All hail the Red Cross volunteer

The Red Cross has been a symbol of help for centuries. Today, it is the biggest organization in the world when it comes to providing relief and services for people who desperately need them. As such, their volunteers are exemplary individuals, which any philanthropist would be proud to have on his team.

Image source: redcrossyouth.org

Red Cross volunteers go through several kinds of in-depth training and workshops that make them capable of handling difficult situations and providing much-need vital help from risk assessment to bleeding control to basic life support. They are skilled in multiple areas of disaster relief, which makes most of them perfect supplements for authorities, especially in high-risk situations.

There are Red Cross volunteers, however, who don’t get to go to the frontlines. But they do important work just the same. Many of these volunteers make life more comfortable for people who have lost their homes, who have nowhere else to go. These volunteers also act as assistants when evacuation commences.

Red Cross volunteers are also well-equipped when the time arises, and are in a way, very similar to preppers. They have all the medical and non-medical emergency items that one needs in times of crisis.

So, as you can see, Red Cross volunteers are the real deal. They are the gold standard in hands-on help.

Larry Polhill here, a recent graduate of University of Florida and a member of several nonprofit organizations that supports poverty reduction, climate change alleviation, and animal welfare. Follow me on Twitter to read more about my advocacies.

Help build life: How to support and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity

There are a lot of ways you can feel fulfilled in life. Some people find meaning in their work, others in their passions, while some look to religion. To a lot of people, fulfillment comes from kindness and deeds that benefit their fellow man or the environment. This is why volunteer work is such a popular activity during the holidays. But besides these pivotal days, there are many ways on how to help build a better life for others.

Image source: habitatgreatersac.org

One of the longest running charity movements is Habitat for Humanity. A lot of volunteers tell stories of how their lives have changed while working with the organization. As for the recipients, their lives have become significantly better thanks to the help of strangers that offered a helping hand. Here are some ways on how you can support Habitat for Humanity.

The most popular way of supporting Habitat for Humanity is through on-site volunteering. Here, volunteers will be given the opportunity to build or repair homes ravaged by natural calamities. Volunteers will be guided by professionals and are delegated to work that plays to their own strengths. This endeavor also allows volunteers to learn new skills like carpentry. In some cases, volunteers can even go abroad for an overseas project.


Another way of helping Habitat for Humanity is through donations. They accept cash donations, goods and other materials, and even motor vehicles which will be sold to create proceeds for the organization.

Hello there! My name is Larry Polhill and I do volunteer work for several nonprofit organizations. I’m also into sports, with basketball being my favorite. Visit this website for more discussions on nonprofits and charities.

How to volunteer through your love of art

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One can make meaningful contribution and help cultivate a sense of community through one’s love of art.  It could be through painting, music, film, and theater, and it’s likely to be time and energy well-spent helping others and giving them a piece of one’s self.  Here are some ways to put on one’s artist cap as a volunteer.

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Classroom art

This can be done in so many ways and for so many beneficiaries, from public school children to less-privileged kids in the local communities.  Educate at-risk youth through hands-on artistic expression, by helping out at a summer or after-school program.  Volunteer for school programs, special projects, and summer programs, or work with globally positioned artisanal groups that promote cultural craft traditions.

Museum time

Did you know that many American museums don’t receive federal funding?  Spend time volunteering at one by being a front-desk information hub for visitors or working behind the scenes, such as helping mount exhibitions or even gardening or assisting at the museum’s landscaping.

Art as healing

Get involved in organizations that help heal homeless, abused children through artistic expression.  These groups often mount social events for volunteers as well, allowing them to share ideas about volunteering, mentoring, and making a difference.  Art can lead to life-changing personal growth and learning for these people in need.

Multimedia arts

Teach less-fortunate children, prisoners, victims of domestic abuse, and even the elderly about film and photography, painting, drawing, and even hobbies like calligraphy as a form of therapy and as a mode of self-expression. This is a great fit if one is particularly techie and enjoys using new gadgets and technologies.

Larry Polhill is a volunteer pretty much his whole life, and in his hometown he frequently joins community programs for the homeless. He’s a music lover with a knack for volunteer work. Learn more on this page.

