With September being National Courtesy Month, the time to reflect on personal behavior and the treatment of others is right now. With lifestyles that are only growing increasingly busy, it's often difficult to take a step back and think about the importance of each and every member of society. Every single person has the potential to change the world for the better, but it all starts with being polite and treating others with kindness.
Maintaining a positive attitude and being friendly is essential to being courteous and respectful to those around us. Simple things like holding the door open, being conscious of others when using a cellphone in public, and tipping servers at restaurants all help to promote courtesy in the world. How about offering to pay it forward the next time you visit a local coffee shop? While National Courtesy Month is great for starting the discussion on respect and manners, there are individuals and organizations that work year-round to ensure that help is given to those in need. Giving back to the community is one of the best ways to unite individuals and to make a difference.
The following is a list of ten great local organizations in need of volunteers to help provide services and promote awareness for a variety of excellent causes.
The Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NCSPCA)
Woodmere, NY
(516) 812-7771
Provides welfare to animals that have suffered from abuse and neglect.
Connecting Our Paths Eternally (COPE)
Melville, NY
(516) 484-4993
Dedicated to providing grief and healing services to parents and families who have lost a child.
Island Harvest
199 Second Street, Mineola, NY 11501 / Phone: (516) 294-8528
40 Marcus Blvd., Hauppauge, NY 11788 / Phone: (631) 873-4775
Provides food and services to those in need and aims to raise public awareness of hunger.
Child Abuse Prevention Services (CAPS)
Roslyn, NY 11576-0176
(516) 621-0552
Dedicated to the prevention of bullying and child abuse.
Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center
33 Warner Road, Huntington, NY 11743
(631) 368-8770
Dedicated to rescuing and treating abandoned cats and dogs and placing them in loving homes.
Every Child Matters-LI
60 Calvert Ave, Commack, NY 11725
(631) 885-8044
Ensures that children are given the public and political attention they need for proper growth and development.
Long Island Cares
10 Davids Drive (Harry Chapin Way), Hauppauge, NY 11788-2039
(631) 582-3663
Provides resources to feed the hungry while simultaneously supporting public education and self-sufficiency.
Extraordinary People In Care (EPIC)
1500 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY 11554
(516) 739-7733
Provides care-oriented services to individuals suffering with epilepsy.
Visiting Nurse Association of Long Island
100 Garden City Plaza, Suite 100, Garden City, NY 11530
(516) 739-1270
Supplies home health and community-based services to needy individuals and their families.
Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition
100 Montauk Highway, Copiague, NY 11726
(631) 893-4110
Provides patient support services and advocacy programs to prevent and attempt to find cures for breast and gynecological cancers.
Know of any other organizations that are having a positive impact on the community?
Let Us Know in the Comments Below!
Photo by Stephen Eastop, via Free Images.