If you want to help make this world a better place, you’ve got every opportunity to do so. Being a willing volunteer is the first step to making a difference—big or small.

Oftentimes, we overlook simple ways to give back because we’re driven to find a larger, more glamorous cause. But realize that you alone helping someone can make a difference.

Older adults are often overlooked—especially in favor of helping young children—when it comes to getting a volunteer’s attention. But let’s not forget who got us this far in life. (Hint: it was them.)

This fall, we challenge you to reach out and volunteer for a cause that helps seniors (whether that’s an organization in particular, or simply offering a helping hand to a friend or stranger).

Offer to rake their yard free of leaves, give those front hedges a trim, mow their lawn, walk their pets, drive them to an appointment or simply have a nice conversation over tea or coffee. The best thing you can offer someone is your time. (Naturally followed by some talent or service.)

Need a few more ideas?

• Cook a meal for them
• Play a card game
• Watch an old movie
• Check on them when the weather is bad
• Look through old photographs with them
• Give them a call
• Bake them a special treat
• Write them a letter from a vacation
• Offer to make small home repairs
• Buy them flowers
• Make sure they have proper heating for the winter

Any or all of these things would be wonderful gestures for a senior neighbor, old friend, grandparent, parent or stranger. Remember to offer help carefully, as you don’t want to make them feel incapable. Oftentimes simply being around to keep them company for a couple hours is what they’d appreciate the most. Consider volunteering a little bit of your time to add a big boost to someone’s week.