"There is no exercise better for the heart than
reaching down and lifting people up."
- John Andrew Holmes Jr., American writer and
minister
You can make a difference in a senior's life
Even
the smallest things you do to help a senior can make an amazing
difference. By volunteering your time and service, you can give
something to your community that is not only needed but received with
heart-felt appreciation. Volunteering really makes you feel good about
yourself and brings a smile to a senior's face.
Why
you should volunteer
The reasons for volunteering are virtually endless and are very
personal for each of us. Why you do it is not important. What really
matters is that you give something good of yourself to do better for
others.
It can be difficult finding the time and energy to volunteer in
today's busy world. Raising families, going to work and meeting
obligations that others place on you can really put a demand on your
time. But if you look closely, you might have a little free time
somewhere - a little time that you can use to help somebody else.
Things you can do to help a senior
What you can do as a volunteer largely
depends on your interests and how much time you have available.
Helping seniors can be as simple as reading a book or scripture with
them, helping around the house, teaching computer skills or just
giving your companionship to brighten their day. You might want to
help in a nursing home or assisted living community by participating
in activities or providing personal care. Or work with senior service
organizations such Meals-on-Wheels, Silver Key Senior Services, local
senior centers and other civil organizations in your community.
Wherever you choose to help and whatever you choose to do, you'll feel
a wonderful sense of personal satisfaction in knowing that you gave of
yourself to help someone else.
Where to get started as a volunteer
We have provided some contact information
on this page to help you get started. These organizations are looking for volunteers and
we encourage you to visit their websites to learn
more about what they do. But please don't procrastinate - there is a
senior out there that is waiting for your kindness.
"You will come to know that what appears today to
be a sacrifice will prove instead to be the greatest investment that
you will ever make."
