What are some things you do that help people?

[mango tango]

I listen to people. Sometimes, people just want to be asked questions and have someone listen to the answers.

[movin'on]

Originally Posted by dave nz

I'm not talking families or work, more help in the community and things you do in your spare time. I've always enjoyed helping people and seeing the difference it makes in their lives (the karma thread got me thinking about this). While I've done various things over the years, would say right now, not doing alot. What I do, do is donate blood and have for a few years.

Just thought It wouldn't be a bad Idea to have a thread on this, to get Ideas and who knows some people may take them on.

Volunteermatch.com has lots of opportunities. So far I've volunteered at a homelss shelter, a food bank, just wrote a press release this week for a victim of domestic violence and as soon as I get that H1N1 vaccine I'll start teaching living skills to homeless youth. Can't say enough good stuff about volunteering.

[andreaspercheron]

I always end up being "camp counselor" wherever I work so my part is, I listen. If they ask for advice I give it and I often get thanked for "being there". I think you need to do what you are good at and I seem to be good at "being there" LOL

[Connecticut Pam]

Originally Posted by dave nz

I'm not talking families or work, more help in the community and things you do in your spare time. I've always enjoyed helping people and seeing the difference it makes in their lives (the karma thread got me thinking about this). While I've done various things over the years, would say right now, not doing alot. What I do, do is donate blood and have for a few years.Just thought It wouldn't be a bad Idea to have a thread on this, to get Ideas and who knows some people may take them on.

Nice post Dave. One of my favorite things to do is when I was still working, I use to collect toys for the kids at the homeless shelter here in town at Christmas time. I would call the shelter ahead of time and see what ages of children they had there; put up a list in the office and everyone would pick a child to buy for. If anyone outside the office wanted to contribute, I kept track of what was needed. We would then, on Christmas Eve, take the toys down to the shelter. I believe one year we also brought cookies, candy and helped them decorate their tree at the shelter. It was an amazing feeling. I still donate clothing from time to time as well.

I see you are in Australia? Don't know if you have the homeless thing going on there as badly as we do here in some towns but you can always check and also...work in a soup kitchen where street people have to eat on Holidays, it is very humbling.

Bless you for your volunteer work.

[floridadreamer]

At this time, my contribution to society consists of trying to raise two toddler not to be a menace. When they are old enough I'd like to get the whole family involved in working with animals, visiting retirement homes, adopting a shore or highway, etc.

[ciaralaaavender]

I decided to go vegetarian over a year ago, and even though I know it won't make a difference to the numbers, it makes me feel good knowing that I haven't hurt any animals. I love the feeling, and I know other people might not see the point, but it's recently filled me with a lot of compassion. I want to start a job, so i can give donations to charities and such. I'm going to set up a stall one day soon to raise money, which i will donate to one of the charities that our school supports. I'm only 13 but I really want to make a difference. Maybe you can try that too?