Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things you can do to improve your health, mind, and soul. There are many volunteer events that you can host in your local community. These events could either be individual or with a group of friends.
Many people volunteer by donating to or organizing fundraisers for various causes such as homelessness, hunger, and education. Volunteering is beneficial not only for the causes you are helping but also for yourself.
However, it’s important to note that such events will cost money. While you might not have a lot of money, there are other ways for you to organize an event without having to shell out from your pockets. For instance, you can ask for donations from local businesses, friends, and family.
Or you could also use crowdfunding platforms to raise money for a cause you’re passionate about. You can set up an online campaign and ask people you know or strangers for donations that will fund your event. But if you’re struggling to compete against other people looking for funds, you can always find GoFundMe substitutes online.
Here are five different volunteer events you can host in your local community:
1. BBQ for a good cause
When the weather is warm outside, a good idea for a volunteer event is to host a BBQ. If you are trying to raise money for a particular cause, have your guests bring boxes of non-perishable food items instead of paying an entrance fee or charging per plate.
When this volunteer event is over, you can send all the food you collected to a local food bank so that they can distribute it to those in need. This could be a great way to feed the homeless without actually giving them money directly.
2. Buy a transit ticket and donate to those in need
Another widespread volunteer event is giving to people who are spending money on transportation. For example, if you were at the train station and saw someone struggling to afford a ticket, you could simply give them yours. Or if you’re taking a taxi or ride-sharing service alone, purchase another transit ticket for that person.
This way, they can afford to work or get back home safely. To turn this into an event, you can encourage members of your local community to do the same. This is a great way to help others who need it and also save money on transportation yourself.
3. Organize a local blood drive
Much like the idea of donating to food banks, you can also host a blood drive in your local area. Blood banks and hospitals are always looking for donors because the demand is very high. Plus, blood drives are a great way to help save people’s lives.
When hosting an event like this, you’ll want to partner with a hospital or blood bank so that they can set up a booth where people can register to donate. You can also partner with them so that you gather the right supplies necessary for healthy blood donations.
4. Host a clothing fundraiser
Schools, churches, or organizations often organize clothing fundraisers. This can be a great way to help out people in need because you’ll be able to donate all the clothes you collect to places like homeless shelters and retirement homes.
If you want to host an event like this, you must provide an easy access point where people can donate. For example, if you’re hosting this event in your local school, have members of the community drop off their clothes in designated bins during school hours.
This is a great way to let students know about the importance of giving back and helping others while also raising money for your cause. Additionally, it’s an event that almost everyone can participate in regardless of their age, status, or economic background.
5. Create a neighborhood newsletter
This might seem like an odd way to go about hosting a community event, but creating a newsletter has many benefits. For example, you can use your local area to create the flyer and inform people about important news in town, including safety tips, upcoming events, and even ways that they can get involved with volunteer work.
Plus, you can work with your neighbors and create a system where everyone contributes. Creating a newsletter can be a great way to showcase homegrown skills and talents while promoting community-building. This is also a great way to get to know your neighbors on a more personal level.
These are just some ways you can host local volunteer events in your community. Whether it’s telling people about important opportunities or simply providing food, clothing, transportation to those in need, there are always helpful things you can do for others. As long as you’re willing to work together as a community, there’s no limit to the ways you can give back.
