Giving Back Through Talents

Giving Back rough Talents

BY MEGHAN E.W. CORBETT

In recent issues, we’ve discussed ways to volunteer in our area including donating time to the Humane Society, donating money to The Sergei Foundation, Inc., donating goods to the Clemmons Food Pantry or even visiting patients through Novant Health to bring some joy to their days. We’ve also covered how you can give back in our community through food drives and ways to set up collections to keep people interested – through themed neighborhood collections, parties, restaurant recruitment or even through your Home Owners’ Association (HOA).

While it may seem that we have covered it all, there are certainly many more ways to improve our community, and by thinking about the talents each of us possesses, we can de nitely come up with more ways to share those talents with others in a way that bene ts us all!

CRAFTY?

No matter what, there is a way to help others here. Knitters can knit hats for newborns at the hospital, scarves for the homeless during the winter, and blankets for pets at local shelters.

GREAT AT COOKING/BAKING?

Teachers, nurses, receptionists, etc. really feel special when people think about them, and a delicious casserole or a fresh batch of cookies would de nitely add to their day.

MUSICIAN?

There are opportunities for any type of musician to share his or her talent at local healthcare centers or even retirement homes. There are so many people with little to look forward to each day, and listening to music is a great way to bring some pep into their lives and make them feel loved.

GOOD LISTENER?

This is similar to sharing musical talent, but for those of us with no musical gifts, sometimes just being a person to talk to is all someone needs. Call around to healthcare centers, retirement communities, nursing homes and anywhere else you can think of that might be in need of some extra support.

HAVE A DRIVER’S LICENSE?

Really! This can be a great way to give back. Think Meals-onWheels, transport for elderly to doctor’s appointments or running errands for someone who is homebound. Some of these needs may be hard to nd, but you can always check with your church or ask around for anyone who might know of someone who needs help during the day to get it all done!

CONNECTED?

If you always feel like you know someone who could help, maybe you should start calling in those favors or connecting those people with the people in need. You never know…maybe this will be the start of a new career in planning or public relations! No matter what your talent, you can use it to help others in our community. Think you aren’t talented? No way! Everyone has a talent that can be used in a positive way to make positive changes to those that need it most. The biggest challenge to giving back is nding the time to do it or letting yourself believe that you’ll give back at a later date when it is more convenient. Donating time, money or goods is never convenient, but it is crucial to maintaining a digni ed quality of life for those who are desperate for the assistance. There is no shame in needing help, but there is shame in being able to help and choosing to do nothing. There are always ways to give back…don’t be afraid to ask how!