Let’s Give Back
Written By Lulu Mecham
Several years ago, more than a decade now, I played a large part in the service activities of the university I attended. I didn’t plan on it taking up such a big space in my college experience, but here we are, a long while after, still positively affected by the time I spent volunteering. It started with signing up to volunteer at a blood drive and ultimately progressed to serving as Director for every volunteer effort that occurred on campus or involved students off campus. This meant much of my senior year was spent helping others get involved with programs like tutoring at local schools, volunteering with the Red Cross, spending time with the elderly at our local senior homes, and many, many other worthwhile projects.
Since then, I have tried to be active in my community and give back where I can, but definitely at a much smaller and more manageable scale. Although my motive in volunteering is often intrinsic—it makes me feel good, I know that it also helps my community, and that is something we can all feel joy in. In recent years, I have leaned into my millennial cat lady status and focus more on volunteering at animal shelters, fostering animals, and volunteering with various TNR (trap, neuter, return) groups across the different states I’ve lived in.
I’ve learned it doesn’t have to be big, but donating your time and service seems to always do everyone involved a world of good. Since the National Day of Service and Remembrance was also commemorated in September, I thought I’d put a quick list together of easy ways for you to get involved in your community.
Donate Blood or Volunteer at a Blood Drive
Consider donating blood through the American Red Cross. Generally, it takes under an hour, and a single blood donation can help save multiple lives! The Red Cross makes it easy to find drives and schedule an appointment on their website.
You can also consider hosting a drive at your workplace or local business, or volunteer at a blood drive. Certain health limitations may prevent you from donating, but there’s always a job for anyone at a blood drive. If you are interested in blood donation, you might want to take it a step further and register with the National Marrow Donor Program if you are healthy and willing.
Support Teachers & Education in Your Community
Public schools and teachers are such a center stone in our local communities. Although many schools limit volunteer opportunities now for safety reasons, supporting a teacher or student goes a long way.
When the school year starts, if you have the means, you can find school supply lists online or in many stores and get a set of supplies to donate to a school for a student in need. Teachers also usually have wish lists that are easily accessible online, and these items go directly into a local classroom.
As a former teacher, I cannot tell you how exciting it is to receive even one pack of pencils. If you’d rather donate your time, contact local school districts to see how you can get involved.
Visit Your Local Library
Disneyland is fun, but have you been to your local library? To me, it’s the happiest place on earth, but also has so many resources available. Pick up a calendar from your closest branch, and you will probably find plenty of volunteer opportunities.
Whether it’s helping someone new in the crochet club, working in a community garden, or volunteering to do a story time for kids, there’s probably an opportunity or more information about volunteering at the library. Some libraries even carry certain donation bins or informative materials that may help you head in the right direction.
Research Organizations with Causes that Speak to You
With the internet and AI at our fingertips, do some research for what may fit your lifestyle the best. Think about causes close to your heart. So many of us have been directly or indirectly affected by diseases, tragedies, or certain experiences that have made us a little more sensitive in that area. Do some digging online and see if you can give back in a way that honors your experiences and what’s close to you—whether through time or donations.
However you decide to give your time, funds, or other goods, giving back is always going to be appreciated by those you help out and will also be of great benefit in your own life. Giving is always worthwhile, no matter the size of the service, so I encourage you to seek out some opportunities and see how life improves.