Why should I volunteer?

The joy received from helping others is priceless. 
Volunteering allows you to share your individual talents with others. 
Serving others encourages people to step out of their own private worlds and focus on the needs of others. 
We all have something to give whether it be donations of time, money, or just encouragement to others. 
Volunteering can lead to a newfound interest or career opportunity. 

How do I get involved? 

Choose an organization that you would like to help based on your own interests. 
The best way for high school students to volunteer is to become involved in Key Club, or Student Council at their school. 
Identify a need in your community. 
Recognize your talents and skills and share them with an organization in need. 
If you don't have the transportation or time to go to the organization to volunteer, offer to make phone calls or do computer tasks for them from your own home. 

Organizations that welcome Volunteers - Here are just a few of the many organizations that could use volunteers.
Click on the link of the organization that most interests you. 

Start with your school. Duplicating, tutoring, reading to classes for as little as 30 minutes a week, and even picking up trash around the campus can improve your school. (My school's website - Lakeside High School, Hot Springs, Arkansas)

Your church would welcome assistance in answering the telephone, typing, cleaning the sanctuary, teaching classes, and helping with programs such as Vacation Bible School. (My Church's website - First United Methodist Church, Hot Springs) 

Hospitals need candy stripers, aides, and volunteers to rock newborn babies and deliver newspapers to rooms. Fundraisers are an excellent way to give money, also. (Local hospitals - Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock; National Park Medical Center, Hot Springs; St. Joseph's Mercy Health Center, Hot Springs) 

Boys and Girls' Clubs always need people to coach sports teams and mentor young student athletes. Cleaning the grounds, running the scoreboards and helping in the concession stands are great ways to get involved, too. (Boys & Girls' Club of Hot Springs website) 

Libraries appreciate people who are willing to file books, assist visitors, and help with the reading and computer programs. (Garland County Library website) 

First Step School of Hot Springs is one of my favorite places to visit. It is a school for mentally and physically disabled students. I enjoy volunteering at First Step School and interacting with the kids. (First Step School website) 

Volunteering on a national level - Contact these national organizations if you would like to become a volunteer: 

The American Red Cross is an organization that helps victims of disasters in the United States and other countries. Recently, we have all witnessed the efforts of this organization during the Tsunami disaster.

The American Cancer Society 

The American Heart Association 

The Salvation Army

"I am only one, but still I am one; I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do something that I can do." -Helen Keller