Volunteer opportunities? An odd question, perhaps (insurance, houses, school)

[nick is rulz]

So, I've realized I'd like to get more involved in volunteering and such but I don't know many resources. I've been avoiding the gym lately because it gets obnoxiously busy this time of year...and the thought dawned on me that some sort of volunteer opportunity that requires some physical exertion would be a positive, because I could combine both of those things to maximize my time use as I will also be going to school this semester.

Also, it wouldn't hurt to save $60 a month by cancelling a gym membership.

Doesn't matter so much what it is...warehousing work or whatever. Something that's fairly hard work in the evenings for a decent cause. If anyone has any leads, I'd like to hear em.

[chilaili]

Volunteering at the zoo requires quite a lot of walking and in all weathers or maybe one of the local animal sanctuaries?

[MnMomma]

Stock shelves at the food shelf. Walk dogs at the Humane Society. Build houses with Habitat for Humanity. A garden club.

[golfgal]

Help train athletes for the Special Olympics.

[1stpontiac]

Good question, I've been looking for something as well and some good suggestion here.

Last time I look at HFH, the local chapter seemed to have all their builds (at least the ones open to unaffiliated volunteers) scheduled for during weekdays which I found a little strange. I should look at their calender again, as I really enjoyed doing that in my last down.

[Kebinminn]

Check out some local nature centers. They could use some help with litter clean up, weeding, and clearing out exotic species. I think they could probably use help with maintenance in the winter.

[xandrex]

On the 9/11 Day of Service I helped Habitat for Humanity with a house build. Certainly plenty of physical activity required for some of the jobs!

On another note, have you considered dropping to a cheaper gym as well? After my insurance discount, I pay $17 a month. $60 sounds ridiculous unless you're getting some pretty amazing amenities.

[Kayekaye]

Here is a link to Second Harvest food shelf that uses volunteers
Volunteer Opportunities - Second Harvest Heartland

[midwest liberal]

VolunteerMatch - Where Volunteering Begins Link to a database of volunteer opportunities.