by Jason Garland

Created on: December 15, 2008

Those of us short on money but still longing to give back to our communities rely on being able to do so with our talents, skills or brawn. Unfortunately, while writing a check only takes a few minutes, volunteerism requires significant chunks of time, something that many potential philanthropists just don't have.

Finding the time can, however, be easier than you think if you're flexible and open-minded about where you volunteer and the tasks you carry out.

Evening Volunteering

While finishing up college I was fortunate enough to take a class that involved teaching English to immigrants for a local charity group.I loved it and have been doing it ever since. The classes are scheduled in the early evening for the convenience of working students, which makes them ideal for working volunteers.If you don't mind going straight from work to your volunteer job, this is a winning situation.If teaching English sounds intimidating, organizations such as Goodwill always need teachers for a variety of other life skills and vocational classes. My local Goodwill features classes on financial literacy, buying a first home, and Spanish.Your skills could make a huge difference in someone's life, and if immediate gratification is something you appreciate, you'll definitely get it through teaching.

Weekend Volunteering

There are a number of one-shot and ongoing weekend opportunities for those who need maximum flexibility.Local schools often host weekend programs for kids staffed by volunteers.One school in my town hosts a "Saturday School" program that features field trips to local tourist sites for their elementary school students.

Food drives, particularly around the holidays, are another possibility for weekend volunteering.Collecting food, sorting it, and getting it delivered is often carried out by short-term weekend volunteers.

Short Shift Volunteering

As of late I've been volunteering one afternoon a week, a single two hour shift, as a tutor in a local after school program.I work with a small group of first graders, helping them complete their homework first and then spending the rest of the time reading books and playing educational games.If you're employed part-time or have a job with evening shifts, opportunities like this are plentiful.

Find an Opportunity

The local paper might actually be a good bet if you're searching for volunteer opportunities.Perhaps even better, though, is VolunteerMatch. This useful website serves as a clearinghouse for community volunteer projects.Just type in your zip code and a keyword for a list of projects relevant to your interests.

Volunteering is a source of amazing, wonderful experiences.Search diligently and you're bound to turn up a host of opportunities that fit your schedule.

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