Find best volunteer opportunities

Your time seems limited, with work, family and friends vying for what seems like more than 24 hours in your day. Finding the time to help others may be challenging, but can be highly rewarding.

"It is hard for people to make time in their busy schedules to volunteer," said LaVerne Campbell, director of volunteer services at Vol

unteers of America. "However, there are ways to work volunteering into an already busy schedule by looking for opportunities that your family can do together, or that you can do through your office, church, or other organization that you are already associated with."

Volunteers of America, one of the nation's largest nonprofits, is encouraging Americans to think about giving their time to help others and is offering some tips to help find meaningful volunteer opportunities that can mesh with any lifestyle:

+Do what you love or focus on something you're passionate about. You will get more out of a volunteer experience if you are working in an area about which you feel strongly. If you love working with children, seniors, or people with disabilities, then find a volunteer opportunity that allows you to do this. If you are passionate about hunger, affordable housing, or the environment, look for agencies that address these problems.

+Look for opportunities at your place of employment. Many companies sponsor volunteer activities, will let you take time to volunteer, or will offer funds to your favorite charity. Speak to the human resources staff at your company.

+Volunteer close to home. If your schedule is really packed, multi-task by volunteering in your neighborhood or at your children's school. Ask your neighbors, or look in your local newspaper for opportunities. Some towns and counties also have databases of local volunteer positions.

+Look for volunteer positions that fit your lifestyle. You don't have to commit to a long-term volunteer assignment.

+Find volunteer opportunities online, such as VolunteerMatch

(www.volunteermatch.org), a clearinghouse for opportunities. You can also log on to the websites of individual agencies for their listings.

To volunteer with Volunteers of America, visit the website at www. volunteersofamerica.org.

This story provided by StatePoint Media.