Volunteering in the community feels satisfying to do and benefits those in need. And, besides just you, there’s plenty you can do with your car. Transportation for the elderly or disabled, for example, is always an issue. Certain charities also require the transportation of their goods and services. Volunteer your car and your driving skills and help out those in need with these nationwide programs
1) Road to Recovery
Provided by the American Cancer Society, the Road to Recovery provides home-to-hospital transportation to cancer patients. The American Cancer Society has an online application to complete, wherein a representative will get in contact with you to discuss the program, your experience, and schedule availability. After a background check and a ninety minute training course, you’ll be matched to patients in your area and their hospital to begin transportation. This is a great opportunity to help others.
2) Adopt-a-Highway
The folks at Mr. Ed of Phoenix, AZ suggested this volunteering opportunity to us. It’s an opportunity to preserve the environment by cleaning and and maintaining sections of local roadways. Businesses and volunteers work to rid the roadsides of litter and trash, keeping the roads healthy and beautiful. The company has also expanded with its Adopt-a-Beach branch of operations, cleaning our nations waterways of trash.
3) Meals on Wheels
A growing number of disabled or elderly want to live at home, but are unable to drive to the grocery store to get food and supplies for themselves. You can improve their quality of life and allow them to live in their home by joining Meals on Wheels. You can use your car to deliver snacks, drinks, and premade meals to elders and disabled individuals and even stay a while to offer company and conversation.
4) Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America
While Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America doesn’t inherently require a vehicle to participate in, a trips can be beneficial for an at-risk youth who need breaks from their usual routine. You’re paired one-on-one with a kid wherein you provide enrichment and positive reinforcement to help reach their full potential! Just think, you can help a kid play, relax, and have fun in an environment or have an experience they’ve never had before.
Volunteer opportunities are everywhere, and lending your driving skills is a genuine act of kindness that many will be grateful for. We so easily take for granted the freedom driving provides for us, that we forget people don’t always have the ability to enjoy this freedom. Do some research around the area you live and see what organizations can use a helping hand.
Earthgarage – Greener Car. Fatter Wallet