height="125" />The holidays can be a difficult time of year for many people. All the advice columns, news articles and talk shows are talking about how to combat the holiday blues. One of the most frequently offered pieces of advice is to give of yourself. When you help another person; whether that person lives next door or half a world away, you are also helping yourself. It’s a win-win situation. I was excited to find many programs that offer volunteer opportunities in Viet Nam. What an amazing experience that would be! If you’re waiting to travel and can spare the time, or have older kids who would be up for the experience, these programs are definitely worth looking into.

Social Assistance Program for Vietnam

SAP-VN will be looking for volunteers for their annual mobile healthcare trip to Viet Nam. The travel in the fall of each year, and are especially in need of a physical therapist’s service. SAP-VN is also in need of volunteers to staff their Garden Grove, California office and organize fund raisers, perform data entry and other tasks.

Christina Noble Children’s Foundation

The Christina Noble Children’s Foundation accepts volunteers in the fields of medical, sports, and arts/drama/music. Volunteers must be at least twenty one years old and able to commit to a minimum of three months service. Most volunteers work in their rehabilitation center, which houses children up to age thirteen suffering from malnutrition and other acute illnesses.

Project Viet Nam

Project Viet Nam’s focus is on bringing healthcare to needy children in rural Viet Nam. Volunteers with or without a medical background are encouraged to volunteer their time working with Project Viet Nam on one of their project missions. Those without medical credentials may help in the areas of patient relations, support work and other areas.

Catalyst Foundation

The Catalyst Foundation sends Viet Nam aid expeditions every two years to directly help the children that they work so hard for on a daily basis. Volunteers provide direct humanitarian relief and are currently accepting applications for their 2010 expedition.

Having the time and resources to spend a length of time in Viet Nam may not be possible for most people. To find an organization close to home where you can volunteer your time, check out Volunteer Match.

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More Reading:
Shop to Help Others:
Craft Link
Catalyst Foundation

Sponsor a Child or Family in Viet Nam