7 Ways to Make a Difference ...

Charity organizations all over the United States and around the world welcome any extra help as they help to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Chances are, there is an organization like this close to you. Volunteer your time to feed the homeless, or collect Christmas gifts for poor children in your area. You can even volunteer with different groups in the Red Cross organization. My parents used to participate in one where you were contacted by friends and family attempting to get in touch with people in the military. Sometime, you had to deliver sad news like a death in the family, but other times, you got to be the joyous bearer of good news of new babies born and such. It's a very rewarding experience!

The "Angel tree" is one way that you can make a difference in a small child's life. Go to your local Walmart or grocery store that participates with this organization, and grab a name off the tree. This gives you the opportunity to make a child's Christmas day brighter with toys and clothing that otherwise, they would never be able to enjoy! Give a smile!

Rather than having a neighborhood garage sale day, recruit your neighbors to participate in a day to gather un-needed clothing and such from their homes and take to charity locations around your community. Though Goodwill has its place, I recommend finding organizations that give clothing to the needy for free. As a neighborhood, you can make a difference!

Host a senior citizen dance party at your local nursing home. Play the oldies that your guests will recognize and let them relive the old days! You'll see wrinkled smiles all around you, and I'm sure you will be beaming yourself!

Volunteer at the local hospital as a candy striper! How fun would that be!

It puzzles me to hear people complain about the leadership of our local and federal govenrment, and yet, find out the they didn't even vote themselves! You have no right to complain about who is in office, if you didn't care enough to vote - that's my opinion! So, if you didn't vote last election, make sure that the next time, you get out and vote, and make a difference. Every vote counts!

Something as simple as a smile can make all the difference in the world in someone's life. You never know who you pass by on the street or in the store that is having a bad day - and something as simple as a smile as you pass them can brighten their mood. "Share your joy with all you meet, for a smile can be the sweetest treat!"

We all can make a difference in someone else's life. No matter how small it may be, they will notice! What can you do for someone else? How do you make a difference in this world?

Top Photo Credit: Kathy__