Spread holiday cheer by volunteering to help seniors
It’s the season of giving, and the holiday season is a time when many nonprofits make their annual request for donations. But just as important is the need for volunteers, said AARP Oregon State Director Ruby Haughton-Pitts.
The founder of AARP, Ethel Percy Andrus, noted that “It is only in the giving of ourselves of others that we truly live.” She believed in community service. It’s part of the DNA of AARP.
“We are proud that we have more than 150 community volunteers statewide, but we also help with other AARP family programs such as AARP Tax Aide, The AARP Smart Driver Course and Experience Corps, hosted in Portland through Metropolitan Family Services. All of these programs and many more are looking for volunteers and offer meaningful ways to give back and make a difference!” Haughton-Pitts said.
Volunteering is great for the community, but it’s valuable to volunteers as well! Psychology Today ran a story a few years ago about some of the benefits of volunteering. Did you know people who volunteer are healthier and live longer? Health and longevity gains from volunteering come from establishing meaningful volunteer roles before you retire and continuing to volunteer once you arrive in your post-retirement years. Another great aspect of volunteerism, is that it helps us develop and maintain social connections and make new friends. It gives us a sense of purpose.
And for people who are still in the workforce, volunteering can help develop new skills and abilities. It can be great for your career! You meet key people and can learn new skills – and open up possibilities such as leading teams.
Here are some of the great organizations serving older adults. Volunteers receive training and support from staff.
Elders in Action. As our community of older adults grows, their needs grow as well. Elders in Action is looking for volunteers to give presentations and advocate in the community to raise awareness about the problem of elder abuse and to provide direct services to low-income adults. Elders in Action provides training to new volunteers every month. Please contact Laura Berrutti to learn more about volunteer opportunities and trainings: Laura@eldersinaction.org and 503-595-7533, or visit: http://eldersinaction.org/volunteer/
Ride Connection Volunteer drivers help their neighbors stay active, independent, and connected with the places that mean the most to them. Whether you’d like to drive an older adult to the senior center, a neighbor with a disability to a medical appointment, or a Veteran to visit a loved one in a care facility, we’ll match you with riders in need of transportation at times that are most convenient for you.For more information on our flexible volunteer opportunities, contact Pam Monahan, Volunteer Outreach Specialist, at (503) 528-1738, pmonahan@rideconnection.org, or visit our website: https://rideconnection.org/
Store to Door is a local nonprofit that supports independent living for Portland area seniors and people with disabilities by providing an affordable, personal, volunteer-based grocery shopping and delivery service. Store to Door looks for dedicated volunteers to help take weekly nourishment and social connection to homebound seniors in Portland. Currently, they have a critical need for volunteers to help as weekly Delivery Volunteers and/or Order Takers. Email Volunteer@Storetodooroforegon.org or call 503-200-3333 ext 106 More information can be found at www.storetodooroforegon.org/volunteer
Meals on Wheels – The most common volunteer job is delivering meals and friendly greetings to homebound seniors. The program helps stop senior hunger and social isolation. Find a local place to volunteer through https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/americaletsdolunch?sign-up=1
AARP Smart Driver Program – Driver Safety volunteers teach and organize the award-winning AARP Smart Driver™ classroom course curriculum in their local communities throughout the state. Learn more at https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/volunteer/
AARP Foundation Tax is looking for help in putting $50 million in refunds back in the pockets of Oregonians in 2019. You can help by training as a Tax-Aide volunteer. To find an opportunity near you in Oregon and apply, sign up at: https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/
Long Term Care Ombudsman volunteers will respond to concerns of residents in nursing homes, residential care facilities, assisted living facilities, and adult foster care homes. https://www.oltco.org/ltco/volunteer
State Health Insurance Benefits Assistance volunteer counselors help people in their community understand their Medicare insurance choices and their rights through individual counseling, education, and referrals. https://healthcare.oregon.gov/shiba/volunteers/Pages/volunteer.aspx
AARP Oregon volunteer – We’re currently looking for individuals who would like to learn about AARP issues and become advocates. Write to oraarp@aarp.org to learn more.
