I have decided that I would like to do so.e volunteer work in the community. I think most people will understand, I need to get outside of this disease and my house. I am pretty mobile on good days. And there lies the issue. It needs to be volunteering that is flexible for those days I'm not up to it.
Has anyone else had good success in this arena?
We have a place called Columbia county cares, where they need volunteers all the time to help with the packageing of food that has been donated, there is also office work. All volunteers, and a great need for those who need the help. Many more than people realize. Hope that you can find something near you. The one where I live is a mile from my house. I never knew it was there until we moved and found out about it thru our church. A lot of the volunteers come from our church.
Karen-X, it's Fancy1959. A few years back, one of the most rewarding places i volunteered was at the VA Hospital. They were very flexible with their hours of volunteers. If you talk to the person in charge of volunteers and let them know that you have MS and that might complicate matters I'm sure they'd be glad for any time you can give them. The Old Gentleman there will absolutely wrap you around my fingers. Lift your hearts in a matter of days and weeks. On top of that it seems almost every large metropolitan area has a VA hospital so there should be one relatively easy to find if you're anywhere close to a mid-size to large city. If you want a volunteering at one, please let me know. I'm curious to get your perspective on it as well as what I experienced. Take care of yourself and I'll talk to you soon. Remember together we are stronger!
I have volunteered for many years at the food and clothing pantry where we used to go to church. I started volunteering for a tiny local grade school with the reading program. If I miss a day here or there, it isn't devastating to anyone, since this is extra one on one reading time. I enjoy it very much, as I read constantly to my kids., who are all grown now.
I'm sure there are many opportunities for people like us who can't commit to a strict schedule. Think of a need that touches your heart or an area you have interest in. You will be a blessing, no doubt.
I am volunteering at a senior day care center every Monday afternoon. It brings me so much joy to socialize, reminisce, and do little activities with these wonderful people who have so much to offer.
I also volunteer for the local NMSS. It felt good when they said we understand if you feel tired and can't come or stay for the full time.
I'm on a waiting list for the orientations for volunteers at our local birds of prey center where I will be able to feed and care for these large magestic creatures.
I'm on a waiting list to help at the 10000 Villages store that sells crafts from 3rd world people's.
Look for those things that fit who you are. Donate what time you feel ok with and what u feel is w/in your ability.. Only the NMSS knows I have MS.
Giving to others gives so much back to me. I hope you find the same.
These are all great ideas. I would also add a local animal shelter is always looking for people to just come and visit, socialize and walk dogs. They are very flexible. There are also volunteer opportunities that you can do from home if you are unable to get out and about. One that I like is indexing. This is where you look at old documents on your computer and transcribe information from them. This information is then used by people who are looking for their family history. You do NOT have to be a genealogists, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They have birth, death, marriage, census, obituaries, and many other records that need to be indexed. The wonderful thing is these will be available for free for everyone to to access online at familysearch.org.
If you are interested in doing this go to familysearch.org/indexing/
The records are from all over the world and in many different languages. indexing is something you do when you have time and feel up to it. You also do it at your own speed.
I am a paraplegic and volunteer two different places....so places definitely understand you are not paid help altho they need to be informed of an absence. I volunteer one day a week 3-6 hrs,at a skilled nursing/rehab facility. my beginning purpose was to visit w/those that did not get visitors. now includes planning/doing a craft once a month. another day for 2-4 hours i do typing for a director at a not for profit. if a big project perhaps a second day. once i gave up my career (or once ms stole it from me) i had to find a way to have adult interaction...and feel useful as i was a high level executive for 25+yrs. Just be upfront.
I want to genuinely and sincerely wish you all the best of luck my friend with your endeavour.
All my hopes and dreams for you
Ken
Hi Karen-x , I have volunteered at the MS Society, as a reading tutor at our local elementary school, and in our church's children's ministry department doing minor tasks like stapling, copying, and cutting out toddler Sunday school class materials. (I can no longer do anything that requires more than that.)
Tutoring is great (and needed in most schools), but be prepared to have at least one sick kid a week. I'm on immunosuppressants, so I no longer tutor nor serve in areas where kids are. But working in the children's ministry office allowed me to serve the kids (and their teachers) without catching whatever cold or bug the kids had. And the office staff was extremely flexible. If I wasn't well the day I planned to come in, it was no big deal. The same with the MS Society.
How wonderful that you plan to do this! I hope you find something you really like. I'm sure your help will be much appreciated!
Had to at least mention our own organization, Karen-x : MSAA has a number of virtual and independent volunteering options available as part of our Street Squad team. Members work to spread the word about MSAA and our Swim for MS program while raising awareness about multiple sclerosis; can be done online via social media and emails or by visiting local businesses.
Might be a good first-time volunteering opportunity to see how you like it! For more info, please visit the following:
support.mymsaa.org/site/Pag...
- John, MSAA
Thanks John. I appreciate your input. The only thing I know I don't want to do is fundraising. And since I'm trying to get "outside" this disease I want to do something unrelated. I'm sorry!
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