Share Your Time!

Making a career change in March of last year has allowed me more time to get my hands dirty, step out of my comfort zone, and get involved in the Charlotte community! I love volunteering my time and meeting new people who enjoy doing the same! I hope sharing my volunteer experiences will inspire others to get involved within their community. If I can reach one person to use their talents and time to positively enhance the life of others, I consider my efforts successful.

Starting a blog has been a goal of mine for sometime now and I am happy to put it into action! I appreciate my friends at 'The Relatives' for holding me accountable to following through with my words to start a blog. I have had the pleasure of meeting so many young adults whom are staying at The Relatives, a shelter for individuals age 7-17. They have taught me many things and I would like to think that I have passed along guidance that has resonated with them. I look forward to sharing these lessons I have learned!

how to get started?

Well, I love google so I just googled 'volunteer opportunities in charlotte' and the response... OVERWHELMING! Hands on Charlotte being close to the top! I joined Hands on Charlotte in December 2009 and have nothing but great things to say about this organization. My only negative comment... There just are not enough people getting involved! North Carolina is 38th in the nation when it comes to volunteer hours, so lots of room for improvement.

Hands on Charlotte is the middle man for citizens looking to volunteer their time and talents and the many agencies who run on the time shared by those in the community! HOC makes it easy, sign up, show up, and embrace the opportunity to help others! Not to mention, the feeling that is felt once you feel you have made a difference!

Are you good with seniors? There are tons of opportunities to visit assisted living communities for bingo! Or help an elder learn to read with CPCC's GED program! Maybe Kids are your thing? Thomasboro Elementary needs tutors! The KIPP school (the one discussed in the movie 'Waiting For Superman') needs your help tutoring students on Wednesday evenings!!! Help distribute backpacks of food for children to take home to ensure they have meals over the weekend! Or if you are like me and have a passion for animals... There are many opportunities to brighten the day of another with a Pet Therapy project? Or work with Animal Control to find loving homes for those animals currently in the shelter or in foster care! Hunger? Women? Homelessness? Environmental issues? Whatever interests you, I am sure you can find a way to get involved! Or create a new project yourself to help your favorite agency around town find volunteers! Options are endless.

Thus far I have shared my time with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, The Relatives, Charlotte Mecklenburg Animal Control, and Friendship Trays. Each of which has been rewarding in its own way and each allow me to share my time helping all types of people in the community! Not to mention all of the things I have learned!!

I hope to raise awareness of the needs in the community! We can assume that others will step up and take care of what needs to be done, but the reality is... The community is always in need! So take pride in your community and make a point to share your time. For those who live in Charlotte, check out handsoncharlotte.org, complete the orientation and SHARE YOUR TIME, life is worth sharing! If you live elsewhere, check for a hands on organization near you!