Beautify your backyard by heading to a local park or nearby trail and filling a plastic bag with litter. 

Visit a senior center and play games, read books, or simply converse with lonely residents.

Play with puppies. Animal shelters are always in need of assistance—from dog walking and kennel cleanup to caring for kitties. 

Assist area food banks in myriad ways—whether it’s sorting, packaging, and distributing food; or donating hygiene kits, canned goods, and other items to the organization. 

Be a good neighbor by baking and delivering cookies to someone’s doorstep, rolling in their recycling, or sharing excess produce from your garden.

Be book smart. Libraries are a prime place to lend a helping hand. Tasks like tutoring kids and shelving books are typically in demand.

Help the homeless. Drop off a bagged lunch, leftovers, warm blankets, or a pair of socks to someone in need.

Pay it backwards. Next time you’re in line for your morning cup of coffee, pay for the patron’s order behind you. 

Give blood. According to givingblood.org, blood is needed every two seconds. Find a blood bank near you at aabb.org/tm/donation/pages/blood-bank-locator.aspx.

Lights, camera, action! Have a passion for performing arts? Check with your local theater for current needs, which might include ushering, marketing, set design, or administrative duties.

By Megan Wiskus