Hot Topics     Home and Family    

5 ways to support your community



Even busy moms can show their kids how to help the world

5 ways to support your community


All communities depend in part on the services of volunteers. To keep your rural or urban neighborhood vital, there are always opportunities to give in ways large or small. You'll also add to your network of friends and acquaintances, acquire new skills, and in some cases, support your career. Sometimes your kids can participate, but even if they can't, they'll see how important it is to get involved in the world outside of home and school.

MomBlogSociety.com offers these community service suggestions for parents. Share these ideas with your kids to see which would be of most interest. Get them involved young and they will remain concerns citizens for the rest of their lives.

Volunteer work

Take a look at your schedule and decide how much time you can realistically commit each week. Even an hour or two can make a difference to a library, food pantry, or thrift shop. Also consider your skills to make sure the organization is a good fit. Some groups need a secretary or treasurer, which might mean just attending a monthly meeting and then writing up minutes or paying bills.

Support for local businesses

The Internet and big box stores drain away business from the small companies that are the heart of a town or a neighborhood. Whenever possible, make an effort to buy local. You can also recommend stores or services to friends, follow businesses on social media, and write online reviews if you've had good experiences.

Elderly neighbor checkups

Every community has its share of elders who live alone. If you have neighbors who are widowed or childless and are willing to chat with you, keep tabs on them. Offer to help with chores, take them for walks, or invite them over for meals on holidays, times when loneliness tends to be most acute.

Donations

Besides donating money to causes you believe in, you probably have items in good condition that you can no longer use. They can be offered to thrift shops for resale or to women's shelters for reuse. Get a few friends together to hold a yard sale and donate the proceeds to a local organization.

Environmental action

Plant flowers and bushes to beautify your neighborhood or organize a group to clean up an area marred by trash. Kids can help out, and you're bound to make new friends.



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Get Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs

    Third Annual Orange County District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby

    The Third District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby will run from April 1 through Sept. 4, 2023. The event is open to young people between the ages of 4 and 18 who are children or grandchildren of Orange County residents. read more »
  • Kids aren't eating fruits and veggies

    Happiest Baby's Dr. Harvey Karp has tips to change that

    A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that approximately 32% of 1- to 5-year-olds did not eat a single piece of fruit a day and nearly one half (~49%) didn't eat any vegetables a day. Roughly 51% drank a sugar-sweetened beverage, like fruit drinks or soda, at least once a week. read more »
  • 5 sleep habits essential for heart health

    Make sure you get your zzz's with these tips

    In the days following a time change due to daylight saving time, research shows a marked increase in heart attacks and strokes. However, losing sleep anytime can be a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. read more »
  • Take these 6 steps to manage your blood pressure

    Hypertension can be dangerous

    High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects nearly half of adults in the United States, and only about 1 in 4 with this condition have it under control, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). read more »
  • Make your St. Patrick's Day spread green with envy

    These open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or an appetizer

    Freshen up your St. Patrick’s Day menu with easy, light sandwiches inspired by the traditional color of the festivities. These open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or even as an appetizer for get-togethers with friends and family. read more »
  • Lucky mint brownie perfection

    A twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate

    How lucky you must be to come across this recipe just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. This one is a twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate that’s sure to have almost anyone’s taste buds screaming “yum.” This dessert might just be the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow this year. read more »
  • 3 ways parents can encourage social emotional learning in children

    Parents focus on social emotional skills, mental health, kindness and understanding differences

    Most parents would agree the quality of their children’s education plays a key role in their overall development. While parents are optimistic about the future of education, they also recognize children have educational needs beyond what is considered the standard. read more »
  • Selecting a health care provider

    Resources to guide your selection

    Getting health care for yourself or a loved one is a big responsibility, especially if you’re just getting started with Medicare or have changes in your life, such as a new diagnosis of a condition or disease. It can be overwhelming if you need services like nursing home care, have to find a new doctor or get home health care. read more »
  • 5 simple solutions for proper nasal hygiene

    Keep your nasal passages clean, clear and moisturized

    Your nose is essential for conditioning the air you breathe and serves as the first line of defense against dust, pollution, bacteria, viruses and more. The presence of these substances in your nasal passages can trigger infections, disease and illness. read more »
  • Have a bump on your foot?

    Don’t ignore it

    Have a lump or bump on your foot? Whether it’s painful or not, it could potentially signal a serious condition. Foot and ankle surgeons warn it’s important to have it checked out, no matter its size or location on your foot. read more »