Millions of Americans make New Year’s resolutions each year. If you’re one of them, consider making your resolution count this year with a commitment to giving back.
Not sure how to get started? Here are five easy ways to give back in 2017:
1. Support military families through Operation Homefront.
Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit that builds strong, stable and secure military families so they can thrive in the communities they’ve worked so hard to protect.
How to show your support:
- Volunteer through a local office. Operation Homefront local offices organize activities and events across the country, and volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks. Learn more here.
- Help out at one of Operation Homefront’s transitional housing program “Villages” in San Diego, San Antonio or Gaithersburg, MD. Operation Homefront welcomes volunteers to lead one-time or several-session life skills seminars on a variety of topics from interview skills to family/work balance.
- Become a Homefront Hero and support military families nationwide. Learn more about the giving program here.
2. Deliver meals to seniors with Meals on Wheels.
Did you know that 1 in 6 seniors struggle with hunger in America? Meals on Wheels America is dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. The Meals on Wheels network delivers nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity.
Easy ways to get involved:
- Volunteer your lunch break and help the Meals on Wheels program in your community. Just stop by, drop off a meal and say a quick hello to a few seniors in need. Sign up to volunteer at www.americaletsdolunch.org. #LetsDoLunch
- Plan a family activity and make sure seniors are not forgotten by sending Valentine’s Day cards to seniors served by local Meals on Wheels programs. Mark your calendar and find the nearest place to send cards here.
- No time to give? You can support Meals on Wheels America with an online donation instead.
3. Help those in need through Volunteers of America.
Volunteers of America is a national nonprofit dedicated to helping those in need live healthy, safe and productive lives. Since 1896, Volunteers of America has supported America’s most vulnerable groups, including veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, at-risk youth, homeless individuals and families, and many others.
How you can help:
- Contact your local Volunteers of America office to learn which areas are most in need in your community. Many offices offer volunteer activities, while others need donations of food, clothes or school supplies. Find your local affiliate here.
- Be an advocate for those in need. Educate yourself on the issues in your community and help raise awareness by encouraging your friends and families to do the same. Learn more at www.voa.org/advocate.
- Harness the power of social media. Use Facebook, Instagram or other social media channels to educate and rally support around the needs in your community.
4. Build and improve homes with Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia, driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live. Today, Habitat for Humanity works in nearly 1,400 communities throughout the U.S. and 70 countries worldwide to build and improve homes.
How to join the efforts:
- Contribute financially. With your financial support, families can build strength, stability and independence with Habitat for Humanity by building a safe and secure place to call home.
- Volunteer with your local Habitat for Humanity or around the world. Invite your friends and family to join the efforts. Get started here.
- Shop Habitat merchandise online. Your support helps build strong and stable homes to help build strong and stable communities.
5. Give back to veterans with Purple Heart Homes.
Purple Heart Homes was founded in 2008 by two combat-wounded veterans who, after recovering from injuries they suffered in Iraq, wanted to help other veterans who were returning home. Today, Purple Heart Homes provides housing solutions for service-connected disabled veterans of all eras.
How to get involved:
- Show your support on social media. Volunteer virtually by becoming a social media ambassador for Purple Heart Homes. Learn more here.
- Start a chapter of your own to improve the lives of aging veterans in your area. For more information, get in touch with Purple Heart Homes here.
- Join the Hearts of Honor Club to support the long-term sustainability of Purple Heart Homes.
