Give a Little, Get Alot

So here we are on #7 of 12 for new things to try this coming week.  I hope you've been able to try some of these and are feeling more strength come into your life.  Today's number seven is about charity.

Charity is such an important thing.  Not only does charity help others it also helps us.  When we give to others, whether it be time, talent, or money, we start to feel a real connection with others and it becomes a cycle.  The more we give the more we feel great about giving and the more we want to be able to give more.

One of the best ways to relieve yourself from the stresses in life is by giving to others.  When you help others it takes the focus off of you and your problems and shifts the focus to the needs of others.  Here are a few ways we can get connected into charity.  Be active, get involved.  It doesn't have to be big at all, but a little something would be fantastic.

1.  Walkathons
      Walkathons are charity walks.  The only thing required is desire, determination and a pair of good walking shoes.  Get registered and ask sponsors to donate money on behalf of you walking.  Donations can be anywhere from $1.00 to as much as your sponsor is willing to donate.  And what a great way to increase your exercise activity!

2.  Local Food Bank
      This is a wonderful charity where you can help those in your community get the food they need.  All it takes is a phone call to your local food bank to get started.

3.  Local Nursing Home
      Many residents or nursing homes don't have anyone to visit them and would love a visit from a warm and friendly person.

4.  Pet Shelters.  (One of my favorites)
      Pets need love too!  There are many pet shelters that are in need of volunteers to care for sick and homeless pets and to help them to find good homes.  If you love pets and enjoy working with them this is a great charity for you.

You can find many more opportunities at www.volunteermatch.org or a fantastic place is

http://lds.org/service/humanitarian/help?lang=eng




I started collecting items and money from work last month to make Humanitarian Hygiene Kits.  It was a wonderful experience putting those kits together.  I can't wait to be able to do it again.