Habitat for Humanity

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Many people volunteer for this wonderful cause of building homes for family in need. It is a rewarding experience to give back to your community, and to help out your neighbors. When you see a house finished, and the family's teary emotion as they move in, you know your hard work and effort had been paid off.

Animal Shelters

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The animal shelter in your area always needs an extra pair of hands. If you love animals, this is your opportunity to offer your time, and give your love to those adorable furry friends that are waiting for theirs faith.

Health Care Volunteer

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There are many things to do in the hospital. You can simply visit a sick patient, and assist him/ her with their lunch, such as opening juice box, milk, cut up their foods, etc. You can also visit terminal ill children by bringing a drawing, play puppeteer, or read him/her a story.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters

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Give only four hours a month to a young person can enhance yours, and his/her life. The activity is ranging from playing sports, to board games, to going on a walk, or eating pizza. After your background is checked, for the child's safety reason, you will be matched with a little one to mentor.

American Red Cross

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We all have heard of the many wonderful things that Red Cross is doing over the years. This is probably the biggest program in the world. The Red Cross is always looking for volunteers, prepare to train you, and get you ready for that volunteering job.

Foster Parents

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Many children need a loving home. Becoming foster parents to a child in need is challenging, as well as rewarding. Your caring, loving, and nurturing will make a big different in their life. There are many different programs that you can check out in your local area.

Special Olympic Programs

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Special Olympic is dedicated to intellectual disability adults and children to provide physical fitness, motor skills, built self-confidence, and positive self-image. For volunteer opportunity, please check out this website.

Nursing Homes

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Nursing home is a wonderful place to volunteer. I often marvel at the amazing stories from listening to their life. My personal experiences with one couple left me breathless, wondered, and totally renewed in my spirit and soul.

Meals on Wheels

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Many churches and even banks run this program through their establishments. Volunteers bring hot meals to senior citizens that are homebound, washing dishes, feed their pets, and perform light housekeeping for the seniors you visit.

Library

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To find a library near you, go to this website, and click on your state. Library has many programs for volunteer. If you love books, or spending time in the library, this is the perfect place to give your time, meeting new people, and be involved.

Resources

• International Volunteer Programs Association
  
• Volunteer Match
  
• Peace Corps
  
• Matador Volunteer-Make Travel Matter-This site listed 10 Volunteer Opportunities to Travel for Free.

When you give your time and effort helping your community or serve a good cause, not only it can change your perspective in life, it can also empower your humanity.

The foundation had its beginnings in Arizona in the year of 1980. A seven year old boy named Christopher James Greicius was diagnosed with leukemia. Christopher's greatest wish was to become a police officer. He and his mother, Linda Bergendahl-Pauling, befriended a U.S. Customs Officer named Tommy Austin. Once Christopher's health had taken a turn for the worse, Officer Austin contacted a local Arizona Department of Public Safety's officer, Ron Cox. Together, they would plan day dedicated to getting Christopher's mind off his illness and lifting his spirits.

The personnel of the Department of Public Safety gave Christopher a city tour in the department helicopter and made him the first honorary Department of Public Safety patrolman in the history of the state of Arizona. They had a special suit tailored for him and tested him on his motorcycle proficiency, earning him wings for his uniform. Although he passed away, he was able to experience his greatest wish.

The Christopher Greicius Make-A-Wish Memorial, later renamed the Make-A-Wish Foundation, was formed. Those who had a part in granting Christopher's wish had later endorsed the forming of the foundation. They all saw how granting his wish had brought joy and hope to him in his time of need. They hoped that they would be able to do the same for other children. The foundation grew into a worldwide organization that was able to grant over 163,000 children around the world. This foundation is now one of the most renowned in the world.

The goal of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is to grant the wish of a child with a life-threatening medical condition to bring joy and hope to the child and family. For more information on how you can make a difference, go here.