Volunteering is a hobby that gives back

Many people have hobbies such as reading, sewing, cooking, photography, home repair, or playing a sport. What many may not realize is these hobbies can help someone else when done through volunteering.

Examples for turning a hobby into a volunteer venture include reading to kids, sewing a quilt or other item for a charity, cooking a meal for a person in need, photographing shelter pets for an adoption website, building a new home with Habitat for Humanity, or coaching a community team sport.

These hobbies and many more will benefit the local community. Reach out to the following groups to find a match for a hobby:

• Schools
• Public libraries
• Nursing homes
• Homeless shelter
Meals on Wheels Association of America
• Animal shelter
• Churches
• Recreation centers

Volunteering can also help with networking, which could lead to new employment opportunities. Many employers today look for volunteerism on applicant resumes in addition to education and job experience. Volunteers hone their skills, manage projects, work on teams, and take on leadership positions, all of which are attractive to potential employers.

Not sure if a hobby matches a volunteer opportunity? Volunteer Match can help match a person who has hobby with a place that needs that hobby to make life better for others.

Visit Public Domain Pictures to find more photos like Young Artist by Peter Griffin.

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, Hobbies Examiner

Judy Everett Ramos has several hobbies. She is passionate about genealogy and has traced her family ancestry around the globe. Her other hobbies include photography, writing, cooking, yoga, coin collecting, bird watching, and traveling with her family. She enjoys learning about other people's...

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