Do Good, West Michigan

Inspired by the holiday spirit, this Do Good article is going to be a little different. Please amuse me and come along for the ride.
 
When Rapid Growth Media asked me to write about West Michigan nonprofits and people doing good for the community, I worried that I would run out of story ideas within a few months. How wrong I was.

What I discovered instead is that there are hundreds of nonprofit organizations here doing amazing things to help people, animals, and the community. I’ve only scratched the surface with the articles I’ve written so far.

When I interview the people at these nonprofits, I’m always surprised by what they do with so little. Many of these organizations are struggling to survive financially and rely on the generosity of others to help them continue to do the work they do. And almost all of them depend heavily on the kindness and commitment of volunteers to lend a hand wherever needed.

The heartbreaking stories they tell often make me cry, yet I am always inspired and humbled by their dedication and passion.  

People who work at nonprofits don’t typically go home at night and leave the job behind. They worry about the people they serve, the projects left undone, and how to bring in more money. Many times, these people get paid very little and often work many hours voluntarily. From what I’ve heard, people don’t work at a nonprofit to get rich; they do it because they genuinely love what they do and it shows.  

As you celebrate the holidays this season, I ask that you take a moment to appreciate the individuals in our community who work or volunteer for nonprofits and those who are striving to make West Michigan a better place. Thank them for their service and goodwill.

If you can make a year-end donation to one or a few, please do -- your contribution will be greatly appreciated -- but remember that donations are needed all throughout the year.

More importantly, please volunteer your time and skills. Think about whatever you’re good at doing and know that somewhere in our community, there’s a nonprofit who can use that skill. Alternatively, simply volunteer in any capacity needed. Instead of spending hours watching TV or on social media sites each day, use that time to volunteer. Even if it’s only an hour a week or a month, it will make a difference.

A surprising outcome of volunteering is that it’s usually more rewarding for you than it is for the people or organization you volunteer with. It certainly helps you appreciate all of the blessings in your own life and it never hurts to be reminded of those.

Happy holidays, West Michigan -- see you next year!    

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For volunteer opportunities and suggestions for places to donate, here are some ideas. Contact information can be found in each of the articles.

- If you want to help families and children, try Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids, the Ella Bullis Foundation, Elves & More, Girl Scouts, Family Promise, or Ronald McDonald House Charities.

- Organizations that help disabled adults and children in our community include Artists Creating Together, Autism Support, Cannonsburg Challenged Ski Association, and Disability Advocates.

- If you prefer to help woman, organizations such as GROW, Moms Clean Air Force, Planned Parenthood, and Women’s Caring Association could use your help.

- Animal lovers, try volunteering at C-SNIP or Crash’s Landing.

- If you’re the creative type, consider volunteering your skills at the Creative Youth Center, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Community Media Center, or Wealthy Theatre.  

- Care about the health of our community, try volunteering with the American Red Cross, Catherine’s Health Care, Michigan Blood, or The Red Project.  

- Want to work outdoors? Try Friends of Grand Rapids Parks or the North Country Trail Association.

- Handy people are needed at Habitat for Humanity, Healthy Homes Coalition, and Home Repair Services.

- Music lovers, the Grand Rapids Symphony or the West Michigan Jazz Society would be great organizations to volunteer with.

- Habla Español? Your language skills could be useful at the Hispanic Center or Grandville Avenue Arts and Humanities.

- If you think everyone deserves a second chance, organizations such as Goodwill, Hope Network, and WMCAT are helping to give adults new opportunities.

- If like playing in the dirt, the Baxter Community Center's Greenhouse and Uptown Farm want your green thumb.  

- Bicyclists and adventure seekers, you could volunteer with the Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition or the Kent County Search and Rescue organization.

- Want to help veterans? Then get involved with Fashion Has Heart.
 
- Care about helping people from other countries? Try volunteering with the Thrive Refugee organization or Art Aid for Tesfa, an organization that helps to build schools in Ethiopia.

- Other suggestions for volunteering or donating include the Awesome Foundation, Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Grand Rapids Urban League, GVSU’s LGBT Resource Center, GVSU’s Applied Global Innovation Initiative, JDRF, Local First, and the Literacy Center.