Giving back to the people around you is not only a positive thing for you, but it also helps the Raleigh community and those less fortunate. Sophomore Anna Thomson says, “Volunteering is important to me because it means that you can get involved with your community and be a part of something that can be really fun and exciting.” The key to enjoying volunteering is being a part of a cause you believe in and are interested in, but sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start or figuring out what the requirements are. Sheets Adult Care, Kraft Family YMCA and the North Carolina Museum of Art are all organizations in Raleigh looking for volunteers.

If your volunteer interests are in the community helping those with disabilities and senior citizens, Sheets Adult Care Center is looking for ongoing volunteers. Their goal is to improve and prolong independence of seniors with cognitive impairments. Some of the activities include games, songs and over all spending time with seniors. They are currently looking for afternoon volunteers. The age requirement is either to be under eighteen with parental supervision or eighteen and over. They are located on 228 W Edenton St, and for more information call (919) 832-7227. If you love spending time with seniors and enjoy their company, this is a great way not only to get community service hours but feel fulfilled and give back.

Kraft Family YMCA wants individuals with an interest in children and youth, the community, education, and literacy. They are looking for people to tutor one hour a week for kids grade three through five to bring them to grade level. There is staff available to help you help them if you get stuck, and they have an 85% success rate of growth in the students with one-on-one help. You can pick a day, Monday through Thursday, to tutor a student from Dillard Drive Elementary School. There are a few requirements: you must undergo a background check, attend one-hour training session, and be older than fourteen. They are located on 5018 Dillard Drive. This opportunity only lasts until May and requires only one hour a week.

For everyone with an interest in the arts and environment, the North Carolina Museum of Art is looking for volunteers to help with park maintenance and beautification. This is an ongoing opportunity on Thursday mornings and Saturdays. This is also a great opportunity because you will be learning and working alongside horticulturists, botanists and artists. The museum campus is 164 acres, which is the largest in North America, so you cannot be afraid to get your hands dirty. They are located on 2110 Blue Ridge Road, and for more information go to ncartmuseum.org.

There are even more volunteering opportunities for every interest and that fit into every schedule. A great resource for finding them is www.volunteermatch.org, which can narrow down volunteer opportunities by location, interest and age group. All of the opportunities listed can be found on volunteer match and can be easily found online. Junior Kelly Hurska says, “It is important to reach out and help other people because you never know when that could be you who needs help, and at the end of the day, we’re all just humans who need each other, and it’s important that we fulfill that duty.” Every moment spent helping others is a moment well spent and will not only improve the lives of others but your life as well.