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5 MINUTES OF CARING

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2009

Giving Time By Sam Davidson

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It's National Volunteer Week (in the USA - click here for other countries), and that means it's time for you to give some time. We'll be highlighting different ways to give all week (with a special More Time on Your Hands article about volunteerism coming on Wednesday), but for today, we'll simply highlight some resources that make it easy for you to find a way to donate time to a cause near you:

Where do you volunteer? Tell us in the comments of this article and we'll pick one random commenter to win our new Cool People Volunteer shirt!

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Amanda Rogers commented on Monday, April 20, 2009 12:19 p.m.
Having worked for a 501(c)3 I understand the importance of volunteers. I still volunteer for my previous employer when I can, including working the local Project Homeless Connect. I have also been known to volunteer for the local YWCA and a nearby Humane Society.
Todd Liebergen commented on Monday, April 20, 2009 12:53 p.m.
Saturday, I began volunteering with Angel Food Ministries, and was on my way from volunteering with Tennesseans for Fair Taxation (board meeting at Edgehill United Methodist Church) to volunteering with Ronald McDonald House Charities (Family Room host at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital) when I stopped at the Nashville Earth Day Festival and passed by your booth. Cool new t-shirts! Sunday, I volunteered with church activities. Monday, I'll be training for additiohal church activities prior to volunteering at Project for Neighborhood Aftercare. Tuesday, I'll be volunteering with Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. April 13, I volunteered as a blood donor with the American Red Cross. I also volunteer regularly with the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. During the recently concluded income tax season, I volunteered with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. And on and on.
Paige Presley commented on Monday, April 20, 2009 2:08 p.m.
If you're in the Nashville area, HandsOn Nashville [http://www.hon.org] is a great resource for volunteer opportunities. If you're outside Nashville, check the HandsOn Network [http://www.handsonnetwork.org/] for a branch in your area.

They have projects for many areas of interest including working with food banks, local schools, nursing homes, parks/recreation areas and so much more.
Gretchen commented on Monday, April 20, 2009 3:26 p.m.
Siloam Family Health Center is a sup er place to volunteer. http://www.siloamhealth.org/ And this week is volunteer appreciation week!
Sarah T. commented on Monday, April 20, 2009 7:48 p.m.
I volunteer at the Alzheimer's Association Mid South headquarters in Nashville. My great grandmother passed away from the disease, and now my step-grandfather is suffering from it. I do whatever they need me to do, and I am happy to help! A cure for this disease is a must have thing!
Carole Seman commented on Monday, April 20, 2009 8:34 p.m.
As a retired school counselor, I've done volunteering in many areas. Now my major emphasis with volunteering is being the local coordinator for Project Linus, which is a national organization which provides blankets for children undergoing any kind of trauma. It's rewarding work as there is a product (blankets) that I can put my hands on.
Kim Wilkinson commented on Monday, April 20, 2009 10:05 p.m.
I'm Media Coordinator at an elementary school so there are "built-in" volunteer opportunities that go along with that..from volunteering time to volunteering to sit with the lonely student during lunch.

During my "off-duty" hours, I like to volunteer with an animal rescue group teaching children and youth about how to care for their pets. I love the interaction with the kids and also knowing that I've somehow made a difference in their lives and the animals lives.

Without a doubt, the best volunteering I do is volunteer my time to go visit a good friend who is in an assisted living house. I've become a regular there and enjoy just talking and hanging out with the residents. They're so appreciative of someone to just talk with...
Bambi Weavil commented on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 8:16 a.m.
Thank you for all that you do guys!
Cheers,
Bambi
OutImpact.com - Making a positive impact in the gay community. Make yours.
Lori Smith commented on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 9:05 a.m.
I have been volunteering for almost 3 years for Nashville Cat Rescue. I clean cages at my local Petsmart. There have been so many times that I just did not feel like going but once I get there, all my stress is left on the outside of the door and playing with all the cats and kittens just relaxes me. It makes me feel good knowing that I am helping homeless pets in their transition in finding their furever home.

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