Volunteer Voice
It's summer and I have some free time
Question: It is summer and I have some free time and would like to give back to my community. Where do you suggest I start?
When you choose to volunteer, ask yourself some questions. What is your passion? What intrigues you enough about this group for you to want to join in the fun and hard work?
Once you have chosen your passion, follow up with additional questions. How much time will it take for me to get approved to volunteer? Do I want a short (one day project) or a long-term commitment (6 months or more)? With gas prices so high, how far can I travel?
Let’s look at your options.
Museums are great places to volunteer. They are climate controlled and usually have great parking. But depending on the type of museum, there may be a long application and training process.
Churches love good volunteers, so ask your church how you can help.
Meal Sites for organizations such as Meals on Wheels, Alz Place and Gainesville Harvest will be happy to see you help serve meals or provide companionship during the meal hour at their food sites.
Gardens are great places to make friends if you like working outdoors. Volunteer at Kanapaha Gardens or with a local community garden in your neighborhood. They welcome the help, and usually you can volunteer immediately.
Special Event Activities require many volunteers to make them successful. Besides the Fourth of July, look for activities associated with Labor Day and Veterans Day.
Youth groups love having volunteers. Consider working with your local sheriff or police department’s youth programs or with Head Start or Success by 6.
Consider working with animals at a local shelter or pet rescue. Don’t forget there are organizations in our community that work with rescue rabbits (Rabbit Rescue), horses, pigs and monkeys (Jungle Friends).
Finally, consider taking a CERT course from the county and/or a CPR course from the Red Cross, so you are prepared in case of a local disaster.
For more information on volunteer opportunities please contact Pat Bellis at pjbellis@havenhospice.org.
