7 Unique Ways To Give Back To Your Community This Fall

If you want to live a longer and healthier life, volunteering might just be the key. Studies show that giving back leads to better health outcomes for people of all ages. There is something euphoric about lending a helping hand. Volunteering increases positive emotions , decreases loneliness and boosts volunteer support.

Volunteering is a unique and personal experience for everyone, which is why it is important to commit to volunteering in an area you genuinely care about. Lend a hand with something you love or right an injustice that you hate enough to want to change. In addition to being something you are passionate about, community service should be relevant to your community and speak to a need.

Here are ideas for how you can uniquely give back this fall.

Garden at Your Local Farm

With the seasons changing, your local farm is ripe with opportunities to give back. Depending on where you live, there might be many options when it comes to local farms. Do a quick Google search to find local farms in your area and look for volunteer opportunities.

Try to find a farm that aligns with your values. For example, if you support only grass-feed, grass-finished beef or organic fruits and vegetables, it will be helpful to find a farm that prioritizes that. As you volunteer to help with planting and harvesting crops, you might just learn something new about farming, health, and gardening your own food.

Volunteer With the Local Theater

As fall quickly approaches, there is sure to be fall-themed and holiday productions at your local theater. Check out their website or go in person to learn about different volunteer opportunities. You might help build sets, operate spotlights, design costumes, sell concessions or serve as an usher.

Mentor and Tutor Students

Fall means back to school, and with kids heading back to school, the need for tutors and reading assistance is high. Google local organizations that involve K-12 education, tutoring and assisting in the classroom. With 1-in-4 kids in the U.S. growing up without learning how to read, giving back to help educate kids couldn’t be more needed. You can volunteer in programs during the school week or the weekend.

Volunteer as a Coach

Fall is the beginning of sports season. There’s no better time to put your athletic skills to use. Whether it’s for your local church, community center, or the neighborhood school, volunteer as a coach for a kids’ sports team. You don’t have to be Olympic-level great to help teach kids a new skill.

Give Back at Your Local Library

Public libraries might not exist without generous donations and the support of volunteers. Every library has different needs and volunteer opportunities. Some ways to might help out are restocking books, assisting with kids’ crafts and activities, tutoring students or preparing books for sale.

Help People Register to Vote

It’s an election year, and many people may not have registered. They might face barriers of access to the internet, distance to polling places or language barriers. You can create a service project in your local community where you connect people with the resources they need to vote in November.

Spend Time at Your Local Retirement Center

For older adults, loneliness increases the risk of depression . This fall, volunteer your time at a retirement home. You can gather a group of friends and bring board games, arts and crafts and other interactive activities. You might even teach the seniors a new skill. When you reach out to the administration office, they will be able to explain what opportunities they might offer for volunteers.

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