I volunteer. There are many reasons why other people do it , and I have mine. And I've volunteered for so long and seen the difference it makes, especially during times of crisis, that I even co-founded a community organization  and served on the boards of a few. I know the thought of "working for nothing" sounds ridiculous in this age of double incomes and rising interest payments, but think of 9/11 or Katrina: Would we have been able to move forward without many hands working together for "nothing?"

Have you ever considered volunteering? It really doesn't take much. I know that you're busy but if you can give up one happy hour a week or miss the evening news every now and then (ever hear of TiVO?), you're halfway there. Don't know where to begin? Here are a few places to check out.

Start with Volunteermatch , an online service that matches individuals wishing to volunteer with non-profit service organizations. Find an opportunity by location or area of interest. Volunteermatch offers volunteer recruitment services to community service organizations, too.

The American Red Cross  is one of the oldest disaster relief organizations in the country. It offers volunteer opportunities in disaster relief nationally and locally. The organization conducts preparedness training for community-based organizations, as well. Unwilling to give up that Seinfeld rerun at 6? Give to your local Red Cross chapter’s blood drive , instead. The Red Cross also welcomes tissue donations and donations in kind.

Food is one of the most valuable gifts you can give in times of disaster. America’s Second Harvest  is a non-profit organization that provides emergency hunger-relief services in disaster affected communities. Volunteers are needed to help sort, box and repackage food for distribution. Donations of food are accepted.

During Hurricane Katrina, The Humane Society  was responsible for the care and reunification of displaced animals. The organization provides rescue and shelter services to animals in disaster stricken areas. If you have skills in animal handling or are an animal care and control professional, the Humane Society needs you.

Another good resource for volunteer work is your company's human resources department. Your company may even award you with brownie points for your effort.

Volunteering is not a one-way street. Real people benefit from your gift of time and you get something back, too: a smaller beer gut, meet new friends, land a significant other, wean yourself from an episode of Dr. Phil, the returns are endless. Find a reason to do it. Volunteer.