As a retiree, have you considered volunteering for something?

fuzzybuddy

fuzzybuddy

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The Sticks, Northeast PA.
I found out a friend, who is in his 80s, volunteers for the local volunteer fire department. No, he's not out fighting fires; he does something with the phones. I'm thinking, here I am, complaining; but I could volunteer for something. Do you volunteer, or have you thought about volunteering? What could you volunteer for, anyway?
 

I did foster child care for several years. That was a pretty awesome gig.

I've thought about volunteering for the Foster-Grandparent Program. Your local FGP agency matches up old folks with troubled kids, and you spend an afternoon together every week or two. You take them fishing, or out for lunch, or to a ballgame, or you do a project together...whatever floats your boats. Fun for you, good for them.
 
I have a job that COSTS me money - delivering meals-on-wheels. I do it regularly once a week (unless, of course, I have a schedule conflict) and I am usually available to fill in if another driver can't do their day. My route averages about 26 miles and 10 to 14 clients. We are not paid anything or even reimbursed for gasoline, but we get a free "Volunteer Recognition" luncheon once a year. Nothing spectacular. Last time they had two meal choices - chicken breast or vegan lasagna.

Then there are a few door prizes, but in the 13 years I've been doing it, I've yet to win any. However, I don't know what I'd do if I won a round of golf or a bottle of wine. Seems that they could have better gift choices. Not everyone plays golf or drinks alcohol. Convenience store or grocery gift certificates would have more universal appeal!
 
In my late 20s I did occasional volunteer work with a 'food-buying club'ā€”the food came out from the big city, to be distributed in my neighborhood. Because I moved to a nearby small city, I volunteered with that one too. Ten years later, I was a volunteer with a residents' forestry-reform organization. Then my work life became too demanding & all-encompassing.

But since I went into semi-retirement, and then actual retirement, I've volunteered in a river conservation/restoration group.
 
I would dearly love to do hospital volunteer work again as I did many years ago... it made every day worth jumping up and being excited about going in as early as possible... seeing those beautiful patients and helping in whatever way I could. Every time someone said I made a difference in their life, I knew why I was there.

I'm not sure I could handle it any longer... it was long hours and a whole lot of walking that was rough even before my patella fracture. Add to that the fact that my local hospitals have all expanded and one is a gigantic medical center now, I'm pretty sure I'll be giving up the dream. :cry:
 
I have done a lot of volunteering, and I do no mind spending money to do it.
I have flown 110 missions for Angel Flight West, paying for aircraft rental out of my pocket.
I helped restore a 1941 switch engine for a local railroad society
I flew with Civil Air Patrol on search and counter drug missions
I volunteered at a local hospice repairing their medical equipoment
All of these gave me a sense of satisfaction as I was helping others.
 
When we first retired, I was going to volunteer at a charity thrift shop. We were travelling too much then so I couldnā€™t commit. A lady that did it for many years retired from there recently. Much of the time is spent dealing with shoplifters. Itā€™s not always the people whom youā€™d think would have light fingers.
 
I volunteer at the VA two days a week. Just help people find their way around the facility. Sometimes it's as easy as telling them where the nearest restroom is located. Other times it is taking them by wheelchair to an appointment location or showing the way by walking with them. When going to the facility for my own appointments I noticed the "Ambassadors", that is what they are called. Some are actual employees others are volunteers. The majority of Vets assisted are very grateful for any assistance, very, very few are not. I'm glad I started doing it.

I get some exercise that is good for me, it lets me add some structure to life, and I feel like I'm giving back just a little for the good care I receive.
 
Yes. And I do volunteer though not on a regular basis. My family obligations do not allow to commit to things like ā€œEvery Thursday morning for the next three monthsā€ that many organizations ask for.
 
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I volunteered at the humane society for 4 years doing office work and helping with fundraisers. I also volunteered for a small animal rescue. I now serve on my hoa board.

I have been a guardian for a friend that was a ton of work. I have taken people to doctor appointments and helped them navigate resources.

. I have helped 5 people massively downsize their stuff. I am now helping a friend thatā€™s a hoarder but the apartment is not dirty to get rid of much of her stuff. Physically sheā€™s not able to so I will devote one day a week until itā€™s completed.
 
I don't know, it never seems to work out for me. I wanted to volunteer at a local cat rescue. I had submitted an application on line. The woman called me and set up to meet at the rescue on Sunday. I got stuck working a double shift the day before and was literally physically ill feeling but didn't want to cancel.

I went to the rescue, she toured me, talked constantly. She said it was a busy week and she'd get back to me next week. Well 3 weeks later, I never heard from her and so wrote I was no longer interested. She tried to call me, I didn't listen to her message.

I didn't mind if getting me oriented was delayed, just notify me and say so. That way I know what's going on. Or did she just not like me? But it was upsetting to me.
 

As a retiree, have you considered volunteering for something?​


I'd volunteer to be a 'Time Capsule Test Pilot'.
I'd climb aboard and set the controls to take me back to being 18, then I'd step out of the Time Capsule and then I'd blow the thing to smithereens with dynamite. šŸ˜Š
 
I volunteer and mow / shred leaves when my neighbors can't make it.
They volunteer a bottle of wine and 12 pac of Buds for me. Only payment is thanks needed. haha
I have 48" JD lawn tractor. they push mowers. No body does my 2 acres. ... :cry: ... :ROFLMAO:
_______________________________
I once texted the HVAC guy, "My Heat Pump Furnace blower doesn't run, its very hot here."
He didn't answer for 2 weeks. "I texted is this the right number." He immediately responded.
"I'll be there when you let me know." "Lets wait till its 103+ to do it. Haha." I respond.
His labor rate was $170 and hour in 2016. His driving time would cost over $500. I purchased
a portable AC till Fall. Will get someone to fix it then. Maybe I can figure the Motor starting
Capacitor circuit to reset it.
_____________________________________

The home has wall radiant 240V. back up heat for all rooms also.
 

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