Whether you’re recently moved to Delaware or are looking back on many years as a resident, you’re probably grateful for the opportunity to enjoy your senior years in a beautiful and peaceful place. One way to express that gratitude is to volunteer to make life better for others.
That sentiment feels especially poignant to me at this time of the year, with the sunlight taking on a warm but fading glow and with the approach of the winter holidays that often leave us feeling a deeper connection to our families and friends. Here are three great ways to give back right now.
Help Seniors Stay in their Family Homes as a Village Volunteer
The main goal of Village Volunteers is to ensure that clients living in Sussex County – people who pay a $750 per year for a household membership or $500 for an individual membership – are able to stay in their homes for many more years.
Folks who volunteer with the organization do several things to make this possible, including:
- Shopping for groceries and other items people need
- Doing light yard or home maintenance, helping people get online, and finding professionals who can do more skilled tasks
- Taking people to appointments with doctors, dentists, hairdressers and others
- Providing social companionship in the home and on outings
It’s easy to see why this all works so well for people who aren’t ready to downsize into a small apartment in an Independent Living community, but who no longer have the physical strength or patience to drive on our increasingly busy roads. They can ensure their cupboards stay well-stocked, their homes are maintained, and their health care is on track because they have a Village Volunteer dedicated to making their lives easier.
Village Volunteers and its partner organization, South Coastal Village Volunteers, serve folks in the 19958, 19968 and 19971 zip codes of Lewes, Milton and Rehoboth, and the 19930, 19967, and 19970 zip codes of Bethany, Millville, Ocean View and South Bethany.
Visit the Web site at https://www.villagevolunteer.org/ to learn more about volunteering or to see a fuller list of services in case you know someone who might like to become a client.
Check Out a Wide Range of Opportunities with Volunteer Delaware
Delaware has a State Office of Volunteerism that connects folks with several opportunities. There are more than 900 community agencies that are registered at the site, and right now there are more than 14,000 people who are being matched to volunteer positions – including some with AmeriCorps.
The web site at https://volunteer.delaware.gov/ is very easy to use. You can scroll through all of the available opportunities, including some specially designed for people aged 50 and over, and for those who want to participate in AmeriCorps Seniors.
Wherever You Are, Opportunities with the Food Bank are Waiting
Delaware’s Food Bank program https://www.fbd.org/get-involved/volunteer/ has a wonderful distinction in that more and more of the offerings are coming from our farms, meaning people who are financially struggling have the chance to receive super healthy vegetables and produce along with all of the necessary staples.
There are lots of ways to volunteer for the chapter nearest you. After signing up, you can:
- Sort food donations
- Help out at the mobile pantry or at any one of the pantry locations
- Pack boxes and bags
- Help farmers pack their donations for the pantry
In addition to volunteering, you can donate food and money.
****Active Adults Realty® is collecting donations now through November 6, 2024 at both AAR offices!****
Volunteer for CHEER
If you live in Sussex County you’ve probably seen CHEER centers, which also foster independence for folks aged 50 and over. This is a wonderful organization that welcomes volunteers to support seniors by delivering meals, providing transportation to and from medical appointments, providing companionship, and helping with the daily operations of CHEER centers in Greenwood, Georgetown, Milton, Lewes, Long Neck, Frankford, Roxana and Millsboro. Visit https://www.cheerde.com/volunteer/ to learn more about joining this terrific volunteer team.