VOLUNTEER YOUR TALENTS

Your skills are even more valuable than your money. Here are 15 ways to share them with those in need.

- JENNY LATREILLE

Several years ago, Ben Ko started to volunteer for charitable causes when friends invited him to go along with them to an occasional organized event. After spending one Christmas morning plating food for hundreds of people, Ko was on his way home when he was approached by a gentleman on the sidewalk asking for change.

"That moment made me question how I could help in a way that would be more personal,” says Ko, a longtime yoga student who co-owns Golden Thread, a hair salon in Scottsdale, Arizona. "I looked for an outlet to share my craft and cut hair for people I may not normally see.”

After talking with colleagues and researching options, Ko offered his talents as a stylist to a local outreach center so anyone in need could walk in for a haircut. Simply by doing what he does best, he is able to help other people regain some sense of self.

If you're looking to volunteer your unique abilities, opportunities abound. You just need to know where to look.

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