Nelson Mandela once said, “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.”
As the InfoTrust team prepares for its first-ever InfoTrust Day of Service, we know that often doing something small can have a big impact.
That’s why we’re closing our offices around the world for a day to focus on others—instead of business as usual. We encourage employees and their families to get creative with their time. Here are some suggestions:
Use the day to learn about an organization for future volunteering.
Having a day away from the office (or home) provides a wonderful opportunity to visit an organization where you may want to volunteer in the future. During a difficult time in my life, I wanted to do something challenging to shift my focus. I picked UC Health’s emergency room because it was a difficult environment (being a Level 1 trauma center). After my initial visit, I spent the next six months volunteering weekly.
Consider your place of worship.
If you belong to a temple, mosque, or church, there will always be volunteering opportunities at your place of worship. You’re more likely to know families in the congregation who need help. That being said, you do not need to be a religious person to volunteer at a religious-affiliated organization. Many congregations are actively involved in our community and join forces to do awesome work. For example, in Cincinnati, there is a terrific organization called Interfaith Hospitality Network that brings congregations together from every religion to take turns hosting homeless families.
Put a smile on a child’s face.
If you’d like to donate your time to help children, most major cities have a children’s hospital and Ronald McDonald House. Spread some holiday cheer to little ones who may not be able to be at home this year.
Help the homeless.
Winter is always the most difficult time for people experiencing homelessness—and unfortunately, not everyone has a roof over their heads as the temperature drops. You may want to look for organizations like Bethany House in Cincinnati that support families.
Honor those who have served.
Our veterans showcased their bravery, and now it’s time to repay the favor with our service.
Serve a meal, share a moment.
Every food pantry and meal kitchen needs help. Stop by your local food pantry and ask them what kind of help they need. Several years ago, the InfoTrust team helped to paint a food pantry and learned that besides food, there was a need for important clothing items like diapers, underwear, socks, etc. While some painted, others went to the closest Wal-Mart and loaded up on the items the pantry needed most.
Research local volunteering opportunities.
No matter where you live, there’s always someone in need. Find a local database with volunteer opportunities and choose something that resonates with you.
Help from home.
If you are concerned about COVID and would rather do something at home or keep social distance, you can pack care packages for homeless people and google the best place to deliver these packages in your community (or simply drive around). Include items like socks (this is the #1 most asked-for item); gloves; water bottle; bandages; wet wipes and tissues; toothbrush and toothpaste; tuna and cracker packs or something similar; single-serving snacks like trail mix; nuts, crackers; and nail clippers. Additionally, there are countless online portals for virtual volunteering opportunities.
Still need ideas? There are numerous organizations that will help you organize an in-person or a virtual fundraising event:
- Operation Underground Railroad is an incredible organization dedicated to rescuing children from sex trafficking. Your donation and your contribution can save a child’s life. Literally. You can host a live event or you can start a virtual campaign.
- GoFundMe and even Facebook provide easy ways to launch fundraising.
- Sites like Bonfire allow you to design custom t-shirts and swag and sell online. Simply create an awesome design and promote it online. Bonfire will take care of everything else from printing to shipping. Make it fun and turn it into a competition between you and your friends— who can design and sell more t-shirts in one day? If you are interested in doing this on behalf of the InfoTrust Foundation, we can provide photos and logos so you can sell InfoTrust Foundation t-shirts and raise money for one of our projects.
- The United Nations established 17 sustainable development goals as a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. Take some time to educate yourself and understand which goals you care about the most and how you can contribute to the change that will make this world a better place.
Think about what you really care about.
This may be a terrific opportunity to spend time pondering about your personal why. Read Simon Sinek’s book and you’re sure to be inspired.
No matter what you decide to do with your time, remember the sentiment of Earl Nightingale: “Your rewards in life are always in direct proportion to your contribution—your service.” When you give of your time in sincerity and generosity, you will experience life’s deepest joy: true fulfillment.
