Volunteer in Your Community

According to Wikipedia (an online encyclopedia):
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculture) Harvesting is the process of (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gathering) gathering mature crops from the fields.

Everyone, regardless of age or experience, has something to offer to others. Each of us is a ready harvest; a mature "crop" of experiences and knowledge that can be a source of sustinence and strength to someone else. Offering your services to an individual or organization can be the best way to meet new people, pull yourself out of the "blues", and realize some of the harvest that God has produced in you and wants you to share. Every place, from big cities to small communities, has a way for you to volunteer.

Here are some suggestions to get you started:

Your Church
Answer phones, offer your computer knowledge, make phone calls, welcome newcomers (you can relate!), work with the children or youth, volunteer for the women's ministry, drive the church van... The opportunities are nearly limitless.

The Local School
Volunteer in the library, work one-on-one with kids who need extra help, supervise the play ground, be the crossing guard, volunteer in the office, join the PTA, plan the school carnival. In addition to making friends, you'll have a better idea of what goes on at your kids' school.

Local Charity
What are you passionate about? Help out at an animal shelter, build homes with Habitat for Humanity, tutor or give dance or music lessons in the inner-city.

Be A Docent
Do you love art, history, or nature? "Docent" comes from the Latin word that means "to teach" and docents are an important part of local and national museums, zoos, historical landmarks, and parks.

Election/Proposition Campaigns
Volunteer for the election campaign for someone that you believe in or for a proposition that you feel strongly about.

The Hospital
Volunteer at your local hospital. Volunteers may staff reception areas and gift shops; file and retrieve documents; provide administrative backup; help visitors; and visit with patients.

Scouting
What better way to invest than in the next generation of women.

Volunteer Fire Department
Did you know that, according to the National Volunteer Fire Council (http://www.nvfc.org), 73 percent of firefighters in the United States are members of their Volunteer Fire Departments? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States)

Music
Join a community or your church choir/orchestra.

Join Or Start A Book Club
Do you love to read? Check with your local book store or library for an existing book discussion group or start your own group.