The Nest

Tuesday, April 24, 2007 6:17 PM

Feeling charitable?

By Jeanine

I have been feeling very selfish lately. Let me explain. When I was in college, I volunteered so much. I did Habitat for Humanity, Publicolor, Relay for Life, soup kitchens, tutoring...the list goes on. Now that I am working full-time, though, I have become way less active (okay, not really active at all) in the charitable things I used to throw myself into. Of course, I don't have nearly as much free time as I used to have, but that's kind of a lame excuse (at least for me anyway) because it's not like I have no time. Example: I really like staying in bed on Saturday mornings and sometimes the afternoons, too. But as I am laying there, I think of all the things I could be doing to help someone else.

It's not a matter of motivation for me, but rather the fact that finding and getting involved in volunteer opportunities just isn't as easy as it used to be. So I was wondering if any of you volunteer or if you're involved with any charities. If so, what do you do and how did you get involved? I think once I get out there again I will remember how much I loved it, it's just that I need a jump-start.

One charitable thing I did want to pass on, though, is Tom Shoes. This Argentinian designer created these shoes and for every purchased pair, he donates a free pair to a child in Argentina. Even if the shoes aren't your style, if you have $38 to spare, I think it's a pretty good cause. Here's what they look like:

Photo: Tom Shoes