Ways To Volunteer Using Music

Volunteerism opens up a whole world of new connections and experiences for anyone. It can involve one’s musical talent or inclination to be part of a music festival or community. Here are some tips to get a headstart in this type of volunteer work. 

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Community service is work that’s done by an individual or a group of people for the benefits of others. It’s usually done where one lives, and it involves no direct payment. It can benefit anyone from children and the elderly to animals and the environment as a whole. 

Music is one surefire way to do community service. Music students, teachers, and just anyone who is interested in it through singing or playing instruments can give free music lessons to school children, kids with disability, or those who are in prison. Choirmasters or directors can also form a small chorale group in the community to help the poor, less able, and disenfranchised in these communities attain a better lease in life. 

Volunteering at a music festival is also a great way to meet like-minded people and network with those already well-entrenched in the industry. These volunteers typically help out with tasks such as providing wristbands, car parking, monitoring gates, picking up litter, and keeping watch of things. They may even be asked to provide first aid and manage a team of stewards. 

How about fundraising through mini-concerts, acoustic nights, or busking activities? The possibilities are endless when music is concerned. This is a wide-ranging field and any form of talent, hard work, and time devoted will be greatly appreciated by beneficiaries and the community in need.

Image source: Pixabay.com

Larry Polhill is a volunteer pretty much his whole life, and in his hometown, he frequently joins community programs for the homeless. He’s a music lover with a knack for volunteer work. More on Larry on this page.

Fundraising 101: Getting Entire Families Involved

Philanthropy is good, and it gets even better if your family is involved as well. This is why for a lot of charity event organizers, having entire families as part of the event is a must. Not only will the cause have to yield more money and aid, but it also sends the message that fundraisers can be meaningful family activities, too.

One of the most popular fundraisers that families love to take part in are sporting events. Fun runs, family sports days, and even small, friendly sports leagues are just some of the events that can both raise funds for a worthy cause and awareness for health and fitness.

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Another family-oriented activity that everyone can take part in is the construction of homes and shelters for the homeless and stray animals. Aside from giving money, this type of activity requires time and effort, both of which will be extra special especially if it’s time and effort spent with family members.

An activity that has been gaining traction over the past few decades is the clean-up drive. While not falling directly into the category of charity or fundraiser, clean-drives help the environment and preserve it for future generations. In this respect, it can be considered philanthropy, and quite meaningful if parents do it with their children, as the younger ones too can see the importance of preserving the beauty of nature.

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Hi, there. My name’s Larry Polhill, an alumnus of the University of Florida. I love giving back to society. Learn more about philanthropy here.

Children First: Nonprofits That Give Back To The Little Ones

Thinking of helping less fortunate children? Here are nonprofit organizations that can help you reach the little ones.

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Center: AVID is a nonprofit dedicated to help C and D students prepare for and eventually enter college. Its beneficiaries are usually underprivileged children, and the group works with tutors and teachers who encourage students to cultivate their critical thinking skills.

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Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids: Did you know that tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.? And every day, thousands of kids are exposed to smoking. The goal of this organization is to prevent kids from smoking while protecting them from secondhand smoke.

International Child Art Foundation: While the sciences are often prioritized in schools, ICAF helps children cultivate their creativity. It sponsors exhibitions, festivals, and programs featuring children’s artwork. The group also helps children who were victims of disasters recover through their healing arts program.

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Locks of Love: This organization pools donated hair to make hairpieces for children who are suffering from hair loss because of cancer and other medical conditions. Its program helps children regain their self-confidence and sense of normalcy. The group helps children in the US and Canada.

Make-A-Wish Foundation: Since its establishment in 1980, the organization has helped thousands of children with medical conditions fulfill their greatest wishes. The foundation is recognized as the largest wish-granting organization in the world.

Hi, I’m Larry Polhill. It is my joy to help people in need. Read more about nonprofits when you visit this page.

Types Of Charity By Cause And Structure

Charitable organizations widely vary in their mission and structure, and one can get lost in the myriad of options out there of which ones to help or volunteer with. It will be vastly helpful to break them down into different types and categories to dig deeper into what the renowned charity groups are all about, as well as be introduced to newer or smaller ones that do the good deed.

