Turn Your Free Time from Boring to Meaningful

If you find yourself wondering what to do on the weekends, or if your kids are bugging you for something new to do, why not donate your time?  Volunteering with a local non-profit, church, hospital or facility can be a rewarding way to spend an hour, a day, or even a vacation.

• The United Way of Monroe County and Toledo are always looking for help with a wide range of programs.  Spend an afternoon reading to kids, or commit to a few days of delivering meals to the elderly.  Visit their websites for more information.
• Animal shelters and rescue groups are also desperate for help.  The number of adoptable animals has skyrocketed during these difficult financial times, and shelters are overwhelmed.  You can volunteer to work at the shelters by walking dogs, cleaning, or helping at events. You can even foster-care for pets until they can find permanent homes.  Read about how you can help at the Humane Society of Monroe County or Humane Society of Toledo.  To find a list of rescues nearby, visit Petfinder.com.
• The Nature Conservancy has on-going studies and restorations across the country.  From removing invasive plants to counting butterflies, the opportunities abound.  Click on “Where We Work” to find out more.
• Consider a Volunteer Vacation for your next trip.  Organizations like EarthWatch, GoPhilanthropic, and EcoVolunteer all offer a variety of opportunities to make your vacation a little more than just a trip to the beach.

Source: The Daily Green