Volunteer Your Time

March 31, 2012
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You know when you come across a blog post that makes you want to do more? A post that convicts you, and makes you feel like getting up and being active?

That is what Tara’s post at Everyday Ramblings of My Life did today.

When my husband and I moved to Northern California, back in the day, I could not find a job. We were renting a house, it was summer time, it was hot, I didn’t know anyone, and I was miserable.

Finally, I decided if I couldn’t find a job, I would volunteer. I called the local food bank, asked if they needed help, and sure enough they did. I worked on logging in the customers who came for food each day. It was a wonderful experience and to this day I still want to run a food bank. I really loved it.

Fast forward to now, we travel 8 months out of the year, we live a busy life with a preschooler and a baby on the way, and I still get that gnawing feeling that I need to do more for my community. So after traveling ends in May for us, I want to find volunteer opportunities in my community or county.

Here are some great websites to find volunteering opportunities:

Do you volunteer? If so, where do you volunteer?

LaVonne

Seattle area family blogger LaVonne Long is the author and editor of Long Wait For Isabella. Traveling North America with her husband, she is a Christian homeschool mother of two.

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14 Responses to Volunteer Your Time

  1. Kecia
    Twitter:
    on March 31, 2012 at 12:42 pm

    I have volunteered in my community, but mainly only at Christmas time. I do want to get more involved though…thanks for the resources you mentioned!
    Kecia recently posted..Spring Cleaning with Natural House Products {Review & Giveaway}My Profile

    • LaVonne on March 31, 2012 at 12:49 pm

      Each Thanksgiving I want to volunteer but usually end up sending money instead. :( Christmas is another good time to volunteer. Thanks for that reminder.

  2. Heather - Acting Balanced
    Twitter:
    on March 31, 2012 at 12:45 pm

    I think it’s important to teach our kids to volunteer too… the earlier it’s a part of your life, the more of a habit it is!
    Heather – Acting Balanced recently posted..Book Review &Giveaway – The Perfect Storm by Lori FosterMy Profile

    • LaVonne on March 31, 2012 at 12:50 pm

      I agree, Heather. I want my daughter to get in the habit of serving our community. It builds character and I think it will help her appreciate the blessings she has in her life. Plus, she loves to be a helper.

  3. jody cowan
    Twitter:
    on March 31, 2012 at 12:57 pm

    Yes I love to get involved in community. And I think it’s a great experiece for kids. It makes them understand the world a little better and appreciate what they have.
    jody cowan recently posted..ERASELETS – HELP END WORLD HUNGER ($1 Each)My Profile

  4. Elle
    Twitter:
    on March 31, 2012 at 1:29 pm

    Stumbled this! Thanks for the list.
    Elle recently posted..Freezing Excess Food – Using Ice TraysMy Profile

    • LaVonne on March 31, 2012 at 3:04 pm

      Thanks, Elle. I love getting posts Stumbled. I sure appreciate it. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

  5. Meredith Mull
    Twitter:
    on March 31, 2012 at 2:45 pm

    I volunteer at my kids school. I started as a volunteer through a group called Communities In School…I did everything from helping ESL kids, being a lunch buddy, to reading to classes. Last year, my time was more limited so I narrowed down my volunteer time to helping teachers doing things like bulletin boards, making copies, all the stuff their assistants would do, if their budgets had not been cut and their assistants had not been eliminated. This year, I’m on the PTA board, on the Hospitality Committee and spend at least 2 mornings a week at the school. One reason I volunteer is because one of my sons has special needs and they do so much to help him. Another reason is because I think it is important to stay involved in schools and they so desperately need the help!
    Meredith Mull recently posted..Light It Up Blue CampaignMy Profile

  6. LaVonne on March 31, 2012 at 3:05 pm

    Meredith, I think that is wonderful. My mom volunteered at our school when I was young. I know the teachers appreciated that. I homeschool right now, but if I do send my daughter to school, I’d like to do that too. Thank you for sharing.

  7. Katie Smith
    Twitter:
    on March 31, 2012 at 3:28 pm

    I have not had time yet but once my kids are older I want to go to the children’s hospital
    Katie Smith recently posted..Kidco makes baby food makers!My Profile

    • LaVonne on March 31, 2012 at 5:50 pm

      Katie, with a four year old and one on the way, time is what I am dealing with too. But I think I could easily wear my baby and still help somewhere this summer while we are off work. I hope. :)

  8. Tara Funair
    Twitter:
    on March 31, 2012 at 3:55 pm

    Thanks for sharing the information! It’s so important to teach our children about giving back. There is that occassion too, where you feel really just amazing watching the lives of those you are helping. And when your children witness this, they are in awe!!! I love that so many feel the same way !!!

  9. Lena Burkut
    Twitter:
    on March 31, 2012 at 5:36 pm

    Great resource. Thank U!
    I am helping a local organization for family enrichment with the time I do have
    Lena Burkut recently posted..March Moola Madness GiveawayMy Profile

  10. Heidi19 on March 31, 2012 at 9:30 pm

    Most of the time, I volunteer my hand with my mom. She took care of my grandfather who’s old enough not to manage to take care of himself. I’d love to help my mom because we make bond with my grandpa. I love my grandpa so much that I know, I can’t manage to lose him yet. That’s why I’m doing my best to take good care of him.

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