This is the season of giving - what's better than volunteering you're time, talents, voice, and money to people in need this holiday season?  Today's post highlights the benefits of giving to those less fortunate.

Today's guest post is written by Joseph Baker, who writes this article on behalf of Sears- he enjoys volunteering in his community, writing, and baking. Read his work at professionalintern.com.

When I was in college, I was inspired by a philosophy professor to become more actively involved in my community.  I initially volunteered at a soup kitchen on Thanksgiving, and the sense of fulfillment and respect for others that I gained with that experience gave me the needed impetus to continue with such activities.

About a year into my more civically-active lifestyle, I volunteered to work on a Habitat for Humanity project in my city, and I can say unequivocally that this has forever changed my views on what it means to truly make a difference in my community.  Whereas I had offered my services in the soup kitchen, and tangible goods in the various food drives that I helped to organize and implement, helping to build a home with my own hands, a home that would eventually be home to a family in need, gave me the desire to help an entirely new focus.

I agreed to volunteer for a day, without any clear idea of what I would be walking into.  When I arrived, I was greeted by professionals who worked with me every step of the way.  On that day, we built and raised the walls of the house, and hung a little drywall.  I hesitate to say that I felt like a manly man watching the house begin to take shape under my own hands, but it's true!  The sound of the saws, the smell of sawdust in the warm afternoon air, and the feeling of the wood under my fingertips was an unforgettable experience.

I also had the chance to meet the future homeowner.  As part of the Habitat for Humanity program, housing recipients are required to work on the construction of their home.  Ted took great pride in helping to build the home in which his family would live, their first after years of struggle and intermittent homelessness.  His daughter, Georgia, was on the site too, and eagerly ran tools back and forth for workers.

My day with the Harrison family and Habitat for Humanity volunteers ended too soon, and I found that I was reluctant to leave.  Maybe it was the satisfaction of seeing four erected walls and knowing that I had something to do with that, or maybe it was the grin on little Georgia's face as she walked through her new house and pondered where her bedroom would be, but I wished that the day would go on and on.

Due to my schedule, I did not have an opportunity to volunteer on the Harrison home again, but a few months later, I drove by to see the finished product.  The holidays were just around the corner, and I was tickled to see lights strung up on the porch and a tree in the family room window.  Not wanting to disturb the family, I drove by without stopping, but I imagined Georgia and her two brothers eagerly eyeing the gifts beneath the tree and trying to guess what might be in each carefully-wrapped box.  Ted had specifically wanted to have his family in their new home by the holidays, and he got his wish that year.

Plato once remarked, "The community which has neither poverty nor riches will always have the noblest principals."  While it is unlikely that a fully-egalitarian society will ever be a reality, there are many things that can be done to level the proverbial playing field a little.  By volunteering your time, you can help the less fortunate have a chance at a better future.  Additionally, you will create lasting memories and gain a sense of civic pride and responsibility.  Volunteering has a beneficial impact on everyone involved, so get out there and do something!