New Year’s Resolutions abound this time of year. Everything from losing that ten pounds gained over Christmastime to finally going back to school to get your degree, but something I intend to do in the new year is a little different. I'm going to step up my volunteering. No, it won't help me fit into my skinny jeans or earn me a higher salary, but it's going to help me and my community in a big way, and I'm excited!

Volunteering is a really great, diverse, and personal thing to do. You pick a cause or group you feel passionate about, and you dig yourself in. For me, that's animals. Shelters are almost overwhelmed out here in California, where I live, due to the wildfires ravaging San Diego this winter. So many families lost their homes and lost track of their pets during the wildfires that most local shelters are at capacity. So come the new year, now that my holiday travel is over, I plan to spend some Saturdays at my local shelter socializing dogs and cats, cleaning crates, and filling food dishes.

Animals shelters are just one idea out of literally thousands that are available in any area, and finding the one that's right for you is as simple as a Google search for a cause you believe in or if you want to see what's going on in your area, check out websites like GiveGab.org or VolunteerMatch. They can suggest organizations in your area that desperately need your help. From there, it's up to you, and while you won't necessarily lose any weight, you'll certainly gain experience and pride that will make you feel lighter. And let us face it: everyone looks better wearing volunteer pins.

Volunteering, on top of being a feel-good experience and a chance to give back, also builds skills and creates new opportunities for those involved. And if you don't see your cause being represented in your area, consider starting something grassroots and leading the way in 2020.

So follow your heart in the coming year, proudly wear your pin badge, and give back. Happy New Year from PinMart!

Outstanding Volunteer Pin

$4.99

Our Outstanding Volunteer Lapel Pin features a 3.5mm Austrian crystal. This jewelry-quality lapel pin is made with the cloisonné process from solid brass, gold plated...… read more