Deep within each one of us lies the ability to step up and care for those in need, even though we often feel overwhelmed by a complex world. In fact, more than 200 million people throughout the world offer their time and love to volunteering.

One person can make a significant difference in the lives of others. This collection of 101 inspiring stories celebrates volunteers and those who give back, and also shows how the biggest beneficiaries are the givers themselves. Volunteers and people who give back are models of unconditional kindness, compassion, and love. You choose hope over despair, optimism over cynicism, and caring over indifference. And by serving others, you also help yourself. In this inspiring collection of 101 personal stories by and for volunteers and those who give back, you and your fellow unsung heroes will get some of the recognition and appreciation you deserve.

Previously available only through free distribution to prisons, this life-changing book is the result of charitable donations from sales of Chicken Soup for the Christian Family Soul and gifts from thousands of individuals.

From the coauthor of Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul—a program that develops positive change for inmates and their loved ones With their books Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul and Chicken Soup for the Volunteer's Soul, Tom and Laura Lagana have shown readers how to make positive use of their time—whether they are serving others or serving time. In Serving Productive Time they go one step further, using powerful stories, poems, and cartoons created by inmates and others to address the realities of penal existence. They build on these voices of experience with essays and advice that show inmates how to truly make their time count, and give meaning to their lives right now, while making amends for their crimes and working toward release. Inspires inmates to use programs and resources, perform positive deeds, and acquire skills Empowers correctional staff, counselors, families, and volunteers to help inmates who want to make positive changes in their lives

Singles are coming into their own: Each year more and more people are single either by choice or by circumstance. This book celebrates the joys and challenges of living life single, and like its Chicken Soup predecessors, will be a source of inspiration, laughter and wisdom. With chapters on Love, Single Parenting, Dating, Family and Friends, Finding Your Mate, Overcoming Obstacles and Single and Happy, readers will relate to each of these stories no matter what their situation or stage of life. Chicken Soup for the Single's Soul will show readers that they're never alone as long as they believe in themselves. Whenever they find themselves in need of some reinforcement, this book will be a source of strength and comfort.

It's time for an antidote to all the negativity! You’ll find that in this collection of 101 inspiring stories about what makes America great. From apple pie and baseball to our military heroes and first responders, from our vast and varied country to our energy and spirit, these stories will make you proud to be an American! We live in a great country, but we can forget that sometimes amid all the negativity that surrounds us. Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Spirit of America will uplift and inspire you with its true, personal stories about the many different things that make this country great. This book will make you proud to call America home!