Create The Good {Volunteering With Habitat}

'Tis the season of giving back!

With the holidays approaching, there is no better time to lend a hand in your community. If you followed my blog last year, you may remember when I shared about our experience serving meals at a women's homeless shelter (recap here.) I enjoyed it so much that I told myself I would volunteer again this year. Well, this past weekend I got my opportunity by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity!

Specifically, my tasks were to help with installing the trim in the downstairs and help in the kitchen, which were right up my alley because I really enjoy learning new home skills. One of Habitat for Humanity's criteria for the homeowner is that they put in a certain amount of hours working on their home, which they call "sweat equity". I was actually able to work alongside with the mother of this home for the whole day, even though she was well over her mandatory hours. She was so appreciative of all the volunteers and so thrilled to get into the home with her daughter next month when it's finished.

The experience was so rewarding and touched my heart in a big way because really there is NO better gift than a place to call home. I kept thinking about what life would be like if we didn't have a safe home for Camden and it broke my heart. I feel blessed to have been a part of this project and wish her many years of happiness with her daughter in this home!

Moving on-I often hear from others that they want to get involved in their community, but they just aren't sure how. If that's you, I'm here to help...

The program Create the Good makes it easy to connect you with volunteer opportunities in YOUR own community. All you have to do is register with Create the Good (it's free), put in your zip code and what you're interested in doing (serving a meal, etc.) to discover great volunteering opportunities near you!

And to reward good deeds, once you are registered you're automatically entered to win a Grand prize Trip for 2 to Smuggler's Notch Resort in Vermont! They're also giving away a $100 Gift Card (25 WINNERS) and donating care packages to selected charities.

They also have a "25 Days, 25 Ways to Give" campaign that encourages you to do one positive action each day for 25 days. By completing the activities, you will earn more sweepstakes entries. I signed up to do this, too, and there are some awesome, easy ideas that might inspire you - from donating food, helping an elderly family member to a doctor's appointment, to donating to your favorite charity. Regardless how big or small the act might be, it goes a long way!

I hope you all will join me! If you have any other questions about getting involved, please let me know.