Now you have made a resolution to volunteer in 2012, but what can you do? How will you ever fit more projects into your already hectic schedule? We have a great list for you to make your resolution into a reality! Whether you are a busy person or you have some time on your hands, volunteering can always happen in various ways!

1.  Go to your local animal shelter and donate a bag of dog or cat food
2. Donate your unused books to your local Salvation Army, thrift store, library, or school
3. Volunteer to read to children at your local library
4. Clean up your neighborhood park
5. Plant a tree
6. Make the decision to bike to work or take transit instead of driving to work
7. Donate winter clothing to your local homeless shelter
8. Bake cookies and bring them to your local police shelter or fire department
9. Spend a Saturday helping out at your local soup kitchen or food bank
10. Hang out or read to a senior citizen at a retirement home
11. Decorate a local school or retirement center
12. Help someone who is sick or homebound with their grocery shopping
13. Donate to your local charity
14. Help out with the kids at a woman’s center so that moms can go shopping or look for a job
15. Recycle your trash
16. Help out with homebuilding at a Habitat for Humanity event
17. Host a Sunday Supper with Points of Light
18. Assist with an English language class
19. Donate hygiene products to your local shelter or retirement home
20. Plant a community garden in your neighborhood

 

No matter what you choose, any form of service benefits those in your community. If you have made volunteering your resolution for 2012, do not get discouraged your project can be big or small; anything that will benefit your community is service to your neighbors. Don’t forget, you can find a great volunteer opportunity with any of our HandsOn Network affiliates!

We hope that these tips help make your decision to serve easier to accomplish. How are you serving during 2012? Share your comments and insights with us in the comment box; we would love to hear them!