I wrote about volunteering in my New Year’s column last year, listing some ways to volunteer in Utah Valley. I will mention some again because they are very worthy causes that thousands of our fellow residents are already involved with, helping others along the way. Volunteering to help others is not only fulfilling emotionally, but it can be an educational experience as well. Having the opportunity to learn about the difficulties that others are experiencing and how those difficulties can be alleviated can only serve to help us throughout our own lives and enable us to help more people in the future.

The Utah County Children’s Justice Center is looking for volunteers for a variety of roles to help children who have been victims of abuse. Training is provided for those who wish to volunteer. For more information or to sign up, visit utahcounty.gov/dept/cjc.

Tabitha’s Way food pantries in American Fork and Spanish Fork provide food for hundreds of Utah County residents every month. One in eight people is at risk of missing a meal on any given day. One in seven Utah children is unsure where his or her next meal will come from.

“Volunteers are the heart of our organization. Whether it’s one hour or five hours, it will make a difference in your life and those you are serving in the community,” reads the pantries’ website. Volunteers are invited to serve as individuals, families and small groups. For more information, visit tabithasway.org.

As rape crisis team members with The Refuge Utah, volunteers are on call at specified times to meet victims at the hospital after they are assaulted. The team members provide comfort and information to the rape victims.

Volunteers with the rape crisis team also answer phone calls that come through the rape crisis hotline. They answer questions and offer support to victims who are calling. For more information about this rewarding and important opportunity, visit therefugeutah.org.

Provo’s Food & Care Coalition has a mission to alleviate hunger and diminish the plight of poverty for those who enter its doors. The coalition’s primary objectives are to find suitable housing, teach financial accountability, facilitate an elevation in personal morals and values, and help each patron achieve their full potential.

The county’s homeless, mentally ill, learning disabled, fixed-income families and families affected by tragedies can obtain nutritious meals at the Food & Care Coalition seven days a week. In addition, the coalition provides showers, laundry, hygiene, counseling, housing and educational opportunities. A variety of volunteer opportunities are available. For more information, visit foodandcare.org.

Read a good book

I see this resolution on many people’s social media posts: read more books. I agree! It’s difficult to find time, but reading is not only pleasurable, it has many health benefits.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, some of the benefits of reading include reducing stress, lowering heart rate, easing tension in muscles and providing people with a healthy escape from the stresses of the world or in our own minds.

Reading has been shown to help people be more understanding of what others are thinking and feeling. It can give us an opportunity to identify with others in similar circumstances. It has even been shown to increase empathy and improve brain connectivity and our general mental health. With all of the local public libraries in Utah Valley, we have literally thousands of book choices available.

Improving our health

This may be the most common New Year’s resolution. It’s a good one. We can always get healthier in wise ways. One of the best ways is to get outside for our daily dose of sunshine and movement.

Many of us love the Murdock Canal Trail, which meanders through much of Utah Valley. Often, no matter the temperature, there are walkers, runners and cyclists enjoying the trail. However, it’s not the only trail or the only location to enjoy being outdoors. Find the place that works for you, even if it’s walking around your own backyard.