It’s a New Year with New Opportunities to Serve #HFExtendedFamily

Last Monday we celebrated Martin Luther King Day.  Throughout the course of our country’s history we have had scores of men and women who have been wonderful examples of how we can serve others.  We are at the beginning of a new year, and with the new year comes a fresh start.  We can look around us for opportunities to serve in our communities, within our families, and in our social circles.

I know that as moms it is very easy to become super focused on your own family and not realize the need of of those outside our immediate families.  Making sure the needs of our own families are met should be our first priority.  One of those needs is for our family members (particularly our children) to learn through our example to serve others.  So, it is time to evaluate.  How do you plan to give back to your community this year? 

Here are some ideas to help you get going:

• Volunteer at the local soup kitchen
• Volunteer or donate to your local food bank
• Clean out your house and donate those great, but no longer used items to charity
• Organize a neighborhood book drive and donate books to a school or local library, Boys and Girls Club, or other non-profit organization

If you have very young children, and find it difficult to do the above, you could try:

• Taking a meal to a family who just welcomed a new baby.
• Visiting an elderly neighbor or friend.
• Shovel your elderly neighbor’s snow from their driveway.  Your kids will love playing in the snow and you’ll get an excellent workout.
• Bake some cookies and write a heartfelt note to a neighbor or friend in need.
• Offer free babysitting to a friend so she and her husband can go on a much needed date.

There are a multitude of ways we can serve those around us.  During my pre-children days I used to love to go sing at nursing homes.  While serving as a missionary for my church (also pre-children days) in Memphis, Tennessee, I worked with the Crisis Center.  I was able to design and teach a parenting/cooking class to low-income parents.  When I look back at my life thus far, my happiest times have been the times when serving others has been a priority.

As a blogger I have a particular insight into companies and the work they do in their communities.  Hormel is one of those companies that makes serving their communities a priority.  Each year, Hormel finds time to dedicate themselves to many different charitable efforts.  Did you know that in 2010 they gave over $5.7 million in cash and donations toward charitable efforts in the communities where their employees live?  It is great to know that we have good examples among us.  Currently, Hormel Foods is running a program called “On Our Way to Ending Hunger” where they are collaborating with retailers, nonprofits, and the government on hunger relief efforts to alleviate hunger in the US and abroad.

What are your ideas for, or what are you planning on doing this year to give back?  Have you heard of any other great philanthropic efforts?

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post.  As a Hormel Brand Ambassador I occasionally receive promotional items.  This post was written with sincerity and with integrity.  All statements and opinions expressed are honest and are entirely my own.