By Kendall Smith ’16, Lighter Fare Columnist

The phrase “get out there” is used multiple times every school year to motivate students to get out in the community and make a difference or find a cause they are passionate about. But where exactly is “there?” Figuring out where or how to begin volunteering can be a daunting task, so here are a few local organizations that are great places to start!

Watch the Wild: If you enjoy being in nature and want to help preserve our ecosystem, check out Watch the Wild. Watch the Wild is an organization that tracks changes in ecosystems so that we can better adapt for the future. You can get involved by signing up on their website and then choosing an area in your community to observe regularly. This area can be your backyard, favorite bike trail, park, or any place that you visit frequently. Simply take ten minutes each week to write down your observations on the plants, flowers, trees, weather and wildlife in your chosen area and any changes that have occurred. Each week you will send your observations to a volunteer coordinator who will share your data with interested scientists. For more information on volunteering head to their website: www.natureabounds.org/Watch_the_Wild.html

Stepping Stones: For those who are interested in working with children with special needs, Stepping Stones is a great local organization that runs a summer camp as well as a Saturday program throughout the school year for kids and young adults with disabilities. Volunteers help engage the participants in themed activities such as art, sports and music. After volunteering at Stepping Stones for four years, I can truly attest to what an amazing impact the organization has on both its participants and its volunteers. If you have any questions or want to sign up to volunteer, feel free to contact me or visit their website: https://steppingstonesohio.org/get-involved/volunteer/

Granny’s Garden: Granny’s Garden in Loveland is in need of volunteers to help with planting seeds, cutting back bushes, harvesting produce, and maintaining the garden in general. The non-profit organization provides outdoor education programs for local elementary school students. Volunteer opportunities are available every Saturday and Sunday from 9am-3pm. To sign up, log in with your student UGive account: www.ugive.org/Opportunities/Detail.aspx?projectid=93533

Loveland LIFE Food Pantry: The LIFE Food Pantry in Loveland provides groceries to over 130 families in need each month. In order to keep serving the community, they need food donations and volunteers to help stock the shelves and bag the groceries. For more information on dates and times as well as how to sign up, visit their volunteer page: www.lovelandlifefoodpantry.org/volunteer

Matthew 25 Ministries: Did you know that in one volunteer hour you can help about 150 people in need? At Matthew 25 Ministries an afternoon of sorting and packaging donated goods can make a difference in the lives of people affected by poverty and natural disasters. Volunteer opportunities are available Monday through Saturday. For more details visit their website: http://m25m.org/help/volunteering/

These are just a few of the many outstanding organizations in Cincinnati that are in need of volunteers. For more ideas, visit www.VolunteerMatch.org and be on the lookout for emails from Ms. Floyd about local service opportunities. Everybody needs at least 90 community service hours, so go spend those hours doing something you are passionate about!