No matter where you live, there are people in need. What better way to share your gifts with others, while meeting interesting people in your new area, than by giving back to your community.

Religious organizations, arts groups, professional associations, community service groups and medical facilities are always in need of volunteers to relieve the burden on staff members, while supplying support and assistance.

From animals and children, to the unemployed and the elderly, your help and expertise could change a life forever. Whatever your interests, Dallas-area groups need your help! Pick up the phone and make a call to your favorite organization now to ensure a brighter future.

Our youth are our future. Within the Dallas area, our youths have plenty to do! Civic organizations offer after-school programs focusing on education, sports, music and more. These programs are designed to educate and stimulate our young people to become vital members of our community.

Specializing in education, fitness and recreational opportunities for the entire family, the YMCA and YWCA are two outstanding organizations recognized around the globe for assistance and community activism.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas serves more than 250,000 youths and adults through a variety of different channels. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy a full range of activities from swimming and aerobics, to karate and yoga. For children, there are Indian Guides and Princesses, youth sports, swimming and camping, as well as educational and fun after-school programs available at all branches.

For teenagers, the YMCA provides career counseling, leadership training, the Youth and Government Program and fall employment opportunities. For adults, the YMCA offers a wide array of activities involving the diverse adults of the Dallas area.

Likewise, the YWCA is a valuable resource for women, men and children. With six branches, two expansion centers, and the Women’s Resource

Center, the YWCA of Metropolitan Dallas offers something for everyone. The YWCA’s Women’s Resource Center bring a supportive environment and comprehensive programs focusing on the unique needs of women and girls to the area. The YWCA Child Care Program provides full-day care for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. YW Teens promotes community service and leadership development for girls in grades 6 through 12. For college-bound teens, our YWCA’s offer career and college counseling to help answer those difficult questions when in search of the right college of university.

Like the YMCA, the YWCA focuses on mind body and spirit with physical fitness and wellness programs designed to not only allow you to be healthy, but also allow you to have fun too!

Whatever your passion, local clubs and associations bring together people of similar interests to enjoy networking, familiarity and fun. Dallas and its neighboring cities have a variety of social clubs and organizations that give residents an opportunity to become more involved in their communities. For a detailed listing of clubs and organizations, call the Dallas Regional Chamber at 214-746-6704.

By contacting any of the groups listed in this publication and on the Internet, Dallas-area residents can find all sorts of ways to get involved in community efforts to benefit worthy causes and improve the quality of life in North Texas. The examples cited below are only a tiny part of all the opportunities available here.

Donating time, money and nourishment tends to grab the public’s attention most readily over the holiday season, but people’s needs do not go away. Hunger exists every day, even in the best communities. Thankfully, food drives and food services continue year round to benefit the homeless or poor. Find out how you can help these worthwhile causes by contacting any of the pertinent organizations listed in this section and in your local phone directory. Reach out to the North Texas Food Bank at 214-330-1396 or visit online at www.ntxfoodbank.org.

The Latino Cultural Center welcomes volunteers to help promote and develop Latino arts and culture. The center hosts art exhibits, educational classes, special events, tours, literary readings, performances and more. To get involved, call the office assistant at 214-671-0052 and sign up for the electronic mailing list by e-mailing LCCElist@yahoo.com with the word “join” in the subject field.