Forget About Soaring Gas Prices through Summertime Volunteerism

It’s summertime, and our thoughts veer to sandy beaches, cotton candy and amusement parks. We work hard all year long. We all deserve a break; even if all we can afford is a refreshing dip in a backyard inflatable-wading pool.

So, go ahead and do something special with your friends and loved ones. Then, come back refreshed and do something special for your community.

Community volunteers are needed in summer more than ever. To get your mind off the soaring gas prices, turn your thoughts to something we can control: making a difference in our communities. There are hundreds of volunteering opportunities.

To get you started, here are five worthwhile ideas: 

1. Volunteer at the library and get involved with a children’s reading groups. Studies show that children can get behind in their reading and listening skills during the summer. 
2. Coach a summer sports team for adults or children. If you love sports and/or the outdoors, this is a fun way to give of yourself. 
3. Call local nonprofits to see who needs a ride somewhere. For instance, you might be planning a trip to a farmer’s market in your area. A group of seniors may need a ride. With rising fuel costs, nonprofits are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain transportation services. 
4. Contact domestic violence centers to see how you can help.  These centers need a variety of supplies, furniture, appliances, etc.  A pair of baby shoes or a bus ticket for a job interview will help victims and their children get back on their feet. Many centers also offer volunteer training. 
5. Volunteer at a museum. If you enjoy the arts or sciences, here’s the opportunity for you!  Museums need volunteers to serve as ticket-takers, tour and guide presenters, parking attendants, etc.

Get the kids involved and volunteer as a family.
It's natural to feel disconnected from our families when many parents juggle work, family and activity after activity. There are a number of ways we can reconnect—by playing games, hiking or cooking meals together as a family. One of the most satisfying, fun and productive ways to reunite is through community-service volunteering. Not only does it help bring families closer together, volunteerism also sets a good example for our children and aids the community as well.

If you and your family are interested in experiencing life in another land and culture, why not take a volunteer vacation together? Volunteering in another land and experiencing the challenges together brings countless rewards.

It is important to investigate the projects and programs to determine a good match for you and your family. For more information on getting your family involved, here is an online resource: www.thevolunteerfamily.org

Studies show that children who volunteer with their parents grow up to be involved in their communities and they pass along the volunteering spirit to their families. As James Cash Penny said, "How can we expect our children to know and experience the joy of giving unless we teach them that the greater pleasure in life lies in the art of giving rather than receiving."

Community volunteers are needed in summer more than ever. There are ways to make a community difference and get our minds off soaring gas prices.