Giving Back to My Community
I donate money in support of various causes throughout the year, which equates to about 10% of my income. But lately, I’ve had this nagging feeling that I wasn’t giving enough. My life has been abundantly blessed in so many different ways, I felt as if my menial contributions were disappointing God. To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). I thought of writing a bigger check, but that would have been too easy…and in vain. I wanted to do more, but I didn’t know what. So I prayed about it. I prayed for God to use me at his will. After weeks of soul searching, I stumbled upon several opportunities that spoke to my heart.
I registered for a Young Mothers Assistance program to help teenage mothers transition to a life of self sufficiency. I am happy about this opportunity for several reasons: 1) I can personally relate to these girls and sympathize with their situations, 2) I have so much to offer them by way of skills, encouragement, and life experience, and 3) there are mutual benefits because I’d be overjoyed if I can make a difference in at least one of their lives. I have to be interviewed, pass a drug test and clear the background investigation, so it may be January before I can start.
Naturally, any changes in my life also influence my child. BabyGirl decided to volunteer for an Aging Adult Pet Therapy program where she and Precious will visit elderly people who love animals. I hesitated at first because she already has a full schedule with her AP workload and extracurricular activities, but it worked out because she only has to commit to 4 hours per month. BabyGirl loves to listen to little old ladies talk about life “back in their day” and I’m sure my dog will love the extra attention and belly rubs.
We’ve also decided on a different approach for our holiday gift donations this year. Instead of adopting a family, BabyGirl chose a local program that provides shelter and group therapy for at risk teens that have been removed from their homes. If she only knew – she almost became one of them about two years ago. LOL! Lord, I thank you for carrying us through! Anyhoo, she wants to adopt a teenager so s/he will know that someone is thinking of them. To be honest, I’d rather adopt a family with small kids, but I’m gonna roll with her suggestion this time.
We also registered to assemble food baskets and deliver Meals on Wheels during the week before Thanksgiving. They don’t know it yet, but we passed on the names of our closest friends. Hey, if we can shop and party together, we can volunteer together too! LOL!
In what ways do you give back to your community?
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Yeah! This is great. I love giving back to people who are experiencing something I’ve personally come through.
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I volunteer at Planned Parenthood. My Dad and the kids and I always volunteer for both Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas dinner. This year I am adopting a soldier overseas and assembling a “Stimulus package” for the homeless.
May God bless you for supporting our soldiers. [-SM]
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Very thought provoking and inspiring! Now you’ve got me thinking of ways I can improve my giving…
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Great Single Ma! I can personally attest that you are a generous soul. I give back by using a yahoo group called Freecycle. I scour daily and look for those in need and provide. I am also very active in my church’s outreach programs. In addition, I organize food drives & toy drives at my place of employment to encourage everyone to give back. You can’t beat God giving, and your blessings are always multiplied when you do!
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I volunteer with an organization called REACH (Reading Enhances All Children). I spend time reading to at-risk children at a local shelter. I also am donating to Operation Christmas Child — they pass out shoe boxes and ask you to fill them up with little Christmas gifts for a child. I wish I could do more and like you, I have been praying that God will lead me to more opportunities to give.
I like the REACH concept. I bet you’re probably the only person who has ever read a book to some of those children. I truly believe reading can make the world of difference in a child’s life. [-SM]
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I give to Big Brother Big Sister, Oprah Angel Network and Donorchoose.org
However, I don’t physically volunteer. I guess I’m just lazy
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I like to adopt and older teenager from the Angel Tree. So many people want the little ones and the older kids are always left and some are asking for such simple things. A watch, a coat etc
That’s the same thing my daughter said and it’s exactly why she wants to adopt a teen. [-SM]
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I volunteer throughout the year with a variety of groups, teaching adults ESL, doing intakes at an immigration law clinic and tutoring teenagers that live in an affordable housing community. However, during the holidays I go into volunteer overdrive. I register needy families with the Dept of Human Services, I gift wrap to raise money for an adult literacy program and I sponsor a family or foster children and usually do some toys for tots as well. I do give money to charities throughout the year but I have more time than money to give so for now I give lots of my time! :) And to be honest, I get ALOT out of volunteering, it is truly nourishment for the soul to see the positive impact you can have on people.
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Hello excellent post. I was raised volunteering my dad would take my brother and I to the homeless shelter and we would bring snacks (popcorn and soda) every friday. Now my brother is a Police Officer and I am in graduate school, doing a full time unpaid internship at a middle school and coaching high school football. I also give back by blogging where I show people how to get free financial aid for college – scholarships and grants. God Bless you single ma and fabulous financials.
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Good for you! I think that’s going to be a great volunteer opportunity.
I mentor a young girl through Big Brothers, Big Sisters and I love the experience so far.
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What a lovely post. As a non-profit with over 10,000 volunteers across the country, we can’t thank you enough for inspiring others to give of their time and themselves. Our largest program is Pet Partners which helps people get trained and registered so they can take their pet to visit others in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, hospice, in shelters and so many other places. Kudos to BabyGirl for sharing the special love she has for Precious with others who will greatly benefit from the joy, comfort and love they bring on each of their visits. For those interested in learing how they can volunteer with their pet, go to Explore Volunteering.
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