Helpful Hobbies

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Helpful Hobbies Fun, Beneficial Pursuits If you 9ve got passion to serve your community and need an outlet for it, these ideas are for you! Also, if you feel like you need more information than this article provides, try visiting the local library. Librarians are expert researchers with a passion to help people.

If you 9re uncomfortable researching online or can 9t find what you 9re looking for, just ask a librarian. Turn Scraps into Treasures Scrapbooking: turning heaps of keepsakes into attractive albums. If you 9re not scrapbooking already, it 9s easy to get started.

Then, dream up some possibilities: make vacation scrapbooks for family members or personalized greeting cards. Tips for getting started: " Check craft stores for inexpensive idea booklets and supplies. Start small.

" Get ideas online: www.scrapbook.com and http://www.bhg.com/crafts/scrapbooking " Join or start a scrapbooking group with friends. Find a group at www.scrapbook.meetup.com The Value of Conversation Gain a window into another culture while making a new friend. English-as-a-second-language Talk Time volunteers help people new to the country learn English.

The interaction is conversation-based, and guided by a facilitator. Tips for getting started: Call local libraries and ask about becoming an ESL Talk Time volunteer Visit www.idealist.org and type ... more. less.

cESL Talk Time d into the search box for specific opportunities and locations. Wii Games Play ctennis, d cbowl, d cgolf d and tons of goofy, hands-on games right in your living room! Granted, it 9s virtual, but you 9ll quickly understand why the kids in your life get so excited about this. The benefit here is interaction: making memories. The astonishment on your grandson 9s face when you beat him at Wii bowling? Priceless. Tips for getting started: " CRISTA Senior Living residents participate in cWii Leagues, d as do visitors to senior activity centers. Enjoy meeting new friends as you participate. " Surprise and delight a kid you know by asking them to teach you Wii games. Open the World of Reading Worlds still await& between the covers of books! Share your love for reading with kids. Teachers responsible for instructing entire classrooms greatly appreciate volunteers spending one-on-one time with students. Reading with a child is powerful 4you could help change a future! Tips for getting started: " Call a local elementary school and ask about opportunities to read with kids " Help an adult to read. Contact the Literacy Council of Seattle (206-233-9720 or www.literacyseattle.org). Wrap in Love Give cancer patients, or friends and grandkids cozy quilts they 9ll treasure forever. If you 9re just getting started, quilting is easier now than ever, with quick quilting techniques and online step- by-step resources (one great resource is www.allpeoplequilt.com ). Tips for getting started: To join a quilting group that donates to hospitals and shelters, check with local churches like Faith Lutheran Church (Seattle, 206-523-9636 or www.faithseattle.org ) and North Seattle Friends Church (206-525-8800 or www.northseattlefriends.org ). Help Homeless Pets Volunteer with Seattle Humane Society (or another animal shelter) to brush cats and give love and attention to animals in need. If it fits your comfort level and ability, ask about opportunities to walk homeless dogs. Tips for getting started Contact a local shelter and ask about volunteer opportunities. Seattle Humane Society is a good place to start (425-649-7557 or www.seattlehumane.org/volunteer ).

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