Celebrate The Fourth of July By Giving Back

Independence Day celebrations are the highlight of the summer for many Americans. It’s the perfect time to fire up the grill, hang out with friends and family, and take in some spectacular fireworks displays. It is also a wonderful chance to give back to your community.

Here are some excellent volunteer ideas for the Fourth of July that are appropriate for a wide range of ages and ability levels.

• Help feed the hungry: Sign up with a local food kitchen to serve a hot, nourishing dinner to hungry San Diegans, or book a time at a food bank to help sort, label, and repack bulk foods and produce for delivery to children and families in need.
• Host a charitable BBQ: If you’re having a BBQ at your house, why not add a charitable component to your festivities? Ask family and friends to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to a local food bank, or ask for a donation to a charitable cause close to your heart. This will turn your casual gathering into something really special.
• Thank a veteran for their service: The Fourth of July is an ideal time to remember the work and the sacrifice of our veterans and servicemembers. Stop by your local VA Hospital to thank veterans for their service, or visit The Wounded Warrior Project website to learn how you can provide local support to veterans and servicemembers who were wounded in the line of duty. If you’d like to reach out to military personnel beyond your own community, visit Any Soldier to send mail or a care package to those serving overseas.
• Pitch in at a local parade: Nearly every community or neighborhood hosts its own Fourth of July parade. Regardless of how large or small the parade is, the event coordinators always need volunteers to assist with things like set-up, tear-down, decorating, and logistics and planning. Pitch in and get to know your neighbors while helping to create a memorable Fourth of July for all.
• Clean up the day after: Everyone loves to celebrate with picnics and fireworks at the pier, beach, or park. But picking up the trash left behind can be daunting. On the morning after the Fourth, roll up your sleeves and help clean up at one of the “Morning After Mess” events hosted by San Diego Coastkeeper or I Love A Clean San Diego.
• Take part in a community athletic event: Many cities have Fourth of July sporting events like softball or golf tournaments, marathons, and walks to raise funds for much-needed projects in the community. If you enjoy being active, consider participating in one of these events to raise money for worthy cause. Go online to find out what charitable activities your community is hosting this Independence Day.
• Visit your local assisted living facility: Give your local assisted living facility a call and schedule a time to stop by and visit with the residents. Bring a care package, a home-baked treat, or a board game to share with a new friend.

For more ways to get engaged with your community, check out Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups’ articles, which feature the many events and resources San Diego has to offer.