As a mother, you probably spent most of your adult life caring for your family. Now that your children are all grown up and out of the house, you may feel a lack of purpose. However, having an empty nest presents many opportunities to care for others in your community. You can make a huge difference in your local area, whether you want to spend a lot of time on philanthropy or do a few things to help out. Follow along for four simple ways to be helpful in your community.
Volunteer at a Food Pantry or Soup Kitchen
Everyone needs and deserves food, but some are less fortunate. That said, you can volunteer at a local food pantry or soup kitchen to help serve and provide meals to those who need them. No matter what role you play in the pantry or kitchen, helping in any way you can to provide food to those in need is an excellent way to get involved in your community.
Donate Money or Items
Donating your time is a great way to give back to your town, but it’s not the only method to show your support for those in need. You can donate money or items to food banks, shelters, non-profit organizations, and other charitable groups in the area. Knowing a few things women’s shelters always need can help you decide exactly what to give to local institutions that work to help others.
Help Older Adults
You may or may not know many older people in your area, but it’s no secret that they need help occasionally. Even if they still live on their own, they might need minor assistance from time to time. Don’t hesitate to ask your older neighbors if they need anything to make their lives easier—such as cleaning, doing yard work, getting their groceries, or cooking their meals.
Clean Up a Local Park
Local parks are great additions to any town; however, some people tend to leave their trash behind. Unfortunately, this trash can degrade the park and make it less inviting for others to use. You can make a difference! Consider gathering a few of your friends or family members to pick up garbage at your favorite local park to keep it beautiful and clean for everyone to use and enjoy.
Now that you know of a few simple ways to be helpful in your community, you can spend your time making a difference in your hometown. Philanthropy doesn’t have to be extravagant to be important—even the little things matter.
