Learn creative ways to save money and create wealth every Thursday on the Evening Report at 6:00pm, by watching Change in Your Pocket.

Saving By Volunteering

Volunteering is a low-cost way for you to help others. There are a few places where a few hours of your time will go a long way.

John Bjornson and Nick are competing in their weekly after-dinner ritual. Sinking baskets and trying to one-up each other in a game of P-I-G.

"Yeah, it keeps me young, although it wears me out," Bjornson said.

Worn out? Maybe. Burned out? Never. Bjornson has volunteered for years to bond with children in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

"So they usually do better in school, they have better relationships with their family. They`re less likely to get involved with drugs and alcohol. Our program has definitely proven successful," said Deanna Larson with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

Several more places around town are looking for help as well, including the North Dakota State Library.

"Volunteers come in and they narrate books for us that we send out to our patrons," said Sue Hammer-Schneider with the North Dakota State Library.

Volunteers also read aloud news from across the state which helps the blind and others who are disabled.

"A lot of them, they were avid readers and once they lost their sight, they just thought, how am I going to do this? I love to read and I no longer can read printed material," Hammer-Schneider said.

The Central Dakota Humane Society already has a number of volunteers, but they say they can always use a few extra hands.

"Fundraisers, critter companions, cleaning up the yard, you name it, we`ve got it going on out here," said volunteer coordinator Mandy Schaaf.

You`ll be surrounded by colorful characters and a number of affectionate friends and there`s work to do, even if you have allergies. But if you`re prefer kids to pets, volunteers like Bjornson say they`d love the company.

"It`s good for a young person, but it`s good for you too. You really enjoy it and feel good about what you`re doing so it`s what you make of it."

You may not be saving big money as a volunteer, but you`ll meet a few new friends and bring a positive change to your life.

Once you sign up to become a big brother or big sister, it takes six to eight weeks to complete a background check.