by Cathi Hahner
The United Way office has recently had requests from people needing help with yard work because they are unable to do it themselves and simply cannot afford to pay the commercial rates. Nonprofits are also looking for that additional assistance to keep up with the facilities during the summer months. If you have a few extra hours to help, it would mean so much to these folks. You might consider doing it as a family group or a small group from church or work? Doing physical labor outside is a good way to not only do good for others but to do something very good for you.
You might start by looking around your neighborhood. Is there a neighbor too busy making ends meet, caring for a loved one or just physically unable to tackle the lawn and gardens? Maybe you and your family can help get the property in shape. You feel good because you helped someone; and you feel good because you got your hands dirty, a dose of vitamin D, burned up some calories and you improved the neighborhood. Not a bad exchange for a couple hours of work outdoors. You can also check with your neighborhood association. They might have some neighborhood work days planned. Neighbors working together to help each other and to help maintain common or public areas in the vicinity is a great way to build community.
The struggling nonprofits in our community often need the help of volunteers to do outdoors maintenance or help in the community gardens. Their facilities and grounds need to be kept risk free and inviting to the staff and clients. Check with your favorite non-profit to see if they need your help. You can also call me if you don’t know of a local non-profit.
The Boy Scouts have Camp Naish near Edwardsville. A facility that is big and used by many area Scouts always needs sprucing up. For more information on how you can help with projects go to www.hoacbsa.org/camping/maintenance team. They have a list of established work days.
For information on how you can give, advocate and volunteer, contact Cathi Hahner at 913-371-3674 or at [email protected]. Visit the web site for volunteer opportunities at www.unitedway-wyco.org.
Cathi Hahner is the director of volunteer services at the United Way of Wyandotte County.