Kelly's Korner is asking bloggers to post about our favorite charities. And since I love volunteering and getting involved in the community, I certainly wanted to showcase some of my favorites!
I have volunteered in tons of agencies in our local community since college. I have a huge heart for people and the problems they face. I actually pursued this academically and have a bachelor's degree in Family and Community Service from East Carolina University. During the program, I volunteered in different agencies. They encouraged us to, so that by the time we were being placed for our 20 hour a week internship, we would choose a place that we really enjoyed. When that time came, I decided to intern at the REAL Crisis Center! REAL is a 24 hour counseling hotline and walk-in service that is open to anyone dealing with any type of issue. I wanted to be a counselor, and REAL was the perfect place. I went through counselor training, which enabled me to work with people who were dealing with depression, financial issues, death, divorce, abuse, domestic violence, rape, suicide ideations, substance abuse, etc. I answered phones and worked with clients face to face. It was an awesome internship and turned into a wonderful paid position that I maintained for 6 years before graduating with my master's degree in Counselor Education. Now I'm a Board Member for REAL Crisis Center and continue to assist them with fundraising efforts and by collaborating with them through my current job at our local community college; so that our students know REAL Crisis Center and how they can help. REAL ROCKS!
I'm also a member of our local Junior Women's Association. I was interested in getting involved in a women's group that would give me the opportunity to get connected to non-profit agencies (since I was no longer working for one). Since JWA partners with 6 agencies, I knew it would be the perfect place for me. They support the Boys and Girls Club, the Howell Center, the Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House, Literacy Volunteers of America, and Habitat for Humanity. We commit to 16 hours a year- it's so rewarding! And I'm so lucky to have a wonderful husband who supports me in my effort to help these agencies by taking care of Danica when I'm gone. Heck, in the past, he's even helped me with REAL Crisis Center fundraisers and has supported them (and me) by giving up tons of his money at Silent Auctions! I love him for that!
I also give all my stuff to the Salvation Army! Seriously, I'm surprised I have anything, because I "spring" clean more than once a year and it all goes to them! I know our CPA must think I'm a crazy person for turning in tons of receipts every year, but I think it's great what they are doing for the community. Danica has been on several Salvation Army trips and asked me why I give them our stuff last time I went. I told Danica that I buy things I know I will enjoy for a little while and when I'm done with it, I want to know that someone who couldn't otherwise buy it can enjoy it, too. I'm sure I said that in a more kid-friendly way... you get the drill.
And I love to run now, but I especially like running in 5K's to support programs that help people. And there are tons of them in our area. Even the Scholarship Foundation at the community college where I work hosts an annual run to raise money. We give to them as well!
It feels so good to give back to the community and help others in need. I hope I raise Danica and Maverick to be helpers like their mommy and daddy!
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