I spend far too much time thinking of the direction society is heading and where we will end up.

Raised in a home where caring, not just for your family but helping your neighbors and contributing to your community. I am so proud my grown children are helping and trying to make the world a better place for the people around them and for their children.

Do you know why they volunteer and help other people? I was a single parent and could not afford a babysitter. I took them with me wherever I went to volunteer.

Delivering Meals on Wheels was a huge eye opener, not only for my children, but myself as well. We didn’t have a lot to eat and 40 years ago food pantries were scarce.

Driving cancer patients to their appointments and treatments in the American Cancer Society van reminded me I was so fortunate to have family who would step up and help me if I needed help.

My point is, children learn by our example. When you show you care about those around you they see how important it is.

We live in such a divided world today, but I promise you, if you volunteer, it will make your heart grow.

You will benefit even if it is just to visit a shut-in, or take an elderly person to lunch.

You could read to people in nursing homes, make a couple meals for a family you know is struggling, or volunteer at an animal shelter to walk dogs.

There are endless ways to help people.

Although there is still a large majority that still gives, helps and cares, 7% of nonprofits will close their doors forever due to the economic impacts of COVID-19, reported volunteerhub.com.

Looking around in your community is one of the most important and beneficial actions that we can take as humans.

Donating your time can make an immense difference in the world around you and within other communities that surround where you reside. Remember, you might one day be the elderly person who no longer drives, and has to depend on others.

Reach out and be that person.