How to volunteer this Easter
Guest article by Charlotte Meier of homesafetyhub.org for Cherry Carson Church.
Many families spend the Easter holiday decorating eggs, attending Easter egg hunts, and taking pictures with the Easter bunny. While these traditions are fun, perhaps this Easter you would like to give back to the community. Due to the religious history of Easter, this day is associated with sacrifice and the willingness to give. In the Bible, the holiday known as Easter was actually the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who sacrificed his life to cleanse the sins of the people. Staying true to this theme, you can spend this Easter by sacrificing your usual traditions and volunteering time with those who are in need. Here are a few ways you can give back this Easter.
Visit an assisted living facility
The holidays can be difficult for seniors living in assisted living facilities because they are away from their families and the things that they are familiar with. Many of these residents battle with senior isolation and depression because they no longer have the freedoms to do what they were accustomed to and they begin to resent growing old. Make a plan for you and your children to go spend time with the elderly this Easter. Not only will the presence of your family brighten their day, they may also begin to recall happier memories of times they spent with their own family during the holiday. Volunteering is also a great way to teach your children about empathy, which is something they can apply throughout their lives, both personally and professionally.
Encourage your children to make a few festive crafts to hand out to the seniors or bring a few books to read to them. Many times seniors are just looking for companionship and someone to spend time with them so any effort on your family’s end will be appreciated!
Find ways to volunteer
During the hustle and bustle of Easter, it’s easy for someone in recovery to feel left out of the celebration. Similar to seniors in assisted living facilities, they too feel isolated, which can lead to depression. Trying to overcome addiction is no easy feat and any outside support is welcomed. Get in contact with a few treatment centers in your area to see if they will be hosting any Easter-related picnics or family days that you can donate your time to. If they are not having any festivities related to the holiday, you can also volunteer by tutoring or being a mentor. Being in the presence of people who care will naturally uplift the spirits of those who are battling addiction and will make you feel great as well.
If you’d rather volunteer at the church, you could sign up to assist with our food ministry, which provides fresh produce, meat, bread, and other items to anyone who needs it for free. Click here to learn about how we help the community.
Build a home with Habitat for Humanity
If you are looking for a more physically active way to give back to the community, volunteer for Habitat for Humanity! Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that builds affordable homes for low income families. Working with this organization is a great way to be a part of the change you would like to see in your community and you can take pride in knowing that your efforts helped a family achieve the stability and independence they need to build a better life! Habitat for Humanity also offers programs that extend past the Easter holiday such as traveling to build across the U.S. and other countries, group volunteering and the chance to volunteer long-term.
Taking time to give back this Easter will be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life. Time is one of your most valuable resources and donating it to others is a true act of selflessness. Not to mention, you will also be setting a good example for your children and others around you by showing them that giving back is really what holidays are all about!
