International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development
December 5

Read:
D&C 58:26-28

Explain:
The scriptures call us to give freely of our time and energy to good causes. Latter-day Saints have a strong tradition of volunteerism, both in and out of the Church. The International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development was created to raise awareness of the contributions of volunteers. It is an occasion to encourage more people to give of their time in helping improve their communities and the lives of others. It is, perhaps, especially appropriate that this day is observed at the beginning of December, when many people are preparing for Christmas. To whom could we make a gift of our time?

Pray:

• Give thanks for the blessings that have come into your life through church callings and other kinds of volunteer service.
• Give thanks for the many volunteer efforts that make the world a better place.
• Pray for the success of volunteer efforts with which you have been involved.
• Pray that more people will be inspired to give their time to good causes.