Volunteering

**Michelle** · 05-15-2010, 07:53 AM

Volunteering is such a rewarding experience, not only for the recipients, but for the volunteer as well.

Several years ago I wanted to volunteer in the nursery of my local hospital, but they wanted a time commitment of about 20 hrs. The kids were really small then, and I couldn't commit to that much time.

Anyway, I started sewing for a charity I found online called Newborns In Need NIN Home I made several little baby hats and sent them off. What a great feeling

Now that I knit, I hope to make some baby blankets too.

For SAHM's volunteering is a great thing to put on your resume if you return to work

Do you volunteer in your community? Or maybe do something from home to help others?

Want to volunteer but not sure where to begin? Here are a few links to sites that can help you find the volunteer position best suited for you in your area:

Home Page | iparticipate.org

You can also find online (virtual) volunteering opportunities at these sites

VolunteerMatch - Where Volunteering Begins

SmartVolunteer :: Volunteer Your Skills!

**Grainlady** · 05-15-2010, 08:14 AM

Our local newspaper posts a list of volunteer opportunities. We also have an agency that links volunteers to "jobs". I have a lifetime of volunteering under my belt. It's a wonderful way to give back to your community.

**Michelle68** · 05-15-2010, 09:00 AM

Our newspaper does the same thing, Grainlady. Volunteering is a wonderful thing, especially when the entire family participates. Thanks for the links, Michelle.

**Liane** · 05-15-2010, 11:59 AM

I have been volunteering since I was a teenager. Right now I volunteer at our local library and at my daughters school. If her Girl Scout troop needs help, I help out there too. My daughter and I also donate our hair to Wigs for Kids. They are a local organization that makes wigs for children in our area. Have donated 30 inches so far and will be donating 10 more this Summer. I want to start a non-profit group that provides food and clothing. In the beginning stages, so I don't really know what I am doing yet but it will all come together.

**mauimagic** · 05-15-2010, 03:52 PM

Our family has been volunteering for AYSO soccer since DD was 8- so about 17 years. Even when she could no longer play because of a concussion (header in soccer) - she still coached and refereed throughout high school. DH and I are still involved and love it!!

we also participate in activities sponsored by the Lahaina Restoration Foundation - just finished sewing four costumes for them.

Volunteering is fun and rewarding!!

Great thread Michelle - I'm going to contact some of the links!!.

**IntlMom** · 05-15-2010, 03:57 PM

I volunteer at our local food bank. I receive commodites from the the truck, bag them and pass them out to those that are in need. My kids help me out with the bagging and sometimes are there for the pick up days too.

I used to volunteer in our local homeless shelter (in Kansas) I really REALLY loved that. I lvoed eating meals side by side with our residents. I learned alot and gained alot of compassion and understanding volunteering there. I miss it.

**shoiji** · 05-15-2010, 05:23 PM

Yes I volunteer. I was at a food pantry. Now I am at a museum.

**frugalfranny** · 05-16-2010, 12:22 AM

I do volunteer. Have picked up a couple more things in last couple weeks.

I volunteer with Friend to Friend and have a 'buddy' at a nursing home that I go visit.

Will be volunteering.....

at our library....to sort books for the book sale.
Making pillowcases for another charity....a one shot deal.
Making hats for the homeless.........ongoing.

thinking about doing a food bank but it will depend on the hour requirement and how much heavy lifting........a friend had to quit due to the heavy lifting. And I darn sure won't be going to the one I called last year about taking my xtra veggies and there were so many requirements I bagged it!

**militlady** · 05-16-2010, 12:40 AM

I used to do a lot of volunteer work in Hawaii but since I moved to Idaho I don't really do any organized volunteering. we go out in the desert and pick up trash and clean up the rifle range. We take everything we pick up to the dump and they take it for free. (normally they charge $5 per load) We go out at least two weekends a month and we have our 2 year old with us. He can't walk past any trash on the ground without picking it up to throw it in the trash. Gotta teach em young.

It is more of a personal mission for us. We hate to see the desert being trashed by unthinking people. We would hate to see the area closed down because people can't take out what they pack in.