Think back to the last time you needed some help—maybe with something small like coming to class without a pencil or a bigger issue like having no winter boots or mittens. Did someone help you get what you needed? Everyone gets help from others at some point in their lives. If you look around at the people you meet, you can find ways of helping your peers or others in need.

The city or town where you live probably has opportunities for you to help those in need. Helping at homeless shelters or soup kitchens can be a valuable experience for you, while also assisting people in need in various ways. Many places also take donations of warm clothes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other items that people can use. If you have clothes that you have outgrown, toys that you no longer want, or extra games and books, you can always donate them to places that help people in need. Donating money is important, but sometimes simple and essential items are best to donate.

Sometimes, helping others involves time rather than money. Besides helping at soup kitchens and homeless shelters, you could help a neighbour or friend rake leaves, shovel snow, or do some cleaning. Helping your grandparents or other elderly people with daily tasks like cooking or doing errands could also be helpful. A younger person with a broken arm might also appreciate getting help with basic tasks, like carrying groceries or even opening doors.

Listening to others is also a very important way of helping people in need. Not everyone has friends or family members who are willing and able to listen to them. You can help just by sitting and listening to people who want to talk about an issue or about what is going on in their lives. They might not want someone who tries to solve their problems, but rather someone who is willing to hear what they have to say.

Still, listeners have to be ready to act if necessary. Sometimes it is not enough just to listen and express sympathy. Suppose that a classmate complained of not having enough time to do homework in between doing chores at home. You could offer to walk your classmate’s dog or mow the lawn to free more time for schoolwork. If your classmate is struggling to understand a concept or task at school, you could take the time to explain it more clearly. Your friends and classmates, or even your teachers, can help you find out what others need.

Helping people in need can give you a good feeling but also make life better for others. Why not try that for yourself?

Bibliography:

Charter for Compassion. “Six Meaningful Ways to Help Others.” https://charterforcompassion.org/practicing-peace/six-meaningful-ways-to-help-others.

Morin, Amy. “7 Random Acts of Kindness for Kids.” https://www.verywellfamily.com/random-acts-of-kindness-for-kids-4136440.

Santi, Jenny. “The Secret to Happiness is Helping Others.” https://time.com/collection-post/4070299/secret-to-happiness/.

WkiHow. “How to Help Others.” https://www.wikihow.com/Help-Others.