Serving - 2011

As I did in 2010, I set a goal to do 50 hours of service over the course of 2011. After not reaching the goal in 2010, I decided to work harder to accomplish it. That is, I made more of an effort to seek volunteer work and service opportunities, and if something came my way I used my goal as extra motivation not to be lazy or selfish. I'm very happy to report, that I not only reached my goal, but I slightly exceeded it! Yea, me!

Like last year, I only gave myself a few rules.

1. My "normal" church service does not count. So teaching the 3-year-olds every week would not count toward the 50 hours. But other church service/volunteer activities would count toward the goal.
2. It does not matter what kind of service it is or if it is organized or spontaneous.
3. A $25 donation equals one hour of service. There are some things I can only do with money. I'm not really in a position to help famine victims in another country, but I can contribute money to the effort.

Those are the rules. Like 2010, I kept a chain. Here is a photo. Maybe I should start hanging them from my ceiling.

While I still made financial donations, I wanted them to be in addition to the 50 hour of service. So, my final tally (excluding donations) for 2011 is 52.25 hours! WooHoo! I'm very proud of myself, because I worked really hard to accomplish this. And I've already begun my service hours for 2012.

By way of showing the variety of activities that can be done - even by a person who doesn't have any particular skills - here are some of the things I did in 2011.

• I made financial donations to several organizations, including Heifer International, The World Food Programme, The Clinton Foundation, and Doctors without Borders.
• A stream clean up.
• Worked at the food bank.
• Donated blood 3 times.
• Became an administrative volunteer for Doorways for Women and Families.
• Helped a friend who moved to pack.
• Helped another friend deal with some digital photos on her computer.
• Volunteered at a service expo and a green living expo.
• I did the Help the Homeless Walkathon, and I raised a little money for it.
• Worked in the children's room for Doorways client meeting.
• Quilt squares I donated last year were used to make quilts at the service expo this year. That made me really happy.
• Sorted sweet potatoes and peaches that were being given to area food banks.
• Helped decorate refreshments for an activity.
• Co-leader for a park trash clean up, although I didn't really lead so much as I picked up trash.
• Made a wreath to go in Christmas gift baskets.
• Passed out bag lunches to homeless people in the county.
• I donated computer run time to fight disease and do other research projects that will help the world.

There are lots of things we can do. Does anyone have some good suggestions for me? I have a whole new year to fill with service.