If You Volunteer, What Do You Actually Do? (conversation, adult, best)

[Enduringwone]

My daughter And I both volunteer with a feline rescue group.

[VTsnowbird]

well, in the food shelf, I am responsible for keeping the other vols busy (not usually a problem), keeping the shelves stocked, keeping produce out, breaking down bulk items, keeping frozen meats in the fridge, sorting meats in the freezer, and of course, taking customers through to do their "shopping."

I rarely get a chance to sit down in a 5 hour shift.

[Drift Away]

I have the wonderful opportunity to help with the start of a shelter dog training program. We train with a couple dogs at a time for 6 weeks, working toward their Canine Good Citizenship certification. The dogs are first assessed by an AKC trainer, who is also a retired volunteer. As with so many shelters, most of our dogs are some type of pit bull or pit mix. We’re hoping having their diplomas in basic obedience will help them get adopted. One of our first 2 graduates has already found a home!! It’s very rewarding in many ways!

[bbtm100912]

I volunteer at the local food pantry. We have a big one and I am the 'meat lady'. That means everyone who comes in and orders anything that is refrigerated (milk, eggs) or anything frozen (meats, veggies - anything - we never know what we'll get!) I grab from the freezers, bag up and put in their carts. (we have a list of what's available each week and our guests can order a certain amount from each category, depending on family size. We also usually have cakes and pies donated from local bakeries that they order through me, and other odds and ends and specials)

Also, some of you may think that I'm full of sh*t, but I'm actually full of platelets. At least that's what the people from the blood bank tell me. I can go through the separating machine in 45 minutes where the average person would take 2 hours. Unlike 'whole' or 'regular' blood, you can donate platelets up to once every other week. I used to do that but I've slacked off a bit.

Also I love to volunteer at the Tennis Hall of Fame. I've volunteered at the museum and at the tournament. (Gotta go, the Australian Open will be starting in a little over 1/2 hour from 'down under'. Can't wait!)

PS: I've been scrolling through all the comments and I wish I could 'rep' everyone or at least give you all hugs. What a great group of people! Thank you for all you do, in such diverse areas. I, for one, am proud to be on the same thread with you.

[bigdaddy5]

I've helped coach youth football and basketball teams. Boys/girls/special ed.

It's always fun to help kids develop and see my knowledge grow into fruition.

[beer belly]

I just don't have the time, but with retirement coming in 4-5 years, I'd like to assist in disaster relief. Back when Katrina hit, I called FEMA and offered up my new 3/4 pick up, fully equipped for towing, with myself and two friends as drivers, to move as many travel trailers we could in a two week period down south, I'd cover all expenses....never got a call

[EllieKay56]

Not retired yet but our school system lets you help out and they cut your property taxes for volunteering. Since I have always worked with kids it is something I will look into.

[tellicogirl]

Okay you asked what we do for volunteering, here is what I do (it's pretty much geared to what I was interested in while working)

1) Volunteer one day a week at a local school in kindergarten classes. ( I was a kindergarten teacher for 30 years) so I get to work with kids and be in a fun school setting without responsibility. About 4.5 hours a week.

2) Volunteer at a local animal shelter- I help once in a while for adoption days at Pet smarts and once a week on a team that trains dogs in obedience to help them get adopted easier. So about 2 hours a week.

They are both extremely rewarding and fun and I get to meet a lot of new people too since we moved across country when we retired.
Cathie

[VTsnowbird]

Originally Posted by tellicogirl

Okay you asked what we do for volunteering, here is what I do (it's pretty much geared to what I was interested in while working)

1) Volunteer one day a week at a local school in kindergarten classes. ( I was a kindergarten teacher for 30 years) so I get to work with kids and be in a fun school setting without responsibility. About 4.5 hours a week.

2) Volunteer at a local animal shelter- I help once in a while for adoption days at Pet smarts and once a week on a team that trains dogs in obedience to help them get adopted easier. So about 2 hours a week.

They are both extremely rewarding and fun and I get to meet a lot of new people too since we moved across country when we retired.
Cathie

Those both sound like fun!!

[volosong]

I've added a new volunteering experience to my days. Have started working with the local Sea Cadet program. It seems like a good fit for my interests, abilities, experiences and passions. Going through the approval process now.