If you’re anything like me, you’re probably thinking, “When would I have time to volunteer?” I know it can feel like another thing to add to your long list of to-do items as a mom, so take this in stride if your family is in a season of wanting to give back.

Recently, I started volunteering at Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for abused children, and one of the things I realized is how great the need is for volunteers in so many organizations. As the holiday season approaches, opportunities to give back become even more available.

Here a few ideas to help you get started volunteering:

1. Volunteer to cuddle with babies at your local hospital. Nothing is like tender love and human touch to a newborn baby or special needs baby. It is one of their highest needs. You have to pass a background check for this one but go to texashealth.org/dallas/volunteers for more information.
2. Every year the Salvation Army hosts Angel Tree at locations around the DFW Metroplex. It usually starts late November so keep checking the website or feel free to call The Salvation Army DFW at 214-637-8100 or 817-344-1820.
3. Another of my favorite ways to volunteer is to partner with Samaritan’s Purse every year for the annual shoe box gift giving. This organization works world-wide to help communities in need, whether a community ravaged by a natural disaster or one from a third-world country. Basically you get a box from one of their local pick-up centers and fill it up with either boy or girl gifts. They send the boxes to the boys and girls for Christmas. They also do more for these children as well, but how awesome it this!
4. Make-A-Wish Foundation is another favorite. This organization helps young children that have a terminal illness and tries hard to make one of their wishes come true. I haven’t personally volunteered with them, but some of my friends have and it has always been an amazing experience.
5. I can’t end without mentioning the amazing organization of Dallas CASA. Sixty days ago, I only knew of the organization through seeing them around town, now I see how this organization is making a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children. This opportunity requires 30 hours of training but it truly prepares you for the task at hand.

For me, it has been an honor to not only give back like I did when I was single and without kids, but motherhood doesn’t stop me from being who I am or reduce my passion to give back. If anything, I believe it has only enhanced it. I just needed to find my rhythm to know where those spaces of time were. I want to be an example to my children that motherhood didn’t stop me from being me and that my passions still matter. I almost lost sight of it at one point, but now I feel great and I want to encourage other moms that have this passion as well.

There are so many opportunities out there! You can also check out VolNow.org or VolunteerMatch.org to find other great opportunities as well! I’d love to know any places you find! Feel free comment below!