The world of volunteerism changes as the world changes, and new needs appear. Food Relief has become even more of an urgent frontier for volunteers than it was in the past. We have also seen a rise in the need for disaster relief volunteers. Here are 6 volunteer opportunities matched to today’s needs.
Food Relief: 3 Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering time at a food bank, food pantry, or soup kitchen is a beautiful way to help others get a decent healthy meal. Since the 2008 global recession hit, the world has seen a dramatic rise in the number of food relief volunteer sites. Overwhelmed, soup kitchens, food pantries, and food banks always need volunteer energy.
Traditionally, soup kitchens have been volunteer spaces offering hot soup and bread to anyone who needs it. Although this straight forward model remains today, other soup kitchens have expanded their menus. Spending time as a volunteer at your local soup kitchen is the most immediate relief you can do for hungry members of your community. In you aren’t ready to dive into the hustle and bustle of a soup kitchen, volunteering at a food pantry is another option. Food pantries are free grocery stores serving those in need of food relief periodically by distributing donated food supplies. The third option is volunteering at a food bank. Food banks are the wholesale collection and redistribution points for donated food which service food pantries, soup kitchens, and more.
The online resource Homeless Shelter Directory lists volunteer sites across the US. The website gives visitors an excellent broad survey of national efforts to relieve hunger.
Let’s take a look at 3 more volunteer opportunities out there that give you the opportunity to bring happiness to others.
Disaster Relief and Preparedness
With the effects of climate change on the rise, extreme weather events will need an endless cast of volunteers to help others. The Red Cross and FEMA are two well-known ways you can plug into disaster relief, but there are also a wide range of more grassroots disaster relief organizations on the forefront of volunteer work in this area.
Become a Mentor
Share your skills for reading, writing, math, science, art, or sports with children who lack caring mentors. The United Way is one example of mentoring opportunities for volunteers.
Join a Bike Center Community
A major trend recently is the bicycle co-op. Often centered around a volunteer community, this is a great way to help others be mobile, learn more about biking, and get a bicycle or bicycle repairs in return. It also promotes alternative transportation.
Few things in life are more rewarding than bringing happiness to others. Sometimes finding the right non-profit to volunteer at can be a hassle and really turn willing hands away after a fruitless search. Luckily, there are services like Link to Non-Profits that help connect those in need with those willing to help and donate. Helping others help themselves makes us more aware of the intricate ties between all of humanity.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise as well as researching new topics to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure.