With the start of the new year, many people begin thinking about what they want the upcoming twelve months to look like for them. Whether that includes eating healthier, exercising, making career changes or volunteering, January is a notorious time to start improving your life!
One of my favorite ways to give back to the community each year is through the Festival of Trees hosted by the Albany Boys & Girls Club. Each year, a few people from my office and I decorate a Christmas tree to be auctioned off at a fun fundraising event. All of the money goes back to help kids in our community, and it is always so fun to see the creativity of different businesses and individuals in our community!
If you are looking for other ways to give back to your community this year, here are some options.
Altrusa Kid Shop
Each August, Altrusa provides children from Albany with a $100 Gift card at Heritage Mall to do some back to school shopping. Each child is paired with a volunteer who helps them make wise choices with how to make their money go the furthest.
Kids are able to shop with guidance from an adult volunteer, while relieving financial burden from their families. For more information on Altrusa and their Kid Shop program, contact them here.
Christmas Storybook Land
I have posted many great things about Christmas Storybook Land before, and I will continue to do so! There are many ways to help this great event that helps Fish of Albany and Toys for Tots. You can volunteer your time at the event, help set up or take down, or donate money to sponsor a scene.
If you look at their website here, you can find additional ways to support by linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card or shopping through their Amazon link.
Public Library
There are many different opportunities to help out at the public library. They include reshelving books, cleaning and setting up the children’s area for craft or storytimes, cleaning, dusting and other general maintenance and upkeep.
This is a great way to not only help in a place that is used and loved by many, but get to know some of the faces in the community. For more information, contact 541-791-0112.
Concert Series/Special Event Volunteer
The Parks and Recreation Department in Albany has many opportunities to volunteer – not just this one! Head to cityofalbany.net to find all the great ways you can help with park clean-ups, plantings, and other events. You can even adopt a park!
Call-A-Ride
Albany provides transportation for seniors and people with disabilities at an affordable rate. This is a great way to get to know people in our community, and volunteer your time to drive them to appointments and activities. If you are interested, call 541-917-7606.
If you have another opportunity that you are passionate about, or an event coming up – I would love to hear about it! Send me a message today!