Volunteering and Giving on St. Patrick's Day

It's hard not to love the Irish people. By and large they are exceptionally friendly, don't take themselves too seriously and don't mind indulging in a pint or two.

That's why it's fun for Americans nationwide to don a little green and raise a glass or two for Ireland on St. Patrick's Day, officially happening tomorrow.

There's obviously lots of fun ways to enjoy St. Patrick's Day — dance a jig, drink green beer, hunt for four-leaf clovers, eat Lucky Charms — but it turns out that lots of people are using the holiday to help others, too. Here's a few ways organizations around the country are giving back on St. Paddy's Day:

In Flint, Mich., the North End Soup Kitchen is selling box lunches filled with traditional Irish treats Wednesday, with all proceeds benefiting local charities. According to ABC 12, each $6 box contains delicacies like corned beef and cabbage and the money collected will help several causes supported by Catholic Charities of Genesee and Shiawassee Counties.

 

Throughout the country, folks are celebrating "St. Baldrick's Day" by shaving their head to raise money to fight childhood cancers. For instance, according to Richmond.com, brave souls will gather at the Capital Ale House to have their heads shaved by about 30 volunteers. The event combines the charitable act with a traditional Irish bash, featuring two Irish bands and bagpipers.

 

Across the country, thousands of business are selling Shamrocks Against Dystropy. The campaign, which sells $1 and $5 shamrocks that customers can sign and then display on the store's walls, benefits the Muscular Dystropy Association, and its efforts to fund research, clinics, camps and kids fighting this degenerative disease. For more information on the campaign, which wraps up on St. Paddy's Day, click here.

 

You don't have to take part in an official fundraising campaign to give back this St. Patrick's Day. You can always give to the charity of your choice, or volunteer a little of your time, all in the name of this most Irish of holidays.

Happy St. Patrick's Day, all!

 

 

Photo by iprole via stock.xchang.