Giving a hand

A while back I was invited to a facebook event that was of an interesting sought. Surprisingly it was not some themed party, a dinner or some other function… it was actually for a community service project… an organised clean up of the Vihara Maha Devi Park. Was I surprised? Without a doubt. Many of the community service projects are always done by different clubs, and unless your in one of them, you hardly do get involved.

I remember when I was in interact it was all about community service, and we did have a real passion for it. But as we finished school I really haven't got involved in any clubs hence haven't done much – actually no community service project. It's quite sad I know, especially when you really don't have to be in a club or the other to do something of that sort.

The clean up of the Viharamaha Devi Park really made me think – we should get our friends together and do more projects of this nature. The benefits of it definitely works both ways. Given below are a few projects you could get together with your friends and organise…and trust me right now exams are killing me slowly and painfully. But once they are done, I have vowed that I will also be more active in helping the community with my friends.

What we can learn from such projects are immense. For one, we acquire a sense of responsibility. We also learn what it means to make and keep a commitment. We learn about schedules, doing our best and being proud of the end result. Ultimately we also learn that we can be responsible for the well-being of our entire community.

The knowledge of knowing that one person can make a difference is a wonderful and empowering message to oneself, as there is nothing better than knowing that you are important enough to have an impact on someone or something else. Doing such projects helps us to learn something about ourselves, our community, and about pressing social issues. Here are a few community service projects you could do with your friends...

Organize a Christmas gift drive to provide needy families with gifts on Christmas day. Task seem a little daunting for your group of friends. Then why not ask other people in your neighbourhood, school, classes to get involved. Check with your nearest place of worship for a list of families in need.

Donate food or supplies to a nearby orphanage or elders home. Volunteer to clean the place, paint it or even just spend some time with them. They would just love that. Many elderly in a home enjoy playing games and talking. Be sure to call these homes before you go to make necessary arrangements.

Most of just love animals. So why not use this interest to help out at one of the animal shelters, or projects that have since of recent started occurring on a regular basis.

Organize a school supply drive to help needy kids in your area. Check with your nearest place of worship for a list of kids in need.

Looking for a unique and fun idea for your volunteering effort? Then a Charity Carnival may be right for you. Plan a carnival complete with carnival games, refreshments, and prizes and afterwards donate all the proceeds to your favourite charity. Invite friends from your neighbourhood, place of worship, and your children's classes by printing up flyers (indicating which charity the carnival is for) and charging a set fee for entrance. You can set up a ticket booth and give guests tickets to use for the games and refreshments.