Volunteering

Giving back to your community

Many people are finding that volunteering is a wonderful way to be active, stay involved and give back to the community. It can also be a way to make new friends and develop new skills.

It takes a special kind of person to volunteer. It means giving of yourself, your time, your resources and your knowledge and experience. The rewards, however, make being a volunteer worth it. In each community there are scores of volunteering jobs. Depending on your availability and commitment, there are even volunteering opportunities in other states, as well as abroad. This could be your chance to do a little traveling, as well. Everyone has talents and abilities to share. The only questions remain: will you share, and how will you share?

Hospitals

While this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, some are perfectly suited for it. Many hospitals have volunteers that simply handle the phones, or who work in the surgery waiting room, providing plenty of coffee and comfort. Hospitals have scores of volunteer opportunities. Just call your local hospital and they will be glad to give you information.

Schools and Daycares

Always in need of volunteers are places involving children. You can lend a hand being artistic, helping out in the clerical department or playing with the kids. A criminal reference check is often required for volunteer positions with children.

Charities

If there is something you believe strongly in, why not help out an organization that needs volunteers? Any non-profit welcomes volunteer help. Are you handy with a hammer? Organizations such as Habitat for Humanity can always use help with building projects. Do you love animals? Pet shelters and zoos often need help from volunteers.

Volunteer work can be an ideal retirement job, especially since retirement jobs are often taken more to stay active and useful than to earn money. Many younger people are still involved in their careers, which means non-profit and public organizations rely on baby boomers and older folks to take on volunteer jobs. Simply ask around, call places you think may need help, or contact a community program in your area. If you are computer savvy, do some research online. There are online volunteering services that match volunteers with organizations that can use their skills.