Do you volunteer anywhere besides your own church or kids' schools?

[KristaTX]

I am just curious if many DISers volunteer anywhere. Right now I am a substitute RN in the old school district where I used to work full-time, and I also volunteer there some. But I am looking for something new to do - perhaps Meals on Wheels, an AIDS hospice, or something where I can interact with people who can't help themselves or who are lonely. I'm wondering what anyone else here has done. BTW - DH and I don't have kids, so I have lots of time. I'm just not sure I want to go back to working full-time - despite the encouragement I am receiving from one of my good friends to do just that .

Ideas, anyone? Anyone ever do Big Brothers/Sisters? I'd just like to hear some of the good things people around here are doing.

 

[ducklite]

Make A Wish and Habitat for Humanity are both excellent organizations. I do a little volunteering for both, it's been very rewarding.

Anne

 

[FroggyinArk]

We work with a group that provides grocerys to needy families duyring christmas time, lst yaer we fed 350+ families I personally am in charge of sponsership and donations for our yearly bbq cook off we use as our big fund raisor each yera

 

[wishuponastarforever]

I have volunteered in soup kitchens.
On a need basis - such as during testing or judging debates in the local school system.
Special Olympics when they are in town.

My DD volunteered to help people who were terminally ill deal with insurance filings - she would be assigned however many cases she could handle - she did a world of good for many. She also helped the families deal with their emotions.

With your RN background I am sure there are many places who would be thrilled to have your skills and talent. You could look into Vista or Habitat for Humanity - they have many programs - some you can draw a small salary and benefits

Good for you and good luck.

 

[Randi]

I volunteer with a Money Management Organization. We are assigned to an elderly client and help them write checks, balance their checkbook, etc. They have control over their money, we just guide them and make sure things are paid on time so they can continue to live on their own. I enjoy it very much.

 

[Danauk]

I volunteer at our local theatre/arts centre. I help out back stage during shows, help set up the theatre, work behind the bar or front of house - what ever needs doing at the time. The whole building (500 seater theatre and 1500 capacity concert hall) is run by volunteers except for the 2 paid employees who work way too much overtime for free. I love working there as I get to see lots of shows for free and we have a great laugh.

 

[monkeyboy]

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Well it isn't school, but I am the 1st grade boys' soccer commisioner. This entails getting all the 1st grade boy's registrations, putting teams together, begging for coaches, setting up the schedule, and I'm done by the 1st game. My kids also get to play soccer for free. I felt the need to give back a little since lord knows I can't coach.
I hope when the kids are older I can volunteer some time at the humane society.
Robin M.

 

[cati]

xx

 

[olena]

Oh boy! Where to start?

I do lots of stuff. I just got back from volunteering as a counselor for Camp Wannaklot with Hemophilia of Georgia. It was such a rewarding experience. I can't wait to volunteer next summer. I also volunteer with their Braves auction.

I've been active with organizing events and collecting needed supplies for a youth protection home and domestic violence shelter. I also volunteer as a buddy with an adaptive baseball league for kids and adults with disabilities. I help collect professional women's clothing for the Women's Success Network. I help the VFW by collecting supplies to send to our troops in Iraq. I make care packages at Christmas time for Operation Christmas Child. I also organize donations for needy families at Christmas.

One of my favorite projects is promoting a scholarship fund for college students with disabilities. I've organized some fundraising for it, and I've escorted its mascot to WDW.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I volunteer regularly at the Ronald McDonald House in our city. Great place for those who need it!

 

[preshi]

I volunteer at a wild animal hospital

 

[bballmom56]

I have been a volunteer in our county and state 4-H program for over 10 years. My daughter is aged out now, but I am still active and she has returned as a volunteer to give back to the program. She also volunteers for a therapeutic riding program that she enjoys as much as the kids do! Together we have volunteered at an equine rescue farm.

I also have been involved in working for whatever sports team my kids are on at any given time. I do anything from calling parents, to working the concession stand, to keeping the scorebook, to whatever is needed. I just do not coach or work the clock at basketball games (everyone knows if you make a mistake when doing the clock - DH is the designated clock guy!)

 

[Otto's Doll]

Our family volunteers at the local food pantry. DH is also a volunteer Firefighter.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I volunteer with my neighborhood.

My friend's mom's volunteer at the Theater. Another at City Hall.

 

[Taja]

I work full time, usually a good 60 hours a week or more. I volunteer twice a week about 8 months of the year in an adult literacy program. It's primarily for those who were left behind in school for any reason: dyslexia, language difficulties, etc.

There are a lot of programs available, and all of them are badly in need of volunteers. Almost everyone works full time and very few can contribute much time to these organizations.

Check your local telephone directory, call various places and visit. See what they need. Figure out what you can and are willing to do. You'll find your niche!


__________________
Taja

 

[mike07801]

I volunteer as an Emergency Medical Technician on a local ambulance squad. I love helping people. It's fun to help out and make a difference.

 

[shortbun]

currently, I'm volunteering for the Democratic Party, Cat Welfare
and a domestic abuse shelter.

 

[tkd lisa]

I've been a scout leader since my kids were young. I've worked at scout day camps as well.

DD used to volunteer at an animal shelter here, until they got so many volunteers they didn't need her.

 

[KristaTX]

Thanks for sharing, everyone. It is nice to see that so many of you are willing to give up your time to help others. Lots of good ideas here .