Top 5: Places You Can Volunteer

Giving back to others in a time of need can be an uplifting experience that can make a difference in the world. Here are the top five places you can volunteer for this year.

Animal Shelters

Running an animal shelter takes a lot of hands. Finding your local shelter can help cute animals as well as help you make possible connections. Most shelters need administrative help with answering calls, responding to emails and answering visitor’s questions. Be careful: You might end up adopting several new family members.

Soup Kitchens

Around the holiday, many church organizations will get groups to help at a soup kitchen. During the other times of the year, these places need volunteers to help keep up with the demand. Visit FoodPantries.org to find your closest soup kitchen or food bank to volunteer.

Retirement Homes

If you have ever visited a retirement home, you know how drab some of them can be. Volunteering your time at a senior center can brighten someone’s day that may not get many visitors. Teach a new skill, play a game or simply just chat with residents.

Political Campaigns

Every county has an office for the political party you side with. Campaigns need hands to answer emails, hang fliers and run fundraising events. These volunteer jobs can lead to great networking opportunities. Call your local municipality for information on where these offices are located.

Habitat for Humanity

Love to build? Offer your time at Habitat for Humanity ( ).This organization uses teamwork to build homes for those in need. With no experience needed, Habitat for Humanity will boost your skill set with programs that will teach you how to build.