At the beginning of the New Year people resolve to make changes which will improve their lives. These usually include losing weight, quitting smoking, joining a gym, or some other self improvement regimen. All of these are good ideas, but a different type of resolution might be in order for this year.

In these tough times one of the most important things a person can resolve to do in the New Year is to become a volunteer. Whether at your church, a food bank, the Boy’s and Girls Club or a senior center, volunteering is a form of service to your community and nation and is genuinely appreciated by those who are being helped. Following are some ways to volunteer and begin learning more about yourself and your community.

This year marks 25 years of the Relay for Life in Murrieta. This event is an annual fight to eradicate cancer and support victims and family members who have endured the disease. You can be a part of Relay for Life and help make a difference in the fight against cancer. Go to www.meetup.com/Relay-For-Life/ to find out how you can get involved. This is a family event so include your children; it is a real celebration of life and triumph of the human spirit.

Nearly a million men and women serve in the United States as volunteer firefighters. In our area, the Riverside County Fire Department has 65 volunteer fire companies who respond to brush Advertisement

[ Chatton and Associates ] fires, structure and vehicles fires, traffic collisions and other emergencies. Visit the Riverside County Volunteer Firefighter Association website at www.volunteerfire.net/ or contact the Riverside County Fire Department Volunteer Services Program Manager at (951) 940-6343.

Another great way to help in the community is to become a volunteer with the Humane Society. After all, animals need help, too. The Riverside County Humane Society is a mostly volunteer organization. You can lend a hand by caring for animals and spreading the message of responsible pet ownership. Go to www.petsadoption.com/volunteer.php and find out how you can help out.

Maybe you have always wanted to be involved in law enforcement. You can act as the "eyes and ears" of the Sherriff’s Department as a volunteer. There are many different ways you can work with as a volunteer to make our communities safer. Visit www.riversidesheriff.org/volunteer/interest.htm to find out how.

If you are not quite sure how you want to help, check in with the Volunteer Center of Riverside County. There are over 300 agencies listed with the Volunteer Center, and you can volunteer for almost anything. Check out their website at http://www.vcrivco.org/volunteer_connection.html .

Giving of ones time and efforts to help fellow citizens is truly admirable, and will go a long way towards making you a better more complete person in the New Year. You will never regret helping others, and remember: it’s rare to hear someone say, "I wish I hadn’t volunteered today.’