Give Give Give
Ever feel like your life is one huge volunteering effort? You give your time and your energy to this person and that, and at the end of the day, what do you get? A check payable to SAHM? I don’t think so.
But let’s face it - we’re lucky. And it might seem overly sentimental in a weird, even grotesque way, but when I stand at my son’s changing table replacing his soiled diaper with a fresh, clean one, I sometimes can’t help think about how this diaper is GOLD! And everything I take for granted every day - like his bottles and toys, crib and blankets, and yes, diapers and wipes and cream - are luxuries not every mom beholds.
It’s difficult to think of ourselves as fortunate when we are tired, when our backs have given up, when we have reached our wit’s end and still have dinner to make, laundry to wash and dishes to do. Sometimes in order to gain a little perspective, we need to step out of our lives and into the lives of others. Volunteering is the best way to make this happen.
Now that I am a mother, my perspective has completely changed and when I see a baby in need, I understand and respect more than ever what Angelina Jolie has done. To see a baby hurting or suffering is unbearable. I want to grab all those needy babies and take care of them myself! Obviously this isn’t possible and that’s where volunteering comes in.
If you’re interested in helping children other than your own (it’s a win/win situation!), here are some motivating resources:
VolunteerMatch - No matter where you live, this site will get you started on your way to making a difference. Just plug in your ZIP code and thousands of volunteering opportunities will instantly appear at your fingertips. There are 28 categories - from animals and environment to LGBT and Seniors - so if you’re interested in doing something that doesn’t relate to kids, there are plenty more options to choose from.
Oh! And the best part…you don’t even have to leave the house to help! Included in the options is a “virtual” category (click Search, then choose Virtual at the far right side of the screen) which enables you to volunteer online! This is perfect if you aren’t able to get away from the house (or your kids), and also provides opportunities for your children to get involved, as well.
Newborns in Need - Do you knit or crochet? Newborns in Need is a charity that aids premature and newborn babies by sending their families handmade clothing (store-bought items are also needed). If you’re a crafty mama like me, this is a perfect resource for you!
Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t take much time to volunteer; it’s not going to eat into your schedule if you don’t let it, and it will reward you in ways you never thought possible. Look at it this way - it’ll give you lots to blog about.
October 1st, 2006 21:49
as someone who runs a non-profit, I am totally loving that you gave a shout out to volunteerism…glad i found your blog.
October 2nd, 2006 15:34
I am so glad that there are other’s out there that can appreciate how good they have it–even when up to your elbows in poopy diapers :) Thanks for the links–I didn’t know that you could virtually volunteer!
October 3rd, 2006 10:23
I couldn’t agree more. Having kids has sensitized me to the plight of other children very much. I give to the Abandoned Baby Center, which helps children much like those adopted by Angelina Jolie. When you see them, it makes you realize how lucky you and your children are to be here instead of there.