The holiday season is close at hand and many of you are bustling about trying to find that perfect gift for a friend or family member. We can help with that sometime hapless hunt. But what if this year we also think of those less fortunate than ourselves; those who may not be lucky enough to get out on the open road and enjoy RVing, seeing America, hiking, fishing and participating in other recreational activities.
Many organizations support protecting these activities. You can help through volunteerism with gifts of your time or money that can help change people’s lives, the life of an animal, or make a difference in the world. Here are just a few of the organizations we are familiar with or have been involved with in some way.
NatureBridge (415-992-4700), has introduced almost 1 million students to national parks through environmental education programs. The National Wildlife Federation (800-822-9919) works to inspire Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future through education, conservation and restoration of habitat. You can find NWF programs right in your own community.
Through Adopt-A-Pet (800-Save-A-Pet), you can learn about pet adoption and search for dogs, cats and others animals that might be the perfect addition to your family. The site offers a national database of animal shelters with Adopt-A-Pet programs and all the necessary information to walk you through the steps leading to a successful pet adoption.
There is also A Million Thanks, a campaign to show appreciation for the United States’ military men and women through letters, emails and cards. This organization is also working with the Wounded Warrior Project (877-832-6997), Wounded Soldier’s Wish and Armed Forces Children’s Education Fund.
Feeding America (800-771-2303) advocates for programs and policies that put food on the table for struggling Americans. Feed My Starving Children (763-504-2919), takes monetary donations to buy food supplies that get packaged by volunteers and shipped to impoverished countries. These programs feed millions of people each year.
These organizations can be supported by donations and they can use your help as volunteers. So this year while you are out shopping for loved ones, we encourage you to also consider a gift of your time to one of these fine groups.
