"Charity, like the sun, brightens every object on which it shines."
Confucius
Have you ever wanted to make a difference in the world around you and pull yourself up by pulling others up?
Well, why not start now?
International Day of Charity is today! And there's no better time than today to start giving back to your community.
"No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted."
Aesop
What is International Day of Charity?
The International Day of Charity is celebrated to promote global solidarity to overcome poverty and distress. It raises awareness for charitable organizations around the world. It aims to build a common platform for philanthropic, charitable, and humanitarian organizations and individuals around the world. It also aims to bolster support for volunteers and volunteer organizations.
Why Charity Matters
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
Mahatma Gandhi
Charity allows us to pull ourselves up by pulling others up. We can make change through charity, be it big or small. After all, every drop makes an ocean.
Engaging in charitable activities helps you develop self-awareness and a sense of personal growth and achievement. Charity enables teens to display self confidence, show perseverance and work well under pressure, and inspire others. Volunteering allows teens to show empathy and respect differences, give back to others and the community, and demonstrate an openness to learning about others.
"I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver."
Maya Angelou
Charity isn't just about donating money or joining the Peace Corps, all things which seem so far away when you're a teenager. Charity is about making a positive change in our communities.
And there are so many ways to do that.
"If you want to lift up yourself, lift up someone else."
Booker T. Washington
How to get involved in your community
"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention."
Oscar Wilde
Want to volunteer or make a difference but don't know how/where to start? Worry no more!
Here are 10 examples of things you can do!
Do you enjoy reading, exploring, creating, and learning? Do you want to work with talented individuals who share the same passion for books? Do you seek a rewarding learning experience? Do you secretly wish to guest write for the blog, but don't know how? If you are 14 or older, volunteer with the Library! You can volunteer in-person or virtually, and we have all sorts of amazing opportunities. Apply here if interested.
Donate items to the Kindness Project. This is a joint initiative of the Union County Library and Common Heart. There are many different things you can donate, of which full lists can be found on the page above. You can drop off donations at any of the Library's locations!
Volunteer with Common Heart. They are a nonprofit aiming to eradicate hunger in Union County and spread kindness. There are many easy ways you can help volunteer at Common Heart, which can be found in the link above.
Donate to the School Supply Drive with the Union County Government. It's back to school, and many children can't afford school supplies. You can help out by donating! Here is a list of things that you can donate to make a difference in those children's lives.
Volunteer with the Senior Nutrition Service with the Union County Government. If you can drive, you can drop off meals at the homes of homebound seniors, or pick up seniors and drive them to congregate meal sites. If you can't drive, you can help in the kitchen or put on activities at congregate meal sites. Apply here!
Do you have a soft spot for animals? If you are 15 or older, you can volunteer with the Animal Shelter at Union County! Volunteer jobs include assisting in the adoption office, animal interactions, exercising and socializing animals, basic obedience training, bathing and grooming animals, cleaning and sanitizing kennels and cages, off site and assisting with rabies vaccination clinics. Apply to volunteer here.
Are you tired of seeing litter in our beautiful community? You can organize a litter collection even with friends, family, and neighbors! Apply here for a litter collection loaner kit.
Love being out in nature? You can volunteer at any one of Union County's parks, including Cane Creek Park, Fred Kirby Park, and Jesse Helms park with Union County Parks and Rec! Apply here if interested.
Passionate about helping others? Want to gain work experience, work in a team, be a leader, and make a difference? If you are 16 or older, you can volunteer with Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity! Apply here if interested.
Passionate about local history? Want to have fun with fellow volunteers your age? Volunteer at the Museum of the Waxhaws! They have events all the time, and you can help with set-up, decoration, the movie theater, as well as specialized events that they have on a varied basis, such as the photo booth, games, scavenger hunts, and many more! I personally recommend it. Apply here if interested.
"Every charitable act is a stepping stone towards heaven."
Francis Ward Beecher
Conclusion
Remember, you can make a difference! And there's no better time to start than now.
Any act of kindness or charity, no matter how big or small it is, is significant. Every drop makes an ocean, and the ocean is smaller even with the absence of that one drop.
"The charity which is a trifle to us can be precious to others."
Homer
with love,
Chinmayi
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