As you finalize your list of New Year’s resolutions, be sure to add a cause-related resolution. With your help, we can make great changes to our community. Here are a few ideas to get you started on writing your own cause-related resolution:

Volunteer at least once a month for a local nonprofit

There are many volunteer opportunities in Saginaw for people of all ages.

Big Brother Big Sister of the Great Lakes Bay Region touches the lives of children in your community. There are multiple programs to fit individuals, couples and families.

CAN Council Great Lakes Bay Region has a variety of volunteer opportunities in the office and at events. You also can get additional training to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate, which is a trained volunteer appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of a child in court. These volunteers average about 12-18 hours a month, but can make a significant impact on the lives of children who are victims of abuse and neglect.

Volunteers at the Children’s Zoo at Celebration Square can operate the carousel, work in the zoo store, help care for the gardens or be an outreach/animal handling volunteer.

Commit to helping those in need

If you want to help people in need, there are multiple agencies in Saginaw County. City Rescue Mission volunteers provide help with baking, sewing, building and maintenance, data entry, mail preparation, clothing donation maintenance, graphic design, photography, transportation and more.

Hidden Harvest and East Side Soup Kitchen help feed the hungry in Saginaw. If you don’t have time to volunteer, consider dropping off canned goods, sauces, fresh fruit and other food items to help out.

If you’re handy, look to Habitat for Humanity. You can even volunteer if you have no construction experience or you can volunteer to help with non-construction support tasks, such as office work, publicity and working in the ReStore.

Give your talents to a cause your care about most

Many nonprofits have committees you can join to share your talents. Whether you’re an accountant or a marketing professional, you can give your talents as a volunteer at a Saginaw nonprofit. Sparked.com, a microvolunteering online community, allows professionals offer expertise to a global network.

Decide to give an annual donation

Sometimes, the easiest way to give back is through a donation. Donations can include give cash, checks, real estate, fine art and other valuable goods, retirement savings, appreciated securities, stocks, bonds or business assets.

The Saginaw Community Foundation has a variety of funds supporting arts and culture, community improvement, education, environment, food/nutrition, health, housing, human services, public safety, recreation, religion, youth development and more. Contact us to learn more or give online.

Finding opportunities

To find volunteer opportunities in Saginaw County, contact your favorite nonprofit or check out GOvolunteerNOW for volunteer opportunities in your area.

Share your resolution with us

Tell us about your resolution for good on our Facebook page or on Twitter with the hashtag #ResolutionForGood.