feel of accomplishment if you go out and volunteer this spring break!

Source(s):

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer:. 11 Feb. 2009 .

Habitat for Humanity Int'l. 11 Feb. 2009 .

RelayForLife.org | Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back. 11 Feb. 2009 .

Trees - Arbor Day Foundation. 11 Feb. 2009 .