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Best things: Ways to aid community
0421 Best things
Nichole Acevedo - photo by Photo by Frenchi Jones
National Volunteer Week is April 19-25, so in celebration of those who dedicate themselves to serving others, we asked local volunteer Nichole Acevedo about her favorite ways to give back to her community.
1. “I love to help out the elderly in my neighborhood. Right now, I am volunteering to help out one of my neighbors with some of her yard work,” Acevedo said. “I recently purchased her some flowers for us to plant. I love gardening, so that’s always a fun thing to do.”
2. “Several people I know have been diagnosed with cancer and my friend’s mother passed away from the disease, so I have a passion for cancer support groups. I try to support these organizations as much as I can. Last year, I participated in Relay for Life and walked as many laps as I could.”
3. “I don’t believe in just giving my time. I also believe in making donations,” she said. “After my friend’s mother passed, I made a donation in her honor to help out research at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.”
4. “Sometimes volunteering does not mean I have go far. I try to volunteer my services to those close to me. If my friends need a helping hand or a babysitter, I am there. I love doing those types of things.”
5. “I have a special place in my heart for military families,” Acevedo said. “My dad served 21 years in the military and my brother is currently in the Marine Corps, where he’s already served 14 years. My husband, who is currently serving in Iraq, has been in the U.S. Army for 13 years. So, whenever I can, I try to give back to soldiers and their families. I am always sending care packages to let them know that we’re back home thinking about them.”
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