A big misconception of volunteering is you have to take a whole day out of your week to do it but did you know that volunteering can be as small as helping someone to their car with their groceries. 

Here at FreddyMatch we celebrate volunteering no matter how big or small and doing small acts of volunteer work is a great way to start your volunteering journey. 

Here are five ways you can start volunteering within your community.

1. Pick up some litter around your neighbourhood

How many times have you gone for a walk around your neighbourhood and seen litter just sitting on the sidewalk? 

A great way to start volunteering and contribute to your community in a small way is to pick up any litter you see when you are walking around your neighbourhood and put it in the bin. 

It’s a small but huge step to starting your volunteering journey and a way you can volunteer everyday. 

2. Help someone to the car with their groceries

We’ve all been there, when our grocery trolley is too full and taking our groceries to  the car can be a mission. 

Next time you are at the shops, if you see someone who needs help taking their groceries to the car, offer them a helping hand. 

Not only are you helping them out but you will most likely make their day and put a smile on their face which is what volunteering is all about. 

3. Donate clothes or goods to a charity

We all go through organising phases, where you clean out and organise every room in our house and with that comes lots of items we no longer want and throw out. 

Instead of throwing old toys, clothes, or odd household items, donate them to a charity in need. You can also add some extra non-perishable goods to your weekly grocery shop if you want to donate food as well. 

By doing this you are helping charity’s run day to day and help those who are less fortunate and in need.

4. Help a neighbour around the house

Helping your neighbour around the house with odd jobs is a great way to start your volunteering journey. 

Next time you see your neighbour ask if they need a hand mowing the lawn, cleaning the gutters or even hanging a few frames around the place. 

5. Pay it forward (pay for your coffee and someone’s morning coffee behind you) 

Next time you grab your morning coffee, pay it forward and pay for the person's coffee behind you. 

It’s a simple way to volunteer and make someone’s day. Plus you never know what someone might be going through.