Love Your Neighbor

When my kids were part of the Youth Group at our church, most summers they would go on some sort of mission trip.  Each year they went somewhere different. The trips were typically out of state but within a day's driving distance. 

About 10 years ago,  our Youth Group went to the  Cabell Lincoln Work Camp in  West Virginia. The camp is located in the Appalachian area of WV where poverty is wide-spread. Those who attend the camp are split into groups to go out into the community to provide home repair. Projects range from from roof repair to building wheelchair ramps. Since it's start in 1966, the camp, which is only 1 week a year, has completed over 1500 home repairs and donated over $400,000 in materials for the repairs. 

Nobody really understands why, but for some reason, each year the trip is magical. Once in a lifetime memories are always made.  My son even became engaged this year to a girl he met at the camp.  Since first attending 10 years ago, our church has continued to go to the Cabell-Lincoln Work Camp every summer.  My husband returns every year as an adult volunteer, and my kids, who are now in their twenties have returned some years as well. 

There are many, many great charitable organizations out there. There is the Red Cross, United Way, Homes for Humanity, just to name a few.  Volunteer opportunities are always available through these organizations.  I would encourage anyone who is looking for a place to serve, to consider those options.  However, for this site, I would like to list those "magical" experiences that don't get the recognition they deserve.  

Do you have a favorite Charitable Organization?

I would love to hear about your favorite volunteer experience. If it's part of a organization that provides on-going serving opportunities, I'll list them on this site.  My goal is to provide a list showing serving opportunities for each state in the U.S. 

Contact me at: Tracey@LoveAmongUs.com