Looking for local volunteer ideas (Durham, Faith: houses, fences, shop)

[Stone_Sculpture_Artist]

...........ideas for local things a person can volunteer to do in the area?

Aside from giving the occasional buck to the local pan handlers, what other charity, volunteer, or contributions can one engage in around the Triangle?

I am here through the holidays and have some spare time. I enjoy helping others in need and doing volunteer work. Only I really don't know where to look around this area. Give me some ideas.

[mizunomom]

The Inter-Faith Food Shuttle is a wonderful organization that utilizes many volunteers.
Inter-Faith Food Shuttle

[lovebrentwood]

I second the Food Bank and also:

- AnimalKind.org - at Retails thrift shop
- Any local library
- The people in Durham who help people build fences and install dog houses because of the new tether law. They did a documentary about their work: Documentary Focuses On Group’s Efforts To Build Dog Fences - Durham County - MyNC.com

Here's a website where you can look for volunteer opportunities: VolunteerMatch - Opportunity Search

[megesp]

Check out DurhamCares.org - they will match you to a volunteer opportunity after a brief interview.

[Stone_Sculpture_Artist]

Hey thanks for the ideas. I will make some calls tomorrow and hopefully find myself a new hobby here soon.

[RaleighLass]

If you really wanna do something cool and get immediate gratification knowing you've made a difference, ask nursing homes if you can come dressed as Santa and go around and visit their residents. If you have a pet, or a child, dress them up too. Take mini gift bags of lotion, vaseline brand lipcare (chapstick stuff), stuffed animal, and whatever candy they might suggest, and a signed Christmas card or child's drawing, which they really like.
I had a friend who ran a home, I saw first hand how the residents loved this. Their faces lit up like children, it melted my heart to see how they responded, some got teary eyed. Some residents don't get visitors. There used to be a couple of places located on Sunnybrook at the side of Wake Med.
If you are on a tight budget, go read to them, any attention you give them is so appreciated.

Also, there is a Sr's residential bldg on Glenwood Ave downtown, Glenwood Towers? You could ask the mgr how you can serve them. maybe entertain them by singing carols, and have cookies and cider for them. Then there's Meals on Wheels.

I applaud you for wanting to make a difference!

[Stone_Sculpture_Artist]

Originally Posted by megesp

Check out DurhamCares.org - they will match you to a volunteer opportunity after a brief interview.

Just an FYI, the durham cares website does not work when attempting to register. It keeps telling me I have entered the wrong code word. I tried to email them about it and the same thing happens. I wonder how many volunteers they are loosing because of this. If you work with them, you might want to let them know.

[kfuga]

Be sure to visit TriangleGivesBack.org! It's a great place to find opportunities to give back to the area!

[skaternum]

Meals on Wheels. They often need drivers during the holidays since "regulars" may be out of town.

[boardjnky4]

habitat for humanity!