Give Back for International Volunteer Day

Today, thousands of people around the world will celebrate International Volunteer Day. Started by the United Nations in 1985, the day provides an opportunity for groups and individuals to highlight the ways they make a difference in the community and give hope to others. Here are some ways you can get involved:

Help end hunger. According to the USDA, there are 8 million households in the United States with children who do not get enough to eat. You can help bring attention to this cause by volunteering to work in a local food pantry, teaming up with a local business to organize an afterschool meal program or even organizing a farmer’s market in your local community. 

Mentor a child. There are thousands of children across the United States who need mentors. You can make a difference by volunteering to work with children through programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters. You can change a child’s life by playing sports with them, reading a book or being there to give extra advice and inspiration.

Get involved with the Red Cross. Volunteers make up 96 percent of the workforce used by the Red Cross to carry out their work. The organization offers several different volunteer options including giving blood or hosting a local blood drive, teaching an emergency preparedness class or supporting the Red Cross using social media.

Host a HopeLine from Verizon drive. Hosting a HopeLine from Verizon cell phone drive is the perfect way to help friends and family get rid of the their old wireless phones and accessories, while doing some good in the community. Phones and accessories donated to HopeLine from Verizon are recycled or refurbished and used to support domestic violence victims and survivors. 

These are just a few of the many ways you can give back to your community on International Volunteer Day and throughout the year. Thanks to all volunteers who give their time and talents to help those most in need.