Happy Birthday!

It’s the 4th of July.

For many local families, the holiday means a trip to the beach, a picnic in a park, or a backyard barbeque with friends and neighbors.

And for almost everyone, it means a day off and a celebration—with or without fireworks.

But this Independence Day, consider celebrating America’s birthday another way.

Express your gratitude for this great country by actively participating in a program of community service—give back by volunteering time, money, knowledge or expertise.

Here are some ideas:

• Search for a volunteer opportunity using the search engines found on VolunteerMatch or http://www.serve.gov/


• Explore ways to support those who support you—military families


• Provide simple services for shut-ins—be a companion, run errands, walk the dog


• Create a team of friends and neighbors to prepare your community for natural disaster


• Form a group of like-minded citizens and adopt a highway or a street


• Collect donations for a local nonprofit or church


• Bake a batch of cookies to take to a nearby homeless shelter


• Or simply go out of your way to do something nice for a friend, a neighbor, or even a total stranger

Have a safe and Happy Fourth of July!