There are plenty of ways to do volunteering (you can see more about Volunteering on this site). Here, I am portraying the history of the type of work I have done until today (a lot more to come!) I learned that anything one can do MAKES a difference!!
Some of the types of work I have done until today:
Construction Work
Being a construction work helper has been an ongoing “activity” in my volunteering life, thanks to the wonderful and patient construction workers who worked on the projects I participated in. I have done everything from unloading building materials to making very large (and heavy) bricks in the middle of Peru, to making other types of bricks, removing debris, mixing cement, digging, etc. Now I have to take it easy with heavy work; my back is paying the price… but it was worth it!
Teach Basic Hygiene
I went with a Rotary Club to help promote basic hygiene in the Amazon, among other places. Basic hygiene helps prevent diseases, but in remote isolated areas such as in the middle of the Amazon tributaries, people do not have proper access to clean water and sanitation. Learning here was beyond my dreams. This was by far the most profound service experience in my whole life, and I am not a baby!
Soup Kitchen
I have served and helped prepare food in a few soup kitchens where food is served for people in need. I only helped, I am a horrible cook :-((
Food Pantry
Where there is a need, food pantries are often the only source of free, healthy, and nutritious food. Nothing is better than sorting out food in a food distribution center for people in need. Make sure what you donate has not expired. 🙂
Serve Tables at Special NGO Banquets
Volunteers are a tremendous resource for charitable nonprofits because many would not be able to conduct their programs, raise funds, serve clients, etc. There were CEO’s, PhD’s and you name it serving tables who understand equality.
Teach Swimming to Children with Special Need
I was fortunate to be mentored by a special soul, Dr. Jere Gallagher who was instrumental in developing the Kinder Kinetics Program in the Health and Physical Activity Department at the University of Pittsburgh where she placed me a job on weekends learning to do this wonderful task. Talk about learning!!!
Cerebral Palsy Center
I volunteered at the United Cerebral Palsy center in Pittsburgh, PA. Cerebral Palsy is a disorder where people’s ability to move and keep balance is affected. This was by far a humbling learning experience. I did not know how uninformed, to avoid saying ignorant, I was about this condition. I was embraced with love and patience. It was very sad to leave the group when I graduated. They do an amazing job!! to learn more about cerebral palsy go to https://www.cerebralpalsy.org/
Make Charcoal at a Garbage Dump
Charcoal means that people do not have modern ways of living. Many people in improving nations depend on charcoal for fuel and to make a living. I helped to make charcoal and it is a hard never-ending job!
Translate
I was an interpreter for dentists who were working with mobile dental clinics that provided dental care for immigrants in the USA and for groups who were involved in dental outreach. Wonderful professionals doing great work around the world.
Sort out Donations
Organizing and categorizing donated items is important, it ensures that items are distributed effectively to those in need.
Incoming donations have been my specialty. I specialize in tossing things that are obviously not something we want to donate such as items that have holes, are trash, rather than donating them.
Clean
Since I am not able to cook, I can clean almost anything. I did any type of cleaning but gutter cleaning..truly…I rather do dishes, truly.
Cook
This is a tough one because I am a TERRIBLE cook!! I can’t cook…but I am happy to follow directions with someone right next to me or on Facetime when available.
Play with Children
We know that engaging in play with children at orphanages is crucial for their emotional, social, and cognitive development.At orphanages, I was part of a team of people who entertained them by playing, reading children’s books, and also tying their shoelaces:-)
Visit the Elderly
This is one of my very favorites!! I have had a beautiful “love affair” with older folks since I was little. Growing up, I was very close to my grandparents. I was the only girl AND the firstborn in the family, which meant I was around older folks most of my life. I loved learning from them, their wisdom, and their experiences. The elderly appreciate you and your time with them.
(see more about seniors by clicking below)
Foster Animals
Fostering animals plainly saves lives!! giving the chance for life is incredibly rewarding. Dee was my first dog ever, a 5-month fostering “gig.” Dee taught me a lot about commitment, patience, and love. My foster dog is in Canada now…..happy to know she has a forever place.
Fostering does not only work miracles in an animal’s life, it does have an effect on the folks fostering.
Volunteered at Animal Rescues
This is one of the causes closest to my heart. I love cats (yep older cat lady here) and camels. I support with donations when possible and also help “catch” animals to be neutered/spayed, and foster them until they are healthy enough to get adopted or released back on the streets. Spaying and neutering cats and dogs is crucial for controlling the pet population and reducing the number of animals in shelters. Not only does spaying and neutering help address the issue of pet overpopulation, but it also has health benefits for the animals, such as reducing the risk of certain cancers and behavioral problems.
