Pay It Forward

If you are interested in volunteering, you can check out www.volunteermatch.org. They supply a list of many different volunteer opportunities located in or around your zip code. You could also look into adopting a family for the christmas season through the Salvation Army or other organizations...I know people who have done this in the past and we are also participating through my employer this year. It really is rewarding for everyone involved. I also bake cookies for the homeless shelter every Christmas...it doesn't take long and the guys really appreciate it. If you are interested in helping on a more global level, there are several charities, such as Save-the-Children, who really need help. There are so many places around the world in severe need right now, and usually the women and children suffer the most. Its so great that you are interested in helping those around you!

S.,
I know that there are alot of communities that have seniors that could use some help with just basisc acivities of daily living. It is a very rewarding way to give back. You could always volunteer in a facility of some sort or a hospice. Even the private pay companies like Homewatch Caregivers have many clients who could use some help. There are also the community groups like the Kiwanis, or the Lions clubs. Good luck and remember to always enjoy everything you do.

Great idea! You could give free spa treatments to deserving moms! I would be up for that! :) If you want to help babies, contact Devos Children's Hospital. If you want to adopt a needy family for Christmas just call any Catholic Church. They have lists of Christian families in need. Those are my ideas for today. Good luck. E.

If you know of any no nporfits in your area, the easiest way is to call them and see if they need volunteers. If you dont know of any, you can call 2-1-1 and ask about any non profits in your area and get their phone numbers. think first about what you might be interested in. You could volunteer with the homeless at a shelter or a day house or an education program. you could work with families or kids who are homeless. You could volunteer at your local library or you could check with your local salvation army or catholic social services to see what kinds of activities they have going on. You could even help organize a food drive. the options are really endless. If youre politically inclined you could see what kinds of organizations exist that advocate for political issues you believe in. You can even just google some keywords and your city and see if anything comes up, or if all else fails go check the phone book and see if any numbers jump out at you. I worked at a non profit as an intern - the grand rapids housing comission - and i can tell you, they are always looking for volunteers. hope that helped! if you want more specifics feel free to email me and i could give you some numbers
____@____.com

I loved the movie Pay It Forward. It's such a simple concept, that can do so much good. And, frankly, the ending made me cry. It's no wonder Oprah did a show on the idea.

I would just keep my eyes open to a need that might not be obvious to most people. Perhaps you have an eldery neighbor that could use some help keeping their sidewalks clear this winter. Or maybe it can be something as simple as asking a homebound neighbor if they need you to pick up anything for them at the store when you are heading out.

When I lived in South Haven, there were a few homemade lifesaving devices, made of lengths of rope coiled on an extension cord reel, with a piece of wood tied to the rope. The person that makes these had a child drown, and decided to place these ropes where someone can help people that fall in. They get stolen on a regular basis, but fresh ones keep turning up. Sometimes the need isn't obvious to all of us, until the idea just strikes us.

Hi S.

What a great thing you are willing to do. It surely is the right season to want to help out. My family around this time usually finds a family to adopt that lives close by. We pretty much provide a Christmas for them supplyiing their dinner and getting their kids some gifts and maybe even the adults somethings. We actually do this with another family as well sometimes if the family is larger you may want to partner up with more people. Another thing you can do is contact some local soup kitchens. Their always in need.
God Bless :)

M.
www.M..fourpointmoms.com

I think what you want to do is Wonderful! I think you should figure out what makes you happy! If you like the salon work, maybe getting with a group who helps abused mother get thier self confidence back and help them with interview skills. Someone like yourself could really make a difference

How nice! We sent money to Make A Wish every Holiday (and I do on my B-day and my son's b-day). In addition my son's daycare sponsors Turning Point a women's shelter by providing supplies, clothes and gifts for the kids. There are lots of shelter's through-out the area that always have great needs. I especially like to support the women's and children's shelter.

I did not see Oprah but there are many organizations that need volunteers all the time. Sometimes they are listed in the Oakland Press otherwise I'm sure there is a web site.