Make your time count…Volunteer
Perhaps you have some downtime or maybe you were laid off from your job and have a lot of time on your hands. I want people to feel inspired and feel good about themselves and their contributions. Take the time to find your interests and volunteer. Nowadays you can do so virtually.
I for one love animals, specifically cats. After the passing of my cat Dusty, I felt I had to do something. I couldn’t just wallow in misery and dwell. It’s not healthy. I thought to myself, “Why not take my passion for kittens and use my current skills to help out somehow.”
VolunteerMatch.org
That’s when I discovered VolunteerMatch.org. This is a wonderful online resource website to find multiple volunteer opportunities nationwide. You can search for all types of areas of interest to offer your time and volunteer. And during these COVID times, they have several virtual remote opportunities so you don’t have to put yourself at risk interacting with high volumes of people or large crowds.
Traditionally when you think of volunteering you think of having to show up for work in person every time. Nowadays you have options. Many businesses and organizations work around your own schedule and availability. Additionally, you can now work remotely from home and complete volunteer opportunities.
Non-profits for animal welfare
In the past, I volunteered with a great nonprofit organization called KittyKind.org. They are based out of NYC but have many volunteer and foster opportunities available. Check out their website here for more information.
If you have been following my blog for a while you know I also dedicated my time to volunteering and fostering cats for People for Animals here in New Jersey, USA. I love that this non-profit provides low-cost standard care services, like spay and neutering, for cats and dogs. You can learn more about this organization here.
Try something new
If animals are not your thing you can try other sites like New York Cares or VolunteerMatch.org like I mentioned. The website features volunteer opportunities nationwide. You can filter opportunities by location, age, skill set. Make use of your time and make a difference.
Do you like to teach? You can help students learn English as a second language.
Are you computer savvy? You can teach others to learn how to do basic computer functions like send an email. Find an opportunity that matches your interests and also make a positive difference in the lives of others.
You won’t only be helping to make a positive change and difference in your community, you will also feel a sense of accomplishment yourself. Volunteering is a great way to make new friendships and also stay active. Especially during these tumultuous times, it’s so important we help each other any way we can.
Final Thoughts
Volunteering allowed me the opportunity to heal my heart after pet loss, form new relationships, and new skills. It gave me a sense of fulfillment and shared interests with other like-minded individuals.
For those of you who are unemployed, you never know by volunteering and networking in the organization, you could stumble upon your next full time paid opportunity. It happened to me! But that’s a post for another day! Volunteering is not only helping others, it’s helping yourself too!
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More resources
Here is a list of organizations you may want to explore on your own time.
Here are additional ideas of places to volunteer:
- Local animal shelters
- Food Pantry
- Retirement homes
Share your thoughts!
Have you volunteered your time in the past? Have you tried fostering animals? Are you currently looking for work? Share your story in the comment section below.
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out my other posts below.
Lessons learned the day I left my job and met one special fan
11 Legit Websites I used to make money from home
My first time foster success and 7 lessons learned along the way
Originally posted June 27, 2016. Updated November 2020.
