52 Ways to Volunteer in the New Year

Volunteering more is a New Year’s resolution that many people make. But sadly, it is one that many have a hard time keeping. If you are thinking about volunteering more in the New Year, but aren’t sure where to start, here are some ideas to get you started. These 52 Ways to Volunteer in the New Year are wonderful to try even at the rate of one per week, so you can keep a consistent flow throughout the year. Here is how you can get started!

52 Ways to Volunteer in the New Year

Here are some ways you can volunteer at a local school. Schools are always in need of extra hands.

1. Help sort and catalog books in the library.
2. Read to a child who needs extra help.
3. Supervise at recess.
4. Help prepare meals for breakfast and lunch.
5. Assist with the after school tutoring program.
6. Answer phones while the secretary takes her lunch.
7. Grade papers or help decorate bulletin boards.
8. Organize a fundraiser.
9. Help coach an extra curricular activity.
10. Serve on the PTA.

Here are some ways you can help out your local pet shelter. Animal shelters and rescue agencies depend on volunteers to help stretch their dollar.

11. Clean cages and carriers.
12. Feed the animals.
13. Organize food and treat donations.
14. Exercise the animals outdoors.
15. Do light office work, mailings, and filing.
16. Help with fundraising events.
17.Wash pet beds, blankets, and other linens.

Here is how you can help at your local homeless shelter. Homeless shelters are always in need of volunteers to help make their programs run smoothly.

18. Prepare and serve a meal for the residents.
19. Wash clothing, bedding, and linens.
20. Organize donations of food and clothing.
21. Read and play with the children that are residing at the center.
22. Help with light office and janitorial work.
23. Make simple repairs around the shelter.
24. Provide entertainment if you are a singer or musician.
25. Donate greeting cards to cheer the residents up and help them feel positive.

Consider volunteering at a local nursing home. Nursing homes can always use volunteers to provide companionship or help residents with daily tasks.

26. Sit and read with the residents.
27. Offer to teach a simple yet fun class to the residents.
28. Take fresh flowers for the residents to enjoy.
29. Take greeting cards made by local students to distribute to the residents.
30. If you sing or play a musical instrument, put on a small show for the residents.

Here is how you can help your local non profit agencies this year. Non profit agencies can always use a helping hand as their budget is often tight and limited.

31. Offer to manage the phones for a few hours per week.
32. Help with mailing out literature and other announcements.
33. Help distribute advertising.
34. Assist with fundraising efforts.
35. Help drum up community support.

Help out at your local church or place of worship. Church communities often need volunteers to help run their congregation more smoothly or assist in community outreach services they may provide.

36. Decorate the church for the various holidays and celebrations.
37. Help clean the church after services.
38. Manage the church food and clothing pantry.
39. Assist with light office work, mailings, phone call answering.
40. Organize fundraisers.
41. Help distribute weekly bulletins and literature.
42. Help maintain the yard and landscaping.
43. Offer to take parishioners meals and bulletins when ill.

Here are some ways you can help a crisis center in your area. They would appreciate the help of volunteers willing to lend a hand.

44. Donate old cell phones that can be fixed up and given to the women in crisis.
45. Round up donations for children’s clothing, women’s clothing, and blankets.
46. Offer to assist with laundry, light housekeeping, and yard clean up.
47. Take a meal to the residents or help serve one.
48. Make care packages out of trial size toiletries to pass out to residents.

Volunteer your time or items to a local halfway house. Halfway houses for those leaving prison or drug rehab programs can use your help, and you can do this without actually entering the facilities.

49. Rounding up clothing, job interview attire, ties, dress shoes, and other job necessities for the residents.
50. Rounding up books and magazines for the residents to enjoy.
51. Send fresh plants or flowers to offer some beauty and hope to the facility.

Last but not least, whenever you run into someone who looks like they can use a helping hand, lend them one.

52. Raise your hand and say, “How can I help you?”

Serving others is so rewarding, and when you give these 52 ways to volunteer more a try, you will quickly find that out! Give these ideas a try in the New Year and see what a difference they can make in your life.