Places to Do Volunteer Work
If you find yourself with too much free time on your hands, either because you've recently retired or are currently unemployed, put your time to good use by volunteering. There are myriad opportunities to volunteer within your community, and you are likely to find a volunteer opportunity that matches your interests and skill sets if you simply take the time to look around.
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Animal Shelter
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If you love animals, consider volunteering your time for your local animal shelter. This may be a county shelter or a local chapter of the Humane Society of another such group. You can sign up to work exclusively with dogs if you are a dog lover, or with cats if you are a cat person. You may be asked to clean kennels, take dogs for walks or help organize and hold adoption events.
Schools
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Local schools can always use a hand. Volunteer to help read to young children, help out in the library or organize a fund-raiser for a new computer lab. You can even volunteer to coach an after-school sports team. Call your local school district or individual schools near you to find out whether they have any volunteer opportunities available that appeal to you.
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Youth Club
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Organizations such as the YWCA and the Boys & Girls Club may be able to use your help to run their programs and activities. If you want to make the difference in the lives of children, volunteering for such an organization may be the way to go. In addition to providing operational support, you may also volunteer to serve as a mentor or after-school tutor and work more closely with children.
Homeless Shelter
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If your heart goes out to homeless individuals and families, consider volunteering at a homeless or women's shelter. You can help in the day-to-day operation of the shelter, such as meal preparation and cleanup, help clients get the social services they need or even help organize fund-raisers to expand the number of people that the shelter can serve.
Church
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If you belong to a church, inquire as to whether the church needs any volunteers. Chances are, there is some project that needs to be done and no one to do it, whether it's updating the church's website or giving all the pews a fresh coat of paint. You can even propose a new project, such as starting a Bible study class or other such group.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit old church window in ruined church image by thomas owen from Fotolia.com
