4 Hot Ways to Help Your Neighbors Beat the Heat
Summer may be winding down, but there’s still plenty of time to sneak in some fun and help out your community in the process.
Everybody stay cool.
(Volunteer Commitment: 30+ minutes/day)
If you’re looking for a way to make a difference in your neighborhood as summer draws to a close, consider reaching out to the elderly, especially as temperatures rise. Making sure their air conditioners are functioning properly, they have all of their medications, and their pets get necessary exercise are all ways in which you can help. This DIY guide has even more cool tips to help members of your community beat the heat, and instructions on how to deal with a heat-related emergency.
Help the kids start a “small business.”
(Volunteer Commitment: 5+ hours)
A lemonade stand is a great way for children to learn basic economics and the fundamentals of running their own business, all while having a lot of fun. You can coordinate with other parents on your street to help set up a stand, and you can also make it a win-win for your community by suggesting some of the proceeds go toward a school activity or other needy cause in town.
Hydrate the thirsty.
(Volunteer Commitment: 2+ hours)
With temperatures in August and September reaching into the 90s, and even 100s in some regions of the country, the homeless population is particularly vulnerable to dehydration and heat stroke. You can organize a small group to distribute bottled water to people in need, or coordinate with a local outreach group to make a difference on an even larger scale.
Do you have a hiking, biking or jogging trail in your community? Choose a hot day to set up a watering station for passers by, and ask them simply to pay it forward by considering to volunteer when they have free time. They’ll find lots of opportunities at createthegood.aarp.org.
Schedule one last hurrah.
(Volunteer Commitment: 5+ hours)
A block party is a great way to get everyone together for one last summer event, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little bit of coordination, you can share responsibilities and limit the workload. One person can make the flyer and distribute it to neighbors. One or two neighbors can host the event in their front yard. Another can be responsible for collecting garbage and recycling. And everyone can bring something to share in potluck fashion. Just make sure to check with local law enforcement for rules and regulations.
Block parties are also a great opportunity to assess the needs of families in your neighborhood as you approach the colder months. You may find even more ways to make a difference and volunteer your time. And of course, you can always find great volunteer ideas here.
