Happy Labor Day! If you didn’t know, Labor Day is a United States holiday which celebrates the social and economic achievements of the labor movement. On this day, we take time to commemorate the valuable contributions which hardworking Americans have made to the nation’s prosperity, strength and overall well-being.
Not only is Labor Day a great chance to get away from work and spend a necessary day off with friends and family, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity to get involved with people in the community. When it comes to giving back, Labor Day is the perfect chance to do something valuable for others. Here are some ideas for how you can get involved this Labor Day.
1. Send a care package.
One simple way to get involved on Labor Day is by sending a care package to someone who really needs it—our service men and women. While these men and women are stationed overseas, holiday times can be challenging while away from family or friends. Help brighten their day by sending a care package full of goodies from home. Whether it’s a local or national organization, there are lots of programs you can work with to create and send a care package to a serviceman or woman this Labor Day.
2. Work with a center.
Of course, why not give back to those who are a little bit closer to your neighborhood? See what shelters, centers or organizations are near you who work with those struggling in the community. See how you can give back by volunteering this week to serve food, collect items or help fill the needs for the people around you. When you work with a center in your neighborhood, you help build up the neighbors in the community, which creates an even better environment for everyone to celebrate on Labor Day.
3. Help out at an animal shelter.
Over the holiday weekend, lots of animal shelters have various sales going on for pets, or might find themselves taking in more pets as the summer comes to a close. Either way, it can be a busy time! If you’re an animal-lover, use this time to give back and help out at an animal shelter. Whether it’s cleaning up, walking the animals or just spending time caring for them, you can make sure Labor Day is a great weekend for the whole family, including our four legged friends.
4. Give gently-used items.
With Labor Day comes the transition into a new season—fall. And then—winter. You can help out your community members by giving any gently-used items to shelters and centers near you. As we head into the colder months, now is a critical time to collect items. Have an end-of-the-summer cleaning party to clean out your house and see which gently-used items you can live without. Then, commemorate Labor Day by giving those items to the ones who need them the most.
5. Clean up the community.
Of course, you could always give back on Labor Day through… labor. Use today as an excuse to help clean up the community around you, whether it’s by cleaning up garbage on the street, working in a garden or painting over graffiti. Your community matters, so take pride in caring for it. Use this time—while the weather’s still warm—to clean up your community this Labor Day.
6. Donate to a cause you care about.
Finally, you can always get involved on Labor Day by donating to a cause you care about. Whether you know a client of an organization, have a past experience or simply love an organization’s mission, donating your financial support can make a real difference in the world around you. See what organizations are near you, national or even international which you can donate to and have an impact.
Labor Day isn’t just an excuse to have a day off from work. It’s a day dedicated to the hardworking Americans which have gone before us, are with us and will come after us. On this Labor Day, celebrate by getting involved and giving back. Use these ideas, or think of your own to really make a difference in the world you care about!
