Volunteer - to Give Back

Shortly after starting this blog I wrote about volunteering as an advisor on a project for Crossroads4Hope - https://crossroads4hope.org/, a support organization for cancer patients, their families and caregivers. The web platform they were building has been active for a couple of years now and has been very successful. I am still involved with the team as the platform grows and evolves and it’s been an amazing journey to see not only the project progress but to see the team grow and develop new skills in the process.

       Since that time, I have joined a couple of local organizations to more directly give back to our community. A little over a year ago I joined our Office of Emergency Management team. Our role is to support the police and fire departments and help the town deal with any emergency that arises – anything from handing out bottled water after a water main break, staffing our command post during the annual fireman’s carnival, working with other organizations to ensure evacuation shelters are in place, staffed, and supplied, and sponsoring events like CPR and first aid classes. Since I joined, we’ve only been involved in community support events, and I hope it stays that way.

       I also joined the Sons of the American Legion at our local Legion Post 306 as my dad was in WWII. It’s another way I can give back to veterans who fought for the freedoms that many take for granted, while also giving back to our community. As a new member I have been working the Wednesday night dinners to meet members and get a feel for the politics of the organization (there are always political landmines in every organization) while helping to raise money for the Post and local veteran’s organizations. I’m also learning new kitchen, serving, and people skills. It’s amazing to watch a small volunteer crew prepare and cook up to 100 meals in a small kitchen then serve them all in just 30-45 minutes. I’ve gained a new appreciation for restaurant workers!

       On a more personal level, my wife and I have been helping a neighbor who broke her leg several weeks ago. She’s got an energetic dog that we’ve been walking and playing with as much as the weather allows. We’ve helped with a lot of little things that we normally take for granted, like taking the garbage and recycling out, filling the bird feeder, and other minor chores. My wife also visits her a couple of times a week, bringing wine and snacks. Nothing major, just what neighbors do for each other. Paying it forward – like those who helped us prior to my hip surgery and during recovery, and those who helped my parents when they needed it.

       Whether you are retired with lots of time on your hands or balancing work and family, volunteering – or donating to local charitable organizations if you can’t spare time – is a win-win. You contribute to the well-being of others in your community and get the satisfaction of helping others. Find a local organization that fits with your interests and values, and give what you can – time, knowledge, money, etc. You and your community will be better for it, and you may even learn new skills and surprise yourself by what you can accomplish.  

www.RetiredandInspiredat55.com  06-03-2024