Making a Difference - Big Y® World Class Market®

During the holidays, many of us play Santa and buy presents for families in need, drop coins into Salvation Army kettles and ladle out food at soup kitchens. Yet when the new year rolls around, it’s all too easy to settle back into our busy lives and forget about giving back until the holiday giving spirit visits us the next year.

Committed to not letting that happen again in 2008? Good for you — in many ways! By volunteering, you’ll not only help others in your community, you’ll also accomplish other resolutions that might be on your list like “lead a healthier lifestyle” and “reduce stress.” Studies show volunteering alleviates stress, eases depression and leads to better physical health.

Even better is that almost everyone can do something to make a difference, whether it’s serving as a coach, teaching English as a second language or collecting school supplies for underprivileged children. These “give back” guidelines will quickly have you on your way to making a difference.

Research your options. The best way to ensure this resolution is successful is by choosing a volunteer opportunity that interests you. Animal lovers can help out at shelters or zoos or take pets to nursing homes. If you love working with kids, become a Big Brother/Big Sister or assist at a library or school. Retirement center residents yearn for company and independent elderly might need meals delivered or errands ran. Prefer spending time outside? Then volunteer with a city or county parks department, pick up trash in a community park or help clear a hiking trail.

Lend a hand globally. Volunteer travel adventures let you work on a project in a part of the world needing help with education and infrastructure, such as the building of schools, orphanages and offices. Overseas options range from teaching English to children and adults in Honduras, to participating in a public health initiative in Africa, to building schools in Mexico. Opportunities to volunteer are endless, and the start of a new year is a perfect time to resolve to make a difference to your community, your world and yourself.

Get active. Most nonprofits host fund-raisers throughout the year, such as fun runs and silent auctions. You can either actively take part or volunteer to help out during the event by doing things such as registering people or handing out water bottles.

Go behind the scenes. It takes a team effort to make a charity successful, and not all of those jobs are high profile. Many organizations need help preparing newsletters, calling donors, posting fliers or stuffing envelopes. What’s great is that most of these tasks can be done at your convenience from home.

Be a smart supporter. Without charitable donations, nonprofits couldn’t operate. Before you sign that check though, make sure most of your dollars are funding the cause you support and not paying for swanky office digs. To find out how nonprofits spend their money, check out the Council of Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance at www.give.org.

Involve the family. Introduce your kids to the importance of giving back and teach them values such as respect and kindness by volunteering as a family. You can participate in fundraising walks for worthy causes, walk dogs at an animal shelter or collect canned goods for a food bank.

There’s nothing like that energizing, warm feeling you get when you help others in need. Once you see how much of a difference you can make, you’ll be motivated to do even more. Opportunities to volunteer are endless, and the start of a new year is a perfect time to resolve to make a difference.