Life takes us on a rollercoaster that just seems to speed up at every opportunity. Your job, your family, your hobbies, all taking up precious time as we navigate the twists and turns of the ride.
The areas we live in form a massive part of how we interact with others and how we perceive our local communities; whether you are buying food from the local store or if it’s the same runner you see on your daily commute to work every day.
These small daily interactions may not even register as being significant to you, but they are all subconsciously combining with one another to create the real-life picture you know consciously as your local community.
As the world becomes more and more ‘digitally connected’ via the likes of social media, it’s easy to accept this is the new “norm” of interacting with others albeit virtually. In reality, most people feel less connected with others in the local community than ever before as there are less and less physical interactions with others.
It Feels Good
Physically interacting or ‘in person contact’ with others in your local community gives a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment on a level far greater than any digital interactions. When did you last stop to chat to your neighbor? Ask how their family is? If they need any help with anything?
Taking the time to ask these simple questions will generate good feelings inside of you instantly. Whether it’s stopping to chat to your neighbor or interacting with others at your local community center, finding the time to do a little extra is 100% worth it.
Below are some of the best giving back project ideas:
Volunteer Locally
Care homes often require volunteers to help with activities or planning. Joining the local volunteer register will allow you to connect with the aging residents in your community, learn about them and in return feel a great sense of satisfaction for a small amount of your time. Look for charity event ideas for further inspiration.
Community Club
Do you have a passion you wish to share with others? Setting up a community club will allow you to pass on knowledge and interact with others along the way. Join or start a local running club, organize a litter picking activity, and raise money for a local charity. The options you have are endless and will all lead to the feeling of accomplishment and giving back.
Act of Kindness
Neighbors are often our closest connection to our community. Living next door or directly opposite you, interacting with a neighbor is surely highly likely, right? Yet most of us will admit to knowing very little about our neighbors if nothing at all. Offering a lift, asking if they need anything from the local store or taking the trash out for them, will start a connection and make you feel the ‘feel good’ feeling. A small act of kindness can go a long way!
Support Local Businesses
We are all guilty of it!
Looking for the best deals online via the likes of Amazon or Walmart, it’s slowly becoming hardwired into everyone. Shop online, find the best deal, goods are delivered right to your door – The cycle repeats.
Local shops play a huge part in our communities, often being the areas where most interactions happen with others. Now more than ever shops in our communities are closing at an alarming rate, COVID19 is the most obvious culprit, however, the online shopping culture is also to blame.
Saving an extra 10% online off your weekly food shop is common. The 10% you have just saved could have gone towards supporting a local business that is struggling to survive in your neighborhood. To help avoid another boarded-up storefront, shop locally and support your community. A small act on your behalf can really make a difference in the long term.
Donate to a Local Food Bank
One of the most powerful feelings of accomplishment you can achieve is through helping others that you do not know. Approximately 7.7 billion people call planet earth home, some are more fortunate than others.
For those who struggle daily to provide food for their families, a local food bank can be the deciding factor between eating or not. Next time you’re at the local store set aside a small amount and buy a little extra, and directly donate it to your local food bank or take the time to look deep into your kitchen cupboards for the tinned food you have never used that’s still in date and donate. Small contributions from community residents combine to make a large contribution that can make a difference in the lives of others.
Volunteer at a Nearby Hospital
Hospitals aren’t the most exciting places to visit. Unfortunately, individuals continue to get sick daily. They frequently require encouragement from individuals who are in good health. Workers in such hospitals could also benefit from your assistance.
Volunteering at a nearby hospital is another chance to give back to the community. It will, without a doubt, make a significant difference. You can spend some time with the patients and keep an eye on them, work with the children, or even assist with food service.
Help Out at the Local School
School workers can sometimes get overwhelmed by work. There is always so much for them to do, and they can become stressed out for not spending quality time with their families. Most people believe that it is the responsibility of these workers to keep the schools afloat.
When you volunteer at that local school, you give back to your community. By doing that, you will be assisting people who work in schools, and the youngsters who receive an education there. This is one of the best ways to give back to the community without money.
Organize Charity Events
You can volunteer to organize a community event like yard sales or competitions, with the earnings benefiting the community. The money raised could be used to purchase clothing, food, literature, or any other equipment for your community who are in need. This is a fantastic way to give back to your community while also having fun.
Closing Thoughts
So, why is giving back to the community important? You will gain so much from interacting with your community and feel like you are part of the area you live in, rather than someone who just passes through. The more community residents who give back the greater the community becomes, try to inspire others along the way too. Some of the ways of giving back to the society include: donating food, setting up a charity to raise funds, volunteering at local hospitals, and supporting local businesses by buying from them.
