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Show by APRYL CHAPMAN THOMAS take the Challenge: Volunteer Stephanie Nelson of Georgia wanted to combine her passion for clipping coupons with helping others, and she found the answer in her local newspaper. Our local food bank issued an emergency appeal for food donations, and it was the same week a local grocery store had double coupons," Nelson says. So, using die coupons, she loaded up on groceries to donate. She then taught others V2ASY SIDE to do the same. Nelson then launched www.culouthunger.org , an Internet website that lists the best deals at Atlanta grocery stores each week so other food bank donors can stretch their volunteer dollars. I have volunteered in the past at my church and at my childrens classrooms. I have con- TEAQ FREE- -,, Depose ti)4 Oledtoofc Cover, Me-pa- rt Cfcedt Regtow, ptoi SefUf antf Sea irttjr Sip, ftetunt. FREE Matching Name & Address LABELS! tributed money to poverty organizations but never had this kind of personal involvement in hunger," she says. Efforts such as hers are widespread. About 09 million American adults volunteer annually, according to a recent study. People volunteer for a variety of reasons: to help out, to make a difference, meet people, to feel good about themselves. The reasons are endless, says Jason Willett, director of coma webmunications of www.VolunteerMatch.org, find site dedicated to helping volunteers opportunities in their own area. Volunteers should always make sure that they are doing something that is personally rewarding and meaningful," Willett says. Its also important to make sure you dont get in over your head. Gauge your schedule carefully before committing to a volunteer opportunity, give time that you can afford to give and 1 I HVsaimai enjoy yourself. If your time is limited, consider volunteering online. Use your computer to volunteer editorial assistance, graphic design help, and computer programming skills, Willett suggests. wuw.CharityFocus.org, for example, builds websites and provides technological help to nonprofit groups. Chari tyFocus gets all sort of Lee, the groups charity volunteers," says Yoo-development officer Perhaps people lave begun to their lives and have come to find comfort in serving others." anything to make someone else smile," Lee advises. Do it because you love it ... without expecting something in return. Just do something Apryl Chapman Thomas is a freelance writer and volunteer in Athens, Ga. NUNE ORDERING I' two elf) 1 T0 V Amouit tot 330011 c DCJ3 I jis t a 33 QUO 3 400 111 ao Qn)1UIW tiMnaaaa 30 am am UBDIMJIVMi 3400111 4 30 3SONHMfttf vqt ct Learner IMOMam Boat 3D0lJCAiam O Navy 34 g t cce aMSUtr b Aocr vs Deegret WUrtng SoAi teci Cnea&ooe Cow $ 2.93 Hum Green SugunOy own wppeo moony w |