that we can readily join. These are a great place to start: Do-It-Yourself Projects. Also consider giving some com-
1-800-Volunteer –
1-800-Volunteer.org Search the na- mon group activities a community-minded twist.
tion’s largest database of volunteer opportunities, events and Here’s a new kind of book club. Book club members
organizations by location or interest. More than 117,000 can open up enrollment to invite mothers, daughters and
volunteers are registered with the service nationwide. grandmothers to join. Or, organize a community book club
Special Olympics –
SpecialOlympics.org Help people at a local senior center and bring together different genera-
with intellectual disabilities. More than 30 recognized ath- tions of readers to share stories and companionship.
letes and 750,000 volunteers participate in the 227 Special Time to clean out the closet and toy chest? Gather
Olympics programs worldwide. up outgrown toys and clothes and donate items to a local
Habitat for Humanity
HabitatForHumanity.org women’s shelter. Many mothers are forced to leave every-
Habitat has built more than 300,000 houses around the thing behind, arriving at shelters with only the clothes on
world, providing safe housing for 1.5 million people. Build- their back. Donations can provide a welcome and comfort-
ers must be older than 16. Other youngsters can contribute ing item or a change of clothes.
by making “Welcome Home” cards or toolboxes for the Repurpose old beach towels. Collect worn beach towels
new homeowners. and bedding and deliver them to veterinarians and animal
Red Cross –
RedCross.org Each year, the Red Cross re- shelters, where they are needed to comfort and care for pets.
sponds to more than 70,000 disasters, including as many as Ideas for do-it-yourself community projects are infinite.
150 home fires, every day. Many more than what are listed here are outlined at Green-
Project Smile –
ProjectSmile.org This nonprofit organi-
GuideForKids.blogspot.com. Just because something good
zation collects like-new stuffed animals for firefighters and hasn’t been done before doesn’t mean it can’t be done right
police to distribute to children experiencing a traumatic time now. When our intention is to help others, there really is no
in their lives. wrong choice. Each of us, when we keep our eyes open for
Meals on Wheels –
MOWaa.org This national network opportunity, can become the change we want to see.
provides home-delivered meal services across the country.
According to the organization, one out of nine seniors in Helen Coronato is a mother, author, speaker and consul-
America faces the threat of hunger, and at least four out of 10 tant. Her latest book, Eco-Friendly Families, is packed with
local Meals on Wheels programs have seniors on a waiting concrete advice, useful tips and fun strategies.
list for the service. Visit
HelenCoronato.com.
August 2009 17
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