You Don't Have to Kneel to PrayIt was the first of May and the Smiths, our neighbors that live across the field from us, were going on vacation for a week and asked if we could care for their chickens while they were gone. They have a dozen or so and I love doing it. It's a good walk over to their place and the two of us enjoy the exercise together.
Welcome Gift to a New NeighborI live in a very nice complex. Saturday, a gentleman (bachelor) moved in across the hall from me. I ran into him in the hall and welcomed him, and answered some questions he had! I then came in and started baking! I made a banana bread and a batch of my chocolate chip cookies. While they were cooking, I got out a gift bag for his Welcome package.'
Translation Website for Spanish NeighborsWe recently got some new neighbors who do not speak any English and I do not speak Spanish. I wanted to explain to them that during the summer after a heavy rain there have been sightings of copperhead snakes and that their backyard always floods out.
Spend the Summer as a VolunteerI know in Virginia, we have an awesome program called Hands On Greater Richmond. It is a volunteer database full of opportunities for kids and adults to give their time, learn something new, meet new people and to earn volunteer credit hours towards their graduation goals!
Radio Reading for the BlindI am a volunteer reader for a radio reading service for the blind. The service provides free of charge radios, which only receive the service broadcasts of the local newspapers, best selling books, magazines and even the Sunday comics and the grocery ads. Broadcasts are 24/7.
Pancake Palooza FundraiserStart with getting an adult to find a restaurant near you to allow you to use use their facility. Then organize an "All you can eat pancake breakfast." Our school did this and made a $957 profit.
Helping Out in Disasters When You Can't be ThereIt is so sad to see all these people in those areas that have been devastated by natural disasters. I wish I could actually be there picking up things and handing out needed supplies. I, of course, do not have the time or the means to help that way.
It's A New Year, Donations NeededYes, last year seem to fly by. Like me, I'm sure so many people helped by donating to either thrift stores, churches or charities. For some reason, this goes along with "spring cleaning" or after summer break.
Donate Old MagazinesDon't throw those old books or magazines away - donate old magazines and books to your local nursing home or doctors office for others to enjoy while they wait or while they have nothing better to do.
Picking Up Roadside LitterPicking up litter during the hot summer months is not my favorite thing to do, but I'm proud of the sections of roadside my husband and I keep clean.
Link: Bookcrossing.comThis is for all the people who love to read. A scrabble buddy of mine told me about it. I haven't actually done this since I have 2 daughters-in-law who share my reading tastes, so I pass my books to them.
Donate Blood When You CanI have given blood off and on what seems like my whole adult life. I recently went to give blood, and they said that they couldn't take it because I had a right bundle branch block.
Respecting People with DisabilitiesI am disabled. I have several things wrong in my lower back. None of them are related to weight or a bad life style. I use a rolling walker or two canes to get around.
Give Postage Stamps as Alternative to Funeral FlowersAfter losing both my dad and younger brother within the last 2 years, I have an alternative gift suggestion to sending funeral flowers. We were blessed by family and friends with flowers, food, gifts, etc. After things calmed down, we had lots of thank-you notes to write.
Share Your Coupons with Restaurant GuestsWhen you go to a store or a restaurant and have multiple coupons, consider sharing with other guests. My husband and I recently visited a restaurant and a woman offered us a coupon for $3 off our bill.
Get To Know Your NeighborsFor so much of my life I didn't bother pursuing friendships with neighbors because I thought I probably would have nothing in common with them.
Get Tips From Locals Through FreecycleWith having my boyfriend in the military and recently moving to a new city, we were looking for frugal (but fun) activities. I joined the local Freecycle network and got tips and ideas from local residents.
Share Your "Buy One Get One Free" PurchasesIf you take advantage of the buy one get one free option offered in some stores, why not think about sharing the second one with an elderly neighbor trying to live on a fixed income, or the family down the street who's trying to make it on unemployment through job loss?
Use Church Bulletins for Free AdsIf your church issues a monthly church bulletin to each of it's members, utilize it. A local pal put an free ad in it for 'Free Firewood' thinking she might have a couple of people show up for it.
Trading Services with FriendsUse the barter system with a friend. I have a friend that sews and I don't. She loves my homemade soup and bread. I love her sewing. So, we trade soup and bread for sewing talents. We end up both happy campers.
Create a Helpful Neighbor GroupCheck around and see who in the area is interested. This is what it could include: if you are going grocery shopping, ask the neighbor if they need a few things.
Helping Families on a BudgetI've done this for a number of years and due to our recent national disasters, it has seemed even more important (especially considering the cost of gas!)
EVERY Sunday I subscribe to 2 copies of our local newspaper. Usually they are filled with little "booklets" of manufacturer's coupons. Now I have 2 sets.
Getting Involved in Your CommunityThere are a lot of clubs that contribute to the community. Kiwanis, Lions, I could go on and on. All of them should be recognized more. If you're not clubby and you want to contribute to your community, write letters to the editor about what your community needs to concentrate on.
Voter TurnoutEach Election Day, we have the chance to shape the future of our communities, states, and nation by voting. Sadly, too many of us fail to exercise that right. Voter turnout in America has declined steadily for four decades.
How You Can Help?A list of phone numbers and web sites for helping with the current problems caused by the 9-11 Attack.