Volunteering -- the gift of giving!

The number of Americans over 60 years of age is 42 million-plus and growing. That's a lot of living, a lot of experience. As older persons, we are one of this country's greatest natural resources. We have so much to give and our talent and wisdom are needed at every level of American life. Offering your services helps put this much-needed knowledge and experience back into the community.

America has a proud tradition of neighbor helping neighbor, and today this volunteer spirit is need more than ever before. If you have finally won the right to pursue relaxation, purpose, and nobility, consider these reasons for volunteering your services:

It provides a way to be useful, help others, and do good deeds.
The work is enjoyable and makes one feel needed.
Volunteerism is good for the heart. It increases your self-esteem and competence as well as lessens stress and depression.
Studies show that people who volunteer live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
People are so in need of tender loving care that your volunteering efforts will reap appreciation.
After a lifetime of needing to take, retirement can be a time to give back.
Some programs, like the Senior Companion Program, respond to the greatest needs of seniors. Some day you may be in need of this aid.
You can help somebody not as healthy or fortunate as you.
And of course, you may have your own reasons.

"Volunteers"-- There's a Special Place in Heaven

Many may be shocked to find,
When the day of judgement nears,
That there's a special place in
heaven set aside for VOLUNTEERS.

Furnished with big recliners,
Satin couches and footstools;
When there's no committee chairman,
No group leaders or car pools.

No eager team that needs a coach,
No bazaar and no bake sale;
There will be nothing to staple,
Not one thing to fold or mail.

Telephone lists will be outlawed,
But a finger-snap will bring,
Cool drinks and gourmet dinners
And rare treats fit for a king.

You ask, who'll serve these privileged
few and work for all they're worth?
All those who reaped the benefits,
And not once volunteered on Earth.

There are numerous volunteer opportunities for senior citizens. Here is a partial listing:

The World Language Program is a non-profit organization that could greatly use the help of some senior volunteers. Please visit our page World Language Program http://www.blc.net/find/language/. If you will take a look at our page you will see how mutually benficial it would be both to retirees and ourselves. I am the coordinator and you can e-mail Bruce Beach - language@blc.net -- me for more information.
Amizade Volunteer Programs
National Senior Service Corps, Corporation for National Service -- FGP (Foster Grandparents Program), RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program), SCP (Senior Companion Program), VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America).
American Cancer Society - CanSupport Visitor Program
SCORE -- Service Corps of Retired Executives
Ombudsman Volunteer -- responds to complaints on behalf of those living in long-term care facilities including: nursing homes, board and care, and residential care facilities.
AARP's volunteer programs -- a variety of programs, services, and activities that help older Americans through volunteers.
Many local activities like: Chamber of Commerce, Fish & Wildlife Service, Forest Service Volunteers, Hospice, Lions Club, National Park Service, Peace Corps, Red Cross, Respite Care, Rotary Club, United Way and more.

If you would like to become a sponsor or wish to advertise on Seniors-Site please contact us.

Last update 11/15/96