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The Volunteering Family
10 Ways to Make Giving Matter
By Tammy Ruggles, BSW, MA
You can cook, serve meals or provide clothes and other personal items.
Be a role model for an at-risk child. Many children don't have positive mentors. Older teens who are responsible and trustworthy (and who can drive!) are often prime candidates.
They serve a lot of children and could use the extra help in the various activities they provide. Perhaps you can offer lessons in swimming, music, coaching or art.
Some of the residents simply don't have family to visit them. And although most nursing homes provide some spiritual services, some residents want a little more. Most are unable to attend church out in the community like they did before and appreciate the company. Entire families can schedule a visit, and all members have something to contribute, whether it be hand-made cards drawn by a child or a hymn sung by a grandmother.
You can be a candy striper, or if you're an artsy/crafty kind of person, make some homemade get-well cards for the patients who may not have family or friends to visit them. The children's unit is a grat place to start. And don't forget the geriatric unit as well. Hand-picked flowers from your own garden are a great way to make someone feel special.