There are five kinds of section 501(c)(3) organizations as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. These five kinds of charities are:

• Private independent foundation
• Publicly-supported entity
• Charity supported by gifts, dues, and fees
• Private operating foundation
• Supporting charitable organization.

The private independent foundation, for instance, has the most restrictive rules of al relating to its excise tax as well as the distribution of investment assets every year.

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In terms of charitable giving, there are several various ways to give, and these include donor-advised funds, real estate, cash, stocks, charitable trusts (CLT or CRT), giving assets to charity, pooled income fund, and private foundation. Each has its own pros and cons depending on what one is looking for and what’s there to be shared and given freely.

Depending on their specific causes, charities can also be classified into various categories. There are animal charities, which can be broken down further into wildlife conservation, pet and animal welfare, hunting and fishing conservation, and zoos and aquariums. There are also environmental charities that can be classified as environmental conservation/protection and parks and nature centers.

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International NGOs focus on international development, disaster relief, peace and human rights, conservation, and child sponsorship. Health charities tackle disease and disorder, provide medical services, perform medical research, and offer patient and family support. Education charities offer scholarship and financial aid services as well as work toward school reform, while arts & culture charities address the heritage and work of museums and art galleries, performing arts, libraries, and public broadcasting and media.

Larry Polhill is a graduate of the University of Florida and a volunteer pretty much his whole life. For similar reads, visit this page.

Why donating blood is important

Donating blood may make some feel queasy, but doing so can help save many lives. Let’s look at why giving blood is both a helpful and important humanitarian act. 

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Firstly, the process of donating blood is simple. You need to register, get your medical history checked, have a mini-physical, then make the donation. It is safe, too, requiring the use of a sterile needle that is unique to each donor and discarded immediately after use. The entire blood donation typically takes no more than 10 to 12 minutes. 

The average adult has about 10 pints of blood in his body, and about one pint is given during a donation. A healthy donor may donate red blood cells every 56 days, or double red cells every 112 days. Four types of transfusable products can be derived from our blood: red cells, platelets, plasma, and cryoprecipitate. From a pint of donated blood, two or three of these transfusable products are produced. This means that each donation can help save more than one life. 

We often donate blood because a family member or a friend needs it, but we should give more regularly simply because it is the right thing to do. If we truly want to help others, this contribution is a great gesture that’s important in maintaining a healthy and reliable blood supply for our community.

Image source: redcross.org

Hi, there. My name’s Larry Polhill, an alumnus of the University of Florida. Right now, I’m immersed in various volunteer work. More on my advocacies here.

Three Ways A Nonprofit Can Show Heartfelt Gratitude For Donors

Without donors and volunteers, a nonprofit organization won’t be able to do much. The world’s most influential NGOs won’t be able to spread the significance of their cause if not for the time and effort given by their supporters. To show that each person’s contribution is valuable, here are some ideas for nonprofits to show their heartfelt gratitude.

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1. Acknowledge their donation or service as soon as possible.

A quick response via e-mail or SMS after receiving a gift is a courteous way to show gratitude. Unfortunately, some charities wait a few weeks or even months before giving an update to donors. From my experience, donors just want to check if their contribution has been noticed. And they really deserve to know how their funds will be used.

2. Show them progress on the field

Isn’t it nice to know that one little act can cause a change in the society? A simple newsletter or a short video showing the organization’s efforts will make donors feel that they are truly part of the efforts. When they see how communities and people’s lives are changed, they will be inspired. It can be a weekly, monthly, or quarterly update. What matters is that you are able to share the story with them in such a way that will let them know that al the success was possible because of their commitment.

3. Organize an appreciation dinner or a similar gathering

Gathering all your donors and volunteers in one place can be a meaningful time not just for them but also for your organization and the people you serve. Witnessing the achievements together will inspire them to continuously support your cause. If you’ve been working with a group of people, perhaps you can invite them too so that they’ll have the opportunity to personally thank those who have made it possible for them to live better.

Showing heartfelt gratitude to these helpful people is a must. The efforts don’t have to be grand, but they have to be sincere. We have to continuously tell them that what we are able to accomplish is possible because of their unwavering support.

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HI there! My name is Larry Polhill. I’m a young philanthropist and poverty reduction advocate. Visit this blog for more updates.