The spirit of giving back was strong at St. Johns high school. On Saturday students organized 20 non-profits for people to donate to or sign up with to volunteer.

"We contacted local charities to see if they'd set up booths to let the community know how they can get involved without spending a penny," said St. Johns senior Amanda Beaufore.

It was part of Disney's "Give a Day, Get a Day" campaign where volunteering could earn a free ticket to Disney.

"We want [our kids] to know when you want a reward you work for it. Things don't just come free and get handed to you," said volunteer Janet Stumpf of Okemos.

Mark Thornton and his family picked three charities including the Humane Society.

"We figured we could do some good and save a little bit of money and it works all the way around," said Thornton.

You can pick up a hammer for Habitat for Humanity or design a denim square for a quilt for wounded soldiers. Volunteering doesn't have to cost a dime but its benefits are beyond measure.

WIth tough times even a small showing of support can go a long way.

"When you're hurt and injured in a place far from home sometimes that pair of blue jeans just says home," said Lesa Stoddard of DeWitt. Stoddard makes quilts for wounded soldiers out of old jeans.

And helping those in need is what it's all about.

"There's a huge need. There are more people who have lost their homes and who are in seach of decent, affordable homes that Habitat can provide," said Sue Carroll, who is the executive director for the Clinton County region of Habitat for Humanity.

The need is great and there are plenty of ways to get involved.