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United Way of Southwest Alabama / Uncategorized  / 40 for 40 Challenge

40 for 40 Challenge

Lent is a time of reflection for many individuals and families. Your United Way is challenging you to “give up” something this Lent as a way to give back to your community.

Here’s the challenge

During the 40 days of Lent, consider:

  • Donating your time volunteering. Volunteering is about being the change and making positive steps to make life better for others and yourself in the process! You can find a list of volunteer opportunities by visiting Volunteer Connect or contacting the United Way 2-1-1 Help Line (just dial 2-1-1 or toll-free 1-888-421-1266). As you search for needs that fit you, think about what motivates you to volunteer. Maybe you enjoy the feeling of making a difference for a cause that means a great deal to you personally. Maybe you have a passion for helping animals, the sick, the elderly, the poor, or children.
  • Donating 40 items. Each day of Lent, find one item per day from you house you no longer need. For most of us, this should be really easy. It could be a kitchen item, a jacket, a bike, an unopened gift hanging around. Go through your closets, drawers, basement, even the garage. Place your item in a box each day and at the end of Lent, donate the items to a local nonprofit.
  • Committing 40 acts of kindness. This Lent don’t just give up, give out. Each day serve others through acts of kindness, whether it be holding open a door for someone behind you, paying it forward and covering the bill of the person behind you at the coffee shop, writing a letter to thank a local emergency service member, or leaving post-it notes around your neighborhood with words of encouragement. Leave a little brightness for others each day and you will find you are the one with the rewards.