Giving back to the community helps build vibrant relationships with your neighbors. While a monetary donation is always appreciated, there are other ways to help if you prefer to volunteer your time or skill set. Take a look at these seven ways to give back to the Lancaster community.

Volunteer at a food bank

Many food banks rely on volunteers to help run their programs. When you volunteer, you may have responsibilities like sorting and packing food, assisting with food delivery, tending to a community garden, or helping with distribution centers.

While the holiday season is an excellent time to volunteer at a food bank, you should also make an effort to volunteer year-round since the holiday season is usually full of volunteers.

To volunteer or donate, consider Lancaster County Food Hub or check out this list of food pantries in Lancaster County.

Attend fundraising events

Fundraising events are a great way to have a good time while also contributing to a good cause. Some popular events include 5k runs, auctions, or galas.

There are many great fundraisers to attend. In Lancaster, we have the Gifts That Give Hope annual event. It’s a unique holiday shopping experience where you can purchase gifts from local makers and vendors who support a specific mission or cause.

Give blood

Donating blood is another way to give back to the community. It helps save lives and takes minimal effort from you. Simply show up, have some blood drawn, and maybe get a free sticker afterward.

However, there are some restrictions on who is eligible to give a blood donation. Visit the Red Cross website to read more information and find a blood drive near you.

Help a neighbor

Consider the needs of your neighbors. Maybe a young family would appreciate some babysitting, or an elderly couple would like their lawn mowed. If you don’t know your neighbors, perhaps it’s time to introduce yourself to the neighborhood. Once you do, you will find ways to help build your community.

Donate to a local charity

Maybe you have some old items around your house that are still in good condition. Rather than throw them out, you could donate them to a local charity or non-profit organization. Charitable organizations often appreciate clothes, shoes, toys, and other household items. You may want to contact a charitable organization directly to discover what they might need.

Organize a drive

You can consider setting up a drive to gather contributions for a specific cause. Some examples include a canned food drive for food banks or a Christmas toy drive for children. Simply put out the word among your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors that you’re gathering donations. Many people are willing to help donate to the cause.

Support local businesses

Supporting local businesses means supporting the community’s well-being. Choosing to shop small can drive huge benefits like sustaining towns, linking neighbors together, and contributing to the local economy. Relationships between small businesses and local consumers build a strong community identity. So the next time you make a purchase, consider choosing a local business or person to help you.

If you’re looking to purchase or sell your home in Lancaster County, PA, then consider contacting a boutique real estate firm like Life Changes Realty Group. We’re dedicated to providing high-quality customer service and building the local community.

Schedule an appointment with our realtor company online or call our Lancaster office at 717-621-2672. You can reach our Elizabethtown office at 717-366-4056. We look forward to hearing from you.