Charity Walks Blog

Author: Erica Brooks

One of the best ways to relieve yourself from the stresses in life is by giving to others. When you help others it takes the focus off of you and your problems and shifts the focus to the needs of others.

Helping others brings about change in the community and a peace to you and someone in need. Below are 10 ways to volunteer and give the gift of yourself to others:

1. Walkathons

Walkathons are charity walks. The only thing required is desire, determination and some good walking shoes. To participate contact the charity of your choice who is hosting the walk to register. Once you register you will be asked to get sponsors to donate money on behalf of you walking. Sponsors can be anyone- your family members, co-workers, church members, local businesses etc. Donations can be anywhere from $1.00 to as much as your sponsor is willing to donate.

2. Local Nursing Home

Many residents of nursing homes don’t have anyone to visit them and would love a visit from a warm and friendly person. It would only require an hour or two of your time a week and it would really make a difference to an elderly resident who does not have family or someone to look after them. Check with you local nursing home to find out how to volunteer at their center.

3. Boys and Girls Club

Many of the youth today are in need of activities to keep them out of trouble and someone to guide them so that they stay grounded and out of harms way. Your local boys and girls club does just that by providing sports and fun activities for children in the area. The club is always in need of responsible, patient adults who are willing to help. Check your local yellow pages to find the center near you and give them a call to find out how to volunteer.

4. Local Church Ministries

The church is a place where people can go to find help in a variety of areas. Put your spiritual gifts to good use at your local church by joining a church ministry. There are many areas that you can be of help in- youth ministry, usher board ministry, missions ministry, prison ministry, music ministry, just to name a few. Check with your local church to see where you can be of the most help.

5. Local Food Bank

This is a wonderful charity where you can help those in your community get the food they need. All it takes is a phone call to your local food bank to get started.

6. Homeless Shelter

Help those who need shelter to get the food and shelter they need. Think of the difference you will make to those in your community by devoting a couple of hours a week of your time to this charity.

7. Girls and Boy Scouts of America

What a fun charity. Responsible and patient volunteers are always appreciated. It requires only a few hours of your time a week meeting with the children. You would play games, participate in badge earning activities, go on local outings and more. Check with your local Boys Scouts or Girls Scouts office to find out about the volunteer opportunities in your area.

8. Domestic Violence Centers

There is a great need in our country to protect those suffering from physical abuse. Volunteer opportunities are available in the shelters and to answer domestic violence hotlines. Contact your local shelter today to find out how you can help.

9. Rape Crisis Center

Rape is a serious crime and rape victims need all the help and support that they can get to recover from this form of abuse. Volunteers are needed to work in local crisis centers and on crisis hotlines. There may be special training that is needed for this type of charity due to the circumstances of the service. Check with your local rape crisis center to find out how you can help.

10. Pet Shelters

Pets need love too! There are many pet shelters that are in need of volunteers to care for sick and homeless pets and to help them to find good homes. If you love pets and enjoy working with them this is a great charity for you.

The opportunities to volunteer in your community are endless. Still not sure where you can volunteer? Visit www.volunteermatch.org to match your skills with one of the many charities in your area. Giving of yourself to others in such a positive way is one of the bests gifts you can give to yourself and others.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/stress-management-articles/stress-relief-through-charity-270806.html

About the Author:

Erica Brooks operates http://www.richlyscentedsoycandles.com and http://www.gourmetsoycandlefundraiser.com which helps groups and organizations to raise money for special causes.

Photo by Alex Bramwell

Technorati Tags: Boys And Girls Club, Charity, charity walks, Fundraiser, Fundraising, Helping Others, Stress Management, Stress Relief, Stresses, Volunteer, Walkathons

Michael Gibbons, from Buttons of Hope, will be my next guest on the Charity Event Success radio show. The interview will take place on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 2 p.m. Eastern. We will be discussing the 3 Simple Keys to Fundraising Success.

There are several ways to listen to the conversation:

• Call (347) 850-8340 to listen to the show live
• Listen to the streamed show from the host webpage at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/charity-event-success
• Listen to an archive of the interview will be available immediately following the show at same host webpage

I am excited about the interview and I hope you are too.

Thanks,

p.s. Be sure to leave a comment on the show page when you visit.

Technorati Tags: Charity Event, Fundraising, Fundraising Success, Michael Gibbons, Radio Show

Almost anyone can participate in a charity walk. That is one of the characteristics that is so appealing for this type of charity event. However, not everyone will be able to participate in your charity walk.

There are some people who aren’t physically able to walk the course you have planned. There are others who won’t be able to attend because it is not convenient.

Putting a twist on your charity walks by adding options can help include some of those who are unable to participate in your basic charity event.

Consider some of these add-on options to increase participation, awareness and fundraising:

Virtual Participation

The name virtual charity walk typically refers to a charity walk event being conducted in a virtual world via computer.  Second Life is one of the online virtual worlds where this is becoming popular. That is not the type of virtual participation I am referring to.

For some potential walkers, the location or the date/time of your charity walk will not allow them to participate.  Why not allow them to do their walk at a convenient location or date/time of their own choosing? Although they would not be a participant at the main event, they would fundraise and walk with the same passion and spirit. Each of these virtual participants would receive the great feeling that comes from supporting a great cause and the nonprofit organization would reap the benefits of reaping additional active volunteers and money to further the cause.

Treadmill Walk

Some participants are physically unable to participate in a traditional charity walk.  Westchester Square Physical Therapy (WSPT) of the Bronx is holding a Treadmill Walk-a-Thon as an alternative. Physical therapy patients and others in the community will be timed as they walk on treadmills.  WSPT’s treadmills to be used includes a therapy pool treadmill.

Aquatic Walk

An arthritis aquatics class conducts an aquatic walk each year in support of a charity walk in my local area. The aquatic walk is performed by participants “walking” laps around the pool.  Although it would be extremely difficult or impossible for them to participate in the traditional charity walk, the aquatic walk allows them to participate in a charity walk with a group of friends while benefiting the nonprofit organization.

Consider augmenting your charity walks with options that allow additional walkers  to participate. It can help those who have felt excluded from being able to participate in the past. It also can mean additional support and funding for your nonprofit organization.

Thanks,

p.s. Go to http://CharityWalks.ning.com and take advantage of the free signup at the Charity Walks Network. Learn additional ways to make your next charity walk event more successful.

photo credit: Mr. T in DC

Technorati Tags: Charity Event, charity walks, Fundraising, Nonprofit Organization, Physical Therapy Patients, Second Life, Treadmill, Treadmills, Walk A Thon, Walkers, Westchester Square, Wspt