I consider myself very fortunate to live on Hilton Head Island.  It is a beautiful place to live an active lifestyle.  I am also fortunate in that I work with a number of volunteer organizations that I feel benefit the island and surrounding areas.  A common theme lately with most charitable organizations is the lack of financial support in the current economic climate.  Of course, this is understandable! 

But this made me think about alternative ways to contribute to charities.  Many people feel that if they can not give money, they have nothing to offer.  This is not true!  Many organizations can find something for you to do. Volunteer to answer phones, transport patients, stock shelves, read to clients.  The list is endless.

If you want to do something a little more personal that requires giving of yourself, think about donating blood to the American Red Cross.  Go to www.givelife.org to find a blood drive near you.  This is the only way most of us will ever be able to save a life.  It is also one of the only places you can volunteer and they make you sit or lie down and then give you juice and cookies! ;)  You can donate blood every 58 days, so this is an easy way to help save five or six lives each year.  How many people can say that!?

Another very important organization is Locks of Love.  Visit www.locksoflove.org for more information on this organization.  If you wear your hair long, as I do, it is a chance not only to enhance a child's life but to explore a new look for yourself!  Many salons donate their time and expertise if you donate your hair.  You get a new look and someone else gets a prosthetic hair piece that allows them to live a more normal life.  This is me taking the plunge!  I am holding almost twelve inches of hair that was my ponytail!  Remember-it will grow back!

These are just a couple of organizations that I personally work with.  If you are "down in the dumps" about what is going on around you, one of the best ways I have found to make myself feel better is to do something for someone else.  It doesn't have to be a large project or a large time commitment.   The opportunies on Hilton Head Island are endless.  Find something that works for you and see how it changes your life!

For more information on Hilton Head Island and the surrounding areas, please go to www.KatGardner.com.  All information is available without sign in.