Volunteer Needs Column 

November 16, 2012   

For more information, email Jennifer or call 423-4880.

Ring, Ring, Ring....Ring the Bell

With Christmas just around the corner, a familiar sound is the ringing of the Salvation Army Bells! Great family opportunity or by yourself, you can be a part of the tradition and help those in need at several locations in the Lafayette area.  

Visit www.RegisterToRing.com or call 765-742-0006 to sign up for a shift or two.   

Learn more about the United Way

Do you want to find out what the United Way of Greater Lafayette is all about? Visit the website

National Family Volunteer Day is November 17th and is a perfect time to "Serve with Heart" and encourage family members to take on a rewarding project to help others, or volunteer for an activity already taking place. Below are a few tips on how to get involved and instill within your family a commitment to making a positive impact in your local community, and beyond.

Tip #1: Parents - introduce community service to your child(ren) at a young age, and kids - get started early. If children develop a passion for community service when they are younger, they are more likely to volunteer when they are older. Talk to your family about why service is important and how to make volunteering fun.

Tip #2: Find something that your family is passionate about. Whether it is working with animals, homeless people, babies, or senior citizens, making a difference can be even more rewarding when doing what you love with the people you love.

Tip #3: Volunteer on a consistent basis. Partnering with an organization is a great way to establish a consistent service commitment. However, if flexibility is what your family likes, commit to finding a new project each month. For example, choose and volunteer with a homeless shelter one month and maybe an animal shelter the next. Look for ideas in the Volunteer Needs Column or visit the Volunteer Center website for even more ideas.

Tip #4: Find projects that are local. When you are first starting out, find local projects that interest you. You can make a difference in your community.

Tip #5: Look for ideas and resources. United Way of Greater Lafayette Leaders of Tomorrow program is aimed at getting children 11 - 15 years old involved in service. Learn more about this youth program on the Volunteer Center website and sign up in the spring.