My company has a wonderful benefit called Charity Leave. We are given an extra week off paid to volunteer anywhere we choose. I have not taken advantage of this as of yet, but I would like too. Ever since I became a mom, I have had an overwhelming feeling of wanting to help other kids and families. I do not even know where to begin on picking somewhere to volunteer. I live in the Plainfield area. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Go to http://www.volunteermatch.org/
You can search your area and your interest and it gives you a listing of really great volunteering opportunities. If that web site isn't what your looking for, simply go to google and type in "volunteering opportunities" and tons of stuff will come up.
Good luck and I hope you find the right fit!
Hello! What exactly are yiu wanting to/needing to do for this? I am actually looking for some help! I have an autistic son who is 4 and goes to hope wall in aurora. I really could use help with him! I attend support groups in the afternoon but because I. Have him I can hardly go now and need to! Would that be something you might be interested in or any other help with him for the week of voulenteer? Let me know! I can help you and you will help me!
S. Bailey
Aurora
www.tendermomentsdoula.com
Hi, what a great program through your workplace! I was just left wondering if you would volunteer for the week full-time or are you looking to start something that week and continue it? I think the advice from the previous mom looks good...about the volunteer match website. I was just thinking of the things I am involved in. In Plainfield there is Gigi's playhouse (my son has Down syndrome and this is a Down syndrome awareness center). I know they look for volunteers for various events and regular reading tutor volunteers. There is also Special Olympics that relies on volunteers. Again, these are groups that I am most familiar with but I am sure there is a ton of great groups to contact that will gladly take your help!
The website is a great place to start. Other ideas off the top of my head... (a) Children's Hospital (b) Food pantry (c) Nursing Home (d) Daycares might be able to use assistance? (e) Shelters of many kind - woman/children/etc. If you can continue with it, at least once a month, that would be wonderful. Maybe at least one day a week for 5 months if you are allowed 5 days off. Good luck!
