Finding Your Something

This is an updated version of a post from 2018. I think it is still very relevant.

I once read a Facebook post from someone who is passionate about animal rescue.

He encouraged people to, in his words, "find your something."  He mentioned groups of people who have found their something by making cat toys, blankets for dogs and cats in shelters, and coats for animals. An online friend has found her something by knitting beautiful, soft blankets for cats waiting in her local animal shelter to be adopted. A group of photographers found its something by taking quality pictures of animals available for adoption to make them look their best to potential adopters who view them online. One photographer creates beautiful images of children in foster care awaiting adoption. A musician I know has used her talents to draw attention to -- and donations for -- the homeless in her city.

The author encouraged individuals to find their something -- whatever it may be -- that will allow them to help in a way that is meaningful to them. Not everybody can pull animals from animal shelters to be sent to rescue groups. But nearly everyone has a skill that can be put to use helping a wide array of non-profit organizations. 

Some organizations need people with legal skills, or who can handle their accounting needs. Can you walk dogs to give them a short break from their kennels? Can you work with undersocialized animals so they become more comfortable around people? Can you help rehabilitate orphaned or injured wildlife? Perhaps you can organize a pet food drive where you work, or in your family. Sometimes children will ask that guests to their birthday party bring donations of pet food for a local shelter, rather than gifts for the birthday boy or girl. And there is always a need for foster homes to care for animals until they are adopted.

You might also find your something in helping other people. A friend in Texas worked as a court advocate for children in foster care. Maybe you can provide a much-needed break for someone caring for an elderly relative. Can you hold a holiday food drive to collect non-perishable food items for a local food bank or pantry? Collect gently used coats, gloves, boots and hats to donate to a homeless shelter? How about a toy drive for Toys for Tots so underprivileged kids can enjoy a nice Christmas? Maybe you would like to volunteer at a food pantry. I did that on a weekly basis for two years, and it was extremely rewarding. Another online friend finds great joy in painting rocks with a variety of characters and hiding them for kids to find. The local food bank offers volunteer opportunities of as little as 3 hours, with no long-term commitment. A couple in my neighborhood frequently walks the streets picking up discarded cans, bottles and other trash. The possibilities are endless, and you can surely find something that fits your abilities, interests and available time.

When I lived in Houston, I belonged to a church that had a Christians in Action group that performed acts of charity for those in the community who were struggling. People were invited to 'adopt' a family in need and purchase items, including an aluminum roasting pan, for a complete Thanksgiving dinner. We did something similar for Christmas. Anybody in the church who wanted to participate was asked to take a wish list off a tree and purchase the item/s for that person. I remember how good it felt to buy these items, knowing they would brighten the holiday for a family or individual child. Fortunately, the church made it easy for us to "find our something."

My something now is photography. Not only does it bring me great joy, but all the proceeds from sales of my calendars and prints are donated to the Elephant Crisis Fund to help protect the elephants that are so important to me. Helping elephants is my something. Serving as an occasional volunteer photographer for local animal rescue groups is my something as well.

It's a great feeling when we find our special something, regardless of what we do to help. Each of us has a talent or a passion. It's up to us to find that something and put it to good use. 

What something can you put to work in service to others?