Volunteer Opportunities for Any Age
November 8, 2011
BY GAYLE THOMPSON
We’ve all heard the phrase, “It’s better to give than receive,” and we can probably each recall moments when we lived by that principle, and the euphoria of that experience lasted for days, or maybe even weeks. But what if we could give of ourselves on a regular basis, and have fun in the process?
Whether we have an hour a week, or several weeks of free time, there are plenty of options we have to help a cause that’s important to us, and have fun in the process.
For those that have a limited amount of time each week, but want to make a difference, schools are often looking for help in the classroom, helping with everything from tutoring to making copies. If the thought of being around rambunctious children makes you uncomfortable, head to the retirement home to spend time with residents who don’t have regular visitors.
Want to give a day or two? Check out Habitat for Humanity, whose website lists plenty of opportunities, even for those who have never held a hammer. The organization, which builds homes for those in need, will work with your schedule, and welcomes volunteers of all ages and abilities.
Other options include visiting your local food bank, local Red Cross, animal shelter, or heading to a National Park and signing up to help keep the grounds maintained. In addition, hospitals often rely on volunteers to do everything from holding babies to keeping waiting rooms stocked.
For those who have a week or two, or even a month or more, volunteering can easily be incorporated into a memorable vacation, which allows you to travel all across the globe for a worthwhile cause. AARP.org keeps a running list of areas that need volunteers, covering everything from disaster relief to third-world countries. Churches often have missionaries in other countries that are desperate for help, even for a week or two.
Maybe your dream vacation is spending time on a beach, or visiting a ranch out west. Call the local tourism bureau in the town you’re dying to visit, and offer to lend your services. You may score a free or discounted place to stay, and have fun while contributing to a cause you’re passionate about in the process.
CrossCulturalSolutions.org also offers opportunities for any age, and any time commitment. Simply visit their website, find a country that you’d like to visit, and sign up! They travel to 12 countries, including Brazil, China, Guatemala and India, and offer opportunities from two to 12 weeks.
Regardless of your available time or budget limitations, there are plenty of options to offer a little bit of yourself, and gain a new experience – and most likely several new friends – in the process.
Resources: www.habitat.org
www.crossculturalsolutions.org