Stress Relief Through Charity

One of the best ways to relieve yourself fromministry, missions ministry, prison ministry, music
the stresses in life is by giving to others. Whenministry, just to name a few. Check with your
you help others it takes the focus off of you andlocal church to see where you can be of the
your problems and shifts the focus to the needsmost help.
of others.5.Local Food Bank-
Helping others brings about change in theThis is a wonderful charity where you can help
community and a peace to you and someone inthose in your community get the food they need.
need. Below are 10 ways to volunteer and giveAll it takes is a phone call to your local food bank
the gift of yourself to others:to get started.
1.Walkathons-6.Homeless Shelter-
Walkathons are charity walks. The only thingHelp those who need shelter to get the food and
required is desire, determination and some goodshelter they need. Think of the difference you will
walking shoes. To participate contact the charitymake to those in your community by devoting a
of your choice who is hosting the walk to register.couple of hours a week of your time to this
Once you register you will be asked to getcharity.
sponsors to donate money on behalf of you7.Girls and Boy Scouts of America-
walking. Sponsors can be anyone- your familyWhat a fun charity. Responsible and patient
members, co-workers, church members, localvolunteers are always appreciated. It requires only
businesses etc. Donations can be anywhere froma few hours of your time a week meeting with
$1.00 to as much as your sponsor is willing tothe children. You would play games, participate in
donate.badge earning activities, go on local outings and
2.Local Nursing Home-more. Check with your local Boys Scouts or Girls
Many residents of nursing homes don't haveScouts office to find out about the volunteer
anyone to visit them and would love a visit fromopportunities in your area.
a warm and friendly person. It would only require8.Domestic Violence Centers-
an hour or two of your time a week and it wouldThere is a great need in our country to protect
really make a difference to an elderly residentthose suffering from physical abuse. Volunteer
who does not have family or someone to lookopportunities are available in the shelters and to
after them. Check with you local nursing home toanswer domestic violence hotlines. Contact your
find out how to volunteer at their center.local shelter today to find out how you can help.
3.Boys and Girls Club-9.Rape Crisis Center-
Many of the youth today are in need of activitiesRape is a serious crime and rape victims need all
to keep them out of trouble and someone tothe help and support that they can get to
guide them so that they stay grounded and outrecover from this form of abuse. Volunteers are
of harms way. Your local boys and girls club doesneeded to work in local crisis centers and on crisis
just that by providing sports and fun activities forhotlines. There may be special training that is
children in the area. The club is always in need ofneeded for this type of charity due to the
responsible, patient adults who are willing to help.circumstances of the service. Check with your
Check your local yellow pages to find the centerlocal rape crisis center to find out how you can
near you and give them a call to find out how tohelp.
volunteer.10.Pet Shelters-
4.Local Church Ministries-Pets need love too! There are many pet shelters
The church is a place where people can go to findthat are in need of volunteers to care for sick
help in a variety of areas. Put your spiritual giftsand homeless pets and to help them to find good
to good use at your local church by joining ahomes. If you love pets and enjoy working with
church ministry. There are many areas that youthem this is a great charity for you.
can be of help in- youth ministry, usher board