Volunteering can be fun, you know.

[linderlizzie]

I have volunteered in so many things, I can't even begin to list them all. Usually they are interesting and you can usually learn a lot and certainly meet new people.

I haven't done so in a long time, because I was pretty faithful, both in donating blood myself and checking other people in to donate during blood drives, but finally became so dismayed by the sloppy way the workers were running things, I gave up. However, I'm thinking of trying some new stuff.

If you've volunteered and enjoyed it, can you share some of your ventures with those of us willing to jump in the pool again, please? Much appreciated!

[stevensm4]

Outside of giving some blood here and there and volunteering at this community center I used to do for high school, I haven't done much volunteer work. I participated in clinical trial a few months back. Does that count? 

[Jsnugs]

I volunteered at the state fair, it was fun.

[alina6]

I have always had fun volunteering. Keeps you busy.

[Nancy5]

I volunteer in a nursing home.  You would be surprised at so many residents that get no visitors and are so lonely.  In the summer I’ll take them for a walk (wheelchairs) around the complex, we play games, I’ll read to them, we talk or maybe just sit and watch tv together.  Yes there is an activity department but that’s not the same as one-to-one.  Your heart breaks when you are leaving and they grab your hand and thank you for coming with tears in their eyes. 

[ccandpam]

I use to volunteer at the nursing home. The elderly are such kind people.

[ktheodos]

I volunteer every week for an independently run food bank and have volunteered regularly with CERT over the years (though that has diminished lately due to COVID)

[mrisha]

It all depends on who you are volunteering to help.  Once upon a time I volunteered to help in a hospital, but got a virus and then had to suffer with check ups and blood test.  After all was cleared up, I got the hell out of there.

[plennis]

I have done a lot of different volunteer things.  A lot depends on the people you are working with.  Most of them have been a lot of fun to do and you are helping at the same time.  I have volunteered for a group helping veterans, local hospital, little league, schools.  Bake Sales, tea parties, yard sales, filing in the office, helping paper work get caught up at the local court house, helping teach  exercise classes at the senior center. 

[Donnamarg323]

I volunteer in a nursing home.  You would be surprised at so many residents that get no visitors and are so lonely.  In the summer I’ll take them for a walk (wheelchairs) around the complex, we play games, I’ll read to them, we talk or maybe just sit and watch tv together.  Yes there is an activity department but that’s not the same as one-to-one.  Your heart breaks when you are leaving and they grab your hand and thank you for coming with tears in their eyes.

Nancy thats very sweet of you.

I would get together with 2 others and we would play an hr music show and the residents loved it.We havent done it in awhile cos of the virus......but prior we were doing it every few months.And of course this was in a nursing home.

[linderlizzie]

I volunteer in a nursing home.  You would be surprised at so many residents that get no visitors and are so lonely.  In the summer I’ll take them for a walk (wheelchairs) around the complex, we play games, I’ll read to them, we talk or maybe just sit and watch tv together.  Yes there is an activity department but that’s not the same as one-to-one.  Your heart breaks when you are leaving and they grab your hand and thank you for coming with tears in their eyes. 

I have considered this one, Nancy5, many times. I visited people I knew who were in nursing homes but have hesitated to do so now not knowing who I'd come into contact with. People seem so angry there and I don't blame them a bit.

Anyway, we haven't been able to do anything through the pandemic to visit people which was frustrating. God bless you for doing such a wonderful volunteer activity. I know those people love you and appreciate you so much. You're right when you say it's heartbreaking.

I don't believe that the elderly get excellent care while they are in nursing homes, besides having many of their things stolen. I know that happened to my mom and dad before I took them out of a nursing home and paid for home care for them. They were much happier there in their own space.

Thanks for the suggestion. I will seriously consider it.

[dsawan]

volunteer only if you get paid to.

[Nancy5]

I volunteer in a nursing home.  You would be surprised at so many residents that get no visitors and are so lonely.  In the summer I’ll take them for a walk (wheelchairs) around the complex, we play games, I’ll read to them, we talk or maybe just sit and watch tv together.  Yes there is an activity department but that’s not the same as one-to-one.  Your heart breaks when you are leaving and they grab your hand and thank you for coming with tears in their eyes.

Nancy thats very sweet of you.

I would get together with 2 others and we would play an hr music show and the residents loved it.We havent done it in awhile cos of the virus......but prior we were doing it every few months.And of course this was in a nursing home.

Thank you for doing that.  It had also been closed for volunteers but two months ago the home was open for us, but sadly 2 staff got the virus so it’s closed again.

[Nancy5]

I volunteer in a nursing home.  You would be surprised at so many residents that get no visitors and are so lonely.  In the summer I’ll take them for a walk (wheelchairs) around the complex, we play games, I’ll read to them, we talk or maybe just sit and watch tv together.  Yes there is an activity department but that’s not the same as one-to-one.  Your heart breaks when you are leaving and they grab your hand and thank you for coming with tears in their eyes. 

I have considered this one, Nancy5, many times. I visited people I knew who were in nursing homes but have hesitated to do so now not knowing who I'd come into contact with. People seem so angry there and I don't blame them a bit.

Anyway, we haven't been able to do anything through the pandemic to visit people which was frustrating. God bless you for doing such a wonderful volunteer activity. I know those people love you and appreciate you so much. You're right when you say it's heartbreaking.

I don't believe that the elderly get excellent care while they are in nursing homes, besides having many of their things stolen. I know that happened to my mom and dad before I took them out of a nursing home and paid for home care for them. They were much happier there in their own space.

Thanks for the suggestion. I will seriously consider it.

It’s ok if you know people in there, they would probably appreciate seeing you.  I have to agree the care can range from excellent to terrible.  Sadly about 10 years ago we had to put my mom in the same home I volunteer at.  Upon her admission I told the CNAs nurses and admission staff I will be the worst family member you ever had.  I will pop in every day, you will never know when, and my sister and/or husbands will be here every night and weekends,  if I see one thing wrong I will move her out of here so fast your head will spin.  We also decided since my mom was non verbal we had to really ensure her care.  We had pizza parties for the staff on her floor, brought Chinese food in for them, and come Christmas they all got $.  I know she got excellent care, but volunteering if I see something wrong, believe me I always said something.  When they are open again, think about going you will be so gratified and the residents will love you, I promise

[Nancy5]

volunteer only if you get paid to.

That’s sad that’s the way you think.  Sure making/having money is great, but helping people/animals who need your help is so gratifying.  Maybe one day you just might find you need help, can’t afford it, but could use a volunteer but there are none.  Just saying….