Here’s a guest post from Diana at BrokeAssBitch. If a broke-ass bitch donates her time to charity, shouldn’t you? Thanks for the post Diana!
5 Reasons to Work on Your Day Off
1. Because He Said So. President Elect Obama (can I drop the “Elect” yet?) has declared today a National Day of Service. www.usaservice.org If you are lucky enough to have the day off like me, there are events all over LA and the valley. I have plans to spend a few hours painting at a Free Clinic; but if you are not able to make it out, then there are online pledges and other opportunities to make a difference today. Or, make it up on the weekend – volunteers are needed and appreciated every day of the year.
2. The next time someone calls you a selfish douchebag, you can take exception to being called “selfish”. You served the homeless at the Mission. Yeah. What have they done to serve mankind lately?
3. It’s free and gets you out of the house. Most volunteer projects require just a few hours of your time and nothing could be easier than just showing up with a good attitude and an able body. I have even dragged my hungover, tired ass in to volunteer at 7 a.m. because I promised that I would.
4. That warm fuzzy feeling. Every time I volunteer, at some point I get a little choked up. Making a visible difference in someone’s life is invaluable, and yes, a little selfish because it feels so darn good.
5.Networking, or your next future ex-husband. There’s always a chance that you might meet a fellow volunteer who will be a valuable business contact, or some hot guy with a good heart. Or who is fulfilling court-ordered community service. Also, a little somethin’ extra at the bottom of your resume.
Find your perfect volunteer project here: www.volunteermatch.org
Some local charities that I have worked with:
www.losangelesmission.org The Mission downtown provides shelter and meals to LA’s homeless.
opgratitude.com Care packages to soldiers, they are always accepting donations and in need of hands.
readingtokids.org One Saturday every month, reading storybooks to children. Bagels and coffee, and cocktails at El Cholo afterward make this one of my favorites.
friendsandhelpers.org An orginization to help abused women and children – donations accepted year-round.
www.bigsunday.org The next national day of volunteerism – get some friends in on it and make a day of it.
This is a new era for our nation… an opportunity for the people to make a difference with humane and selfless efforts . Happy volunteering!
