Community service is work done by individuals or groups of people, to the benefit of their community. Community service is usually done at little or no pay. It is different from volunteering, as there are situations where it isn't done voluntarily

• Some people who have been convicted of a crime may be required to perform community service as part of their conviction.
• Some countries require part or all of their citizens to do military service. For those people who refuse to carry arms or to serve in the military, there usually is an option to replace the military service with some form of community service.
• Some religious groups require people to do some kind of community service. One example of this is The Salvation Army. Both, who founded the group, was a Methodist. In Methodism, charity, and helping those in need are very important