Grandparents Encouraged to Serve
Have you had the urge to do volunteer work but just haven't gotten around to it? Or do you have a great idea for a service project but don't know how to get it started? President Obama's United We Serve initiative was designed for people like you. At the Serve.gov website you can get help finding a volunteer opportunity, creating your own project, or registering your project and finding volunteers.
Out of curiosity, I checked my area for volunteer opportunities and found a wide array of choices. Volunteers are needed to sit with infants who are in a hospital due to being abused or neglected; to assist families of ill or injured children at Ronald McDonald Houses; to bathe and groom dogs who are being adopted into new families; to man a touch tank of aquatic animals; and to sort clothing at a resale shop. In addition, Foster Grandparents are always needed to mentor disadvantaged and disabled children.
The United We Serve initiative officially began on June 22 and will culminate in a National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11. Will that day find you feeling good about how you spent your summer, or still saying that you are going to serve someday?
Comments
Volunteering is often something we think about but put off until another time. When I do volunteer, I wonder why I put it off for so long. Volunteering not only helps others, it helps me too. Our local blood bank always needs volunteers – it can be for just a short time giving donors juice and snacks when your schedule allows. A favorite of mine is walking and playing with dogs at the local animal shelter – they are very appreciative – the people are, too. The only problem is that I want to bring them all home! Nursing homes welcome volunteers to help residents with activities where you can be their eyes or hands. A daily or weekly phone call or card to someone who is alone can brighten their world. As a teacher, I can tell you there are students who can benefit greatly with one-on-one tutoring, but because of financial limitations can’t get the extra help they need. Volunteering doesn’t have to be through an organization, it can be any act of kindness that helps another. Take the time to look around, I’m sure you’ll find a way you can help.