Where to Find Holiday Work

By Ken C. Morris

Volunteering during your vacation is a wonderful way to give back to those in need and make you feel like you accomplished something special. Most people earn at least two weeks a year in vacation time, so taking a few of those days and donating some time to charity can really make a difference in your life and the lives of many others. There are many charity organizations that need volunteers to help serve meals, teach classes, build homes and activity centers, and other jobs. If you have experience in any of these areas or you want to learn a new skill, volunteering is a good way to do so.

Look in your community newspaper, church bulletin, or online to find organizations that are local. Call and ask which types of positions are available and give the organization the dates that you will be available. Even if it is just a few days, most organizations would be thrilled to have your help. Make sure you get all the details before committing your time so you can plan accordingly.

Because natural disasters can strike at any time, you want to volunteer to help clear debris, organize food drives, or deliver supplies to those who need them. This is a good way to use your vacation time, especially if you have a lot of days saved up. In these types of situations, being able to give time will be appreciated by rescue workers, other volunteers, and those you are helping.

Since many volunteer organizations plan events in advance, you will be able to plan your vacation around these events. Contacting these organizations is the best way to find out more information.

If you have teaching experience and want to visit a new part of the world, volunteering your time to teach English as a second language or other courses is a great way to learn about other cultures. This type of volunteer work will take longer than a few days, however. If you have a few weeks of vacation time saved, then you should consider this type of volunteer work. There are many countries that have programs in place that help people learn new languages and other skills.

Even if you cannot donate a lot of time, taking a long weekend here and there is enough time for you to help raise money for volunteer organizations by participating in organizing fundraisers, collection money, or by spreading the word about the organization to others. Many people volunteer to answer phones during telethons, go door to door for donations, or write press releases and other items that can be published in order to help an organization gain a little more exposure.

Donating your time is just as important as donating money. If you have traveled extensively, or you are looking to travel to another country you have not been to before, volunteering is one way to enjoy something new while helping others.

The technical writer Ken Morris is passionate about ideas related to Costa Dorada and Spain. Writing for publications, the columnist demonstrated his depth of understanding on topics dealing with Costa Blanca.