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News You Can Use: Winter Volunteering Ideas
Written by
Bonnie Gillespie
, Staff Writer, Redcross.org
Wednesday, February 04, 2004 — City streets blanketed with ice and snow have brought much of the Midwest, Northeast and even unsuspecting Southern communities to a standstill this winter, but American Red Cross volunteerism efforts never subside, whatever the weather might bring.
As part of the Red Cross “Elderly Escort Program,” volunteers accompany aging local residents to their doctor's appointments, an integral service when winter travel becomes treacherous. |
As you read this, more than one million Red Cross volunteers are serving their communities throughout the country in hundreds of unique ways, and you could be one of them. While the obstacles of winter weather might thwart some of your normal day-to-day activities, the need for Red Cross volunteers persists, especially for those willing to lend a helping hand to the young and old in their communities.
Volunteer Babysitters
“Snow days” might be blissful breaks for schoolchildren of all ages but often put a strain on parents strapped for vacation time who have to stay home to care for younger children. Certified Babysitting Courses from local Red Cross chapters not only supply older children with training to care for the young, but also can serve as a valuable source for “complimentary sitters” when unanticipated situations like snow days arise.
Teenagers, and even adults, trained and certified as Red Cross Babysitters may offer their services free of charge to parents facing job responsibilities when children are dismissed unexpectedly from classes. The generous volunteer spirit during a last-minute emergency could pay off by leading to a lucrative babysitting position for parents’ planned weekend outings.
Young people home from school on snow days can also become involved in Youth Volunteer Programs specially designed by their local Red Cross chapter. Such programs encourage young people to volunteer by answering phones, doing office work, helping with mailings, preparing materials for classes and computer data entry.
Through Red Cross volunteering, young people develop both technical and leadership skills while engaging in character-building service activities. Volunteer experience is an essential resume-builder for young people applying for college and jobs as well.
Assisting Senior Citizens
The elderly are particularly vulnerable during the frigid winter months and the Red Cross offers numerous opportunities for volunteers willing to assist their older neighbors.
Through the “Friendly Visitor Program” provided by many Red Cross chapters, volunteers give the gift of companionship to homebound senior citizens, who often face long hours alone during the dreary winter months. As part of the Red Cross “Elderly Escort Program,” volunteers accompany aging local residents to their doctor's appointments, an integral service when winter travel becomes treacherous.
Though many needs are universal, opportunities for service with the Red Cross are as unique as the communities themselves, and potential volunteers are encouraged to contact their local Red Cross chapter to explore the myriad volunteer possibilities in their area.
According to a recent government survey, volunteerism around the world is on the rise, with one and four people actively volunteering and an even higher percentage seeking ways to serve. Providing an assortment of opportunities for volunteers of all ages, the Red Cross offers individuals across the nation not only the chance to help their communities, but also the satisfaction that serving others brings, year-round.
"The rewards are so immediate in any of the Red Cross services you're involved with, whether health and safety classes or disaster response, you know you're empowering yourself and others to truly help save lives," said Barbee Barber, a veteran volunteer with the National Capital Area Chapter of the Red Cross.
"The Red Cross brings true and immediate meaning to 'neighbors helping neighbors,' and with that comes a real connection to your community," she added.
To find out how you can become a Red Cross volunteer, too, check out current opportunities with your local Red Cross chapter. You can also search thousands of one-time and ongoing Red Cross opportunities by zip code, category, and date on VolunteerMatch's powerful online database.
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