Volunteerism: Making a Difference with Your Time or Money to Help Those Who Need it the Most

When it comes to making a donation of time or money there is no a shortage of organizations needing your help. Each one is worthy of your time and can put to good use any monies they receive from those that donate. Each one has a different goal or mission statement they are trying to reach or maintain and all of them are worthy of some attention.

Over the years I have been a member of, volunteered for or donated to some of these organizations. My volunteer work taught me things I will never forget and I always try to take some time to help in some small way even today.

American Red Cross is one of the first organizations I ever volunteered for and is likely where I learned and shared the most. No matter if you're looking to donate some money or some of your time American Red Cross will put both to good work. When hurricane Katrina hit American Red Cross was one of the first on the scene offering assistance of food, cots, showers and first aid treatment. If you have ever been the victim of a house fire, American Red Cross was likely one of the organizations to show up to offer clothes, food or even shelter if needed. Most of us that have ever taken a first aid class or CPR class very likely had American Red Cross instructor teaching the course. Train in CPR or First Aid and become an instructor, volunteer to assist around the local office. What ever your interest American Red Cross might need your help. Contact your local chapter today and see where you can help out.

Becoming a volunteer at a local hospital is one of the most rewarding things you can do. I spent about 5 years volunteering for a local hospital - formally known as a candy stripper due to the stripped vest they used to wear. Unlike what many people believe to be true volunteering at a hospital is not just for the retired men and women. There are many younger peoples that are spending some of their free time helping out where they can. Hospital volunteers run the gift shop and in some hospitals manage the information booth, deliver books, candy and other items of interest from room to room. Some hospitals even utilize volunteers to help in the discharge process of patients. If you have a few hours a week you can volunteer check with your local hospital(s) and see what you can give in the way of time as a volunteer.

Your local school is hosting a carnival and the turnout is normally pretty good. Someone needs to handle the parking area and hiring of off duty police officers isn't also affordable. This is where the Civil Defense comes in. Civil Defense is a volunteer group of adult men and women trained in handling traffic control, medical emergencies and other areas of importance. Quoting the mission statement of one Civil Defense website Civil Defense/Emergency Management acts as a coordinating agency during times of emergency or disaster. All Civil Defense volunteers are specially trained in first aid, communications and search and rescue. Civil Defense like American Red Cross was one of the first one the scene on September 11, 2001 when the World Trade Centers fell. Your time as a Civil Defense volunteer will be one of the most rewarding and most valued experiences that you will carry with you the rest of your life.

Donating money is something most of us try to do throughout the year. There are a number of organizations in need of monetary donations. Many will host donation drives or fund raisers to help reach a given goal of their donations. To get the most out of your monetary donation United Way would be the way to go. United Way provides both informational help and monetary help to hundreds of organizations every day. Every dollar you donate will go to help maintaining not just United Way but also help fund and support things like Special Olympics, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, just to name a few. Give the gift that keeps giving by making a donation today.

The American Heart Association is geared to inform, educate and assist in the decreasing of disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Volunteers are needed to assist in raising awareness of cardiovascular disease causes and effects, raise money and handle varies other types of functions. You don't need to be a health care worker or specially trained to volunteer.

Salvation Army Bell ringers are visible this time of year at many department stores. Feeding and sheltering the homeless is one of the main focuses of the Salvation Army. Volunteers are needed in various many different areas within the Salvation Army. Give a few hours of your day working in one of the soup kitchens. Offer your time reading or teaching young children. For more information contact your local Salvation Army.

Jerry Lewis hosts the Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon every year and has been helping raise awareness and money for this worthy group. The MDA as its commonly referred is leading the fight against muscular disease that is affecting thousands of children and adults. There have been many wonderful accomplishments over the years as more and more victims of these types of diseases are in some small way gaining more and more return of normality in their lives. But this fight is far from over and your time and money is need if they are ever going to be able to find a cure. Volunteer to host a fundraiser, help at the telethon or go around your community and collect donations. Give them a call and see what you can do to lend a hand.

There are many, many more groups and organizations out there that need your help. No matter what you can give of yourself be it time, money or both find one that you feel strongly about and get started today. Someday it may be you that is in need of one of those organizations to help in some way.