There is so much going in in NOLA this weekend (of 06/22/18) that it can seem nearly impossible to decide what to do. This is the fourth edition of a weekly series in which we here at Big Easy Magazine give suggestions on fun ways to spend a day, evening or afternoon in our beloved city. So let’s begin! What’s a good way to spend a weekend in New Orleans, or more specifically, what’s the best way to spend the weekend of June 22nd in the city of New Orleans?
New Orleans became a city known as a place to come do service work for many across the nation after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Volun-tourists from around the globe came to help rebuild and help this city in many ways in which the Government fell short. It is a misconception that there isn’t still a need for service work in the city. There are many different organizations that help those who live here in different aspects of their lives. Truly, there are too many to list in a brief article, but we’ll touch on a few that we feel stand apart in their accessibility to those wishing to help as well as their positive impact on those who live here. If you have any to add to this brief list, by all means tell us about them in the comment section!
The first organization that comes to mind is the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. This group’s focus is building affordable housing for those who need it. Habitat contributed a great deal to New Orleans’ recovery after Katrina and they continue to help this city through their works on a daily basis. Working with them is a great way to spend a few hours, a day, or even several days if one has the time. Be sure to check out how to get involved here!
Another important organization that helps New Orleans and those who live here greatly is the St. Bernard Project. Founded in 2006, this local organization’s goals are in a similar vein to those of Habitat for Humanity. The difference is that this group helps owners (who cannot not afford repairs) rebuild their own homes that have been damaged by natural disasters as well as offering other services. Find out more information about how to become involved with them here!
Along with housing, the need to provide food for those who are hungry is a challenge to which New Orleaneans rise up. An organization that helps a great deal with the challenge of hunger in our city and the surrounding area is the local chapter of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana. This group keeps a well-stocked pantry of non-perishables for families and individuals who need help with hunger. Food insecurity is not a good thing and you can get involved to help combat it locally here!
The New Orleans area has many organizations that help the animals companions who live in this great city with us! The first one that comes to mind is the Louisiana SPCA. This organization is a non-profit that helps the animals of the New Orleans area through a community clinic, rescuing strays and through a humane rescue program that gets animals out of environments where they had been suffering from cruelty or neglect. There are other services and ways that The Louisiana SPCA contributes greatly to animal welfare in our city. You can learn more and get involved with this organization through volunteering here!
No matter where you decide to help, don’t forget to drink lots of water. Be sure to check our Events section for more suggestions on ways to volunteer and serve our wonderful community. There you will be able to find more events specific to this upcoming weekend of June 23rd, as well as repeating service opportunities.
