We know you’re busy. Hectic schedules can push even the best-intentioned volunteer projects to the back burner. That's why Create the Good has shortened the steps between to-do list and action. We've distilled the five most popular ways people volunteer and given you five practical, creative acts of kindness for each that you can start today!

1. Recruit the kids or grandkids

Teach the value of volunteering to youngsters—or simply make your volunteer project a fun family affair—by enlisting children, grandchildren and other kids in the community.

• No one knows school supplies better than kids! So encourage the ones you know to help children in need with a school supply drive. You can gather them together to lend a hand at a drive nearby, or hold your own at a local school, library or community center.
• Select a child-accessible service project, like organizing canned goods for a local food bank or gathering old toys and clothes to donate to a shelter.
• Get kids and their friends outdoors for a cleanup around their school grounds and encourage them to take the lead in spreading the word around town.
• Take a child to visit a community nursing home. Kids can share stories with residents, and seniors love to see young, energetic faces. Don’t forget to take along crafts and games to keep everyone entertained.
• Inspire kids to help in their own ways. Tell them about your own volunteering experiences—or find a local celebrity, athlete or even family member known for doing good to share their stories.

Don’t have youngsters around, but still love kids? Become a Foster Grandparent with Senior Corp, tutor or mentor a child through AARP Experience Corps, or help out at other child-oriented volunteer organizations.

2. Help seniors in your community

Not all of us are lucky enough to have a house full of family or the health to get out of the house and socialize. Reach out and show an elderly or lonely neighbor they aren’t alone.

• Show a neighbor you care by offering to shovel the driveway or rake leaves—or surprise them by doing so without asking.
• Share a meal. Create an extra portion at dinner or buy some additional groceries during your next trip to share.
• Consider yourself a handyman or woman? Fix a leaky faucet, move a piece of furniture or even repaint a room.
• Spending quality time is the best gift of all. Bring over a game of checkers to play, a classic movie to watch or old tunes to enjoy.
• Invite others to join you in a service project in your shared community. Plant flowers with green-thumbed friends and neighbors, create or join a community garden or organize a trash pick-up.

Learn about more ways to help seniors and neighbors by becoming part of a caring community network

3. Do good from home

It’s easy to make a difference from the comfort of your own home.

• Get crafty in your living room—make visitor kits for senior center residents or holiday-inspired home decor for neighbors.
• Turn on the stove and make some goodies for a senior or family in your area—but be sure to check on any dietary restrictions first!
• Check in with seniors living alone to see if they need a hand with anything. A friendly phone call can go a long way.
• Organize a volunteer group to carry out a project using our guides and other ideas to get started planning—all from your home computer.
• Make an online donation to a favorite cause or save bottlecaps, labels or coupons for a local charity.

If you feel inclined to venture out, use our volunteer search to find local opportunities!

4. Spend time with furry friends

Pets without homes need attention and care—especially during the colder months. Donate your time and love to abandoned or abused animals.

• Find your nearest animal shelter and volunteer to walk dogs or play with the cats.
• If you just can’t resist taking one home, why not try fostering an animal in need? Use Homewardtrails to find the perfect pet to take home for the short term.
• When it comes time for your foster pet to move to a good permanent home, send them on their way with an adoption kit stocked with food, a collar, a favorite toy and special treats!
• Walk an elderly neighbor’s dog. For neighbors going on a trip, offer to check in and feed their pets—or give the animals a temporary home in yours.
• Invite kids or grandparents along to walk pets at the shelter—the more the merrier!

Find other animal welfare organizations on petfinder.com.

5. Give to veterans and military families

It’s not easy being left behind while a loved one is off serving our country. You can help military families deal with the hardships they face each day, whether it’s getting settled in a new town or finding extra rides or childcare for young ones.

• For a family that lives close by, cook a meal once a week. Whip up some extra snacks over the weekend. Or gather up the neighbors so you can each take a day of the week to cook.
• Do something extra—an errand, a run to the store for school supplies or a day shuttling kids to and from school and activities.
• Take an afternoon to give a new family a tour of town and the inside scoop on places to dine, shop and play. Or put together a local flavor guide so they can explore the area anytime.
• Gather groceries or set up monthly donation for any family in need.
• And don’t forget those who are away—send books to troops to help them pass the time until they are reunited with their friends and family.
• Visit CTG’s Project Guide for more ideas and resources on helping military families.

Still seeking that perfect volunteering match? Use AARP’s interactive Volunteer Wizard to find opportunities that fit your interests and schedule.

Use our easy project guides to get started helping in your area!

Help Feed a Family in Need

Help Military Families

Send Books to U.S. Troops