Did you know that there are volunteer opportunities all around you – ways you can help other people and be an elf all year? Maybe your neighbor just got laid off and could use some groceries, or perhaps your church needs you to start a card ministry for those who are ill or shut-in.
How Can You Be an Elf All Year?
Basically, to be an elf all year, you don’t have to live at the North Pole or meet with Santa Claus on a regular basis. You certainly don’t have to only work on Christmas Eve. No, you can keep busy year-round by taking advantage of volunteer opportunities or by creating your own opportunity from the comfort of your home!
Start a card ministry for a local church by finding those in nursing homes or who cannot leave their homes (shut-ins) and send them cards or handwritten letters (they mean more) to encourage them.
Look around you to find out where you can help others. Even your friends and family may need help.
I know that I have seen those in need and those who volunteer, and both areas need you!
How You Can Volunteer All Year
Figure out where the needs are around you. You CAN share your skills in a real and meaningful way. Think about what you do well, and use your talents to help those who need it the most. I know it isn’t the easiest thing in the world to do, and unfortunately, life doesn’t come with an instructional manual (other than the Bible).
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. – Proverbs 11:25
That’s why it’s up to you to be creative and brainstorm all the ways that you can reach others. There are so many virtual volunteering opportunities out there now. You could feel good by just starting your own volunteer program. All you have to do to be an elf all year is to give back.
Consider spending time at your local community health care center, giving blood donations. You can really save lives by just making a time commitment to the right cause.
Look at what the American Red Cross is doing near you. You could volunteer at a homeless shelter, a soup kitchen, or a food bank. There are so many ways that you can be an elf all year.
Are You Doing Enough?
You may think, “I do my part; I’m doing enough.” But are you, really? Try pushing the envelope and doing even more!
I know I often feel that I don’t do enough, but my dad showed me how to spread kindness all around me. Don’t drive by that stranded car; stop to help them out or make a call for them.
Even if you are a person who needs help, you can reach others in need. What about writing a letter to a soldier stationed overseas who doesn’t get mail? He probably feels alone and could use encouragement. It’s easy to write a letter!
Charities like that are all around you. Just do a little digging to find the volunteer opportunity that does miraculous things. One thing you could do is redirect the gift cards you receive this Christmas to those who are less fortunate.
If you can, do more than donate money; write letters from the comfort of your own home to those who are less fortunate – the sick, injured, military, or inmates who are looking to find a little faith. You may have just the wisdom they need!
Conclusion
My goal with this blog is to help you find how you can help others and make a difference. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me. I can’t promise I will have the answer, but I’ll do my best to steer you in the right direction.
Just have a little faith, and realize that you alone can move mountains if you have the will! Want to learn more about finding the right volunteer opportunity for your skills and talents? Get in touch with me.
You can be an elf all year by doing things like volunteering at your local animal shelter. Check out Tender Loving Cats in New York.
Do you know of ways that others can be an elf all year? Do you think that it sounds like fun to help those around you? What can you do to make a difference? Leave a comment below!
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