Among Friends

[smoochy]

Do you do any volunteer work? I would be interested in what you have done and what you are currently involved in. 

Since retiring seven years ago I have volunteered in the following:

* hospice facility-greeter

*free medical clinic-triage phone nurse 

* YMCA reading program for underprivileged kids-helping kindergarten and third grade students improve their reading skills

the reading program is starting up again  as the public schools began the new school year yesterday. It was fairly rewarding I must say. However I have decided to go back to the hospice instead. As a retired RN with experience in that field, I feel very comfortable there. My role is to sit at a desk just inside the locked entrance-watch the door camera, screen visitors, buzz them in. Get them signed in. Also show them to the room and nurses station if necessary. Be a good listener. I may also do visits to home bound hospice patients, whether in their own homes or nursing care facilities. 

Jobs I'm "forbidden" to do by my hubby as he knows the outcome  😉 and he would be right

1. Any dog or cat rescue or shelter

2. Fostering kittens 

[kaydee50]

For several years I would go once a month with my parish group to a soup kitchen in Manhattan.  We fed about 1,000 guests each Sunday.  That was such a rewarding experience.  But it involved standing for 2 to 3 hours which I can no longer do.

Now I belong to 2 knitting groups that make hats, shawls, scarves, baby blankets.  I can do that sitting down--LOL!!

[Skyegirl21]

I work retail at a nice quality thrift shop in my town that runs to support many local charities - It is totally non-profit. I get some great stuff there and unload a lot too!  It's a win-win, and I meet some interesting and nice people! 💝💝

[colleena]

@smoochy  We had a Stuff the Bus event at local store yesterday for donations to help families with school supplies, I helped for almost 3 hours & came away w/good feeling from talking w/other volunteers, people donating and store employees.

I also help w/our local community theaters as much as I can.

And do alot of what I call one & dones where a specific need/event is posted & I help out but they dont have a need after.

[Meowingkitty]

I volunteered at an animal shelter several years ago and it was fun but I had a tough time fitting it into my schedule. It was tough leaving the kitties behind. I wanted to take them all home. I'm pretty picky as to volunteering. I'm not comfortable with kids or seniors. 

[smoochy]

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@Meowingkitty wrote:

I volunteered at an animal shelter several years ago and it was fun but I had a tough time fitting it into my schedule. It was tough leaving the kitties behind. I wanted to take them all home. I'm pretty picky as to volunteering. I'm not comfortable with kids or seniors. 

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any special reasons for that? Yeah there are definitely some situations that wouldn't be a good fit for me either

[smoochy]

love hearing your stories. You are awesome for doing what you do!!

[SilleeMee]

When I was younger and healthy I volunteered for many years as a member of my county mountain search and rescue team. It was physically challenging and the call of duty came at the drop of a hat. I loved it and I would do it again if I was still young and healthy.

[I am still oxox]

I was a Girl Scout leader for around 7 years I really loved doing it. Thing is I have no kids but I loved being a Scout so I enjoyed my years of volunteering. I am still friendly with some of the parents of my girls. They are now out of college and out in the world

[Puzzle Piece]

Volunteered at The American Cancer Society Thrift Store until it closed.  Then at a large church helping in the mailing room.  

Volunteered at the library to read to the children. 

Volunteered at a museum as a docent. 

My move where I live now was too far away to do what I enjoyed in volunteering.