Volunteer or Community Serive places?

[Kro]

First things first sorry if this belongs in Off-Topic I wasn't sure where to post this.


I was wondering if anyone had any good Organizations that needed community service or volunteer work. Its summer time and instead of sitting on my butt playing video games, I was wondering if any of you had good places I can volunteer at. Since I can not find a job I want to be active and do something during the summer.

I live in beaverton and I can drive. But a 20-30 minute drive would be ideal or less. Also something during the week day would be awesome. But what ever works. I just want to help people or animals or the city. So if any of you have a good place I can volunteer my time to that would be awesome.

Maybe meet some new people, I don't really know what I am looking for. So any idea could help.


And if this is in the wrong section. Please move it. Thank You

[Tin Man]

I don't think this is in the right thread, but I do have a suggestion for you: there's this place in Sherwood called CAT (Cat Adoption Team). They accept volunteers, and I think all they ask for is 4 hours a month at the minimum. I volunteered there a couple years back, nice place. Here's a link to their sight, if you like.

http://catadoptionteam.org/

[Darius137]

There is a huge homeless population in Oregon, specifically Portland, as well as a large group within them that are veterans. Some of them are even my age (not your age, baby Kro, but close).

There are also groups that work with people new to America who need basic help that seems like common knowledge to us, but very needed for them to get jobs and be productive members of society. Anything from helping them with English to helping them with resume's and to find work.

What kind of work are you looking for?

[GacktC]

Like what I said in the FB; Youth center or hospitals.
At the youth center you can learn the latest hipster kinda BS & what kids are up to. At the hospitals, you can observe almost everything (live, dead, a-holes..blah- blah).
Look up your school bulletin board, I bet there are 1K of jobs/volunter things on there.
Most importantly, what would you like to do in the future? What are you good at? What would you love to learn & think will do the best??
Head into that direction. Nice to hear you love to be productive during your spare time tho!!
Bless.

[Chachi]

Contact your local Boys & Girls Club, as that is a great organization to help out, and I can tell you that they are always looking for help. It is very fun work, and rewarding too. I have done many years of community service through my Rotary Club or directly with the B&G Club, and working with the kids is about as fun as you can get. I will also say that I think it is really cool that at 19 years old, you are looking to help out like this. Many young people today couldn't care less. I just find it very refreshing to hear stuff like this. My Grandma always told me that you need to give back to your community as much or more than it has given you. You are off to a great start Kro! Keep us posted on what you find.

[RBeran]

Hey Kro...you're to be commended for being proactive about giving back to your community. We all would do well to give back to those communities where we reside...it is how they grow and thrive. [hops off soap box]

In Beaverton, The Oregon Food Bank is always looking for volunteers...there are a myriad of jobs needing done there from organization, to delivering food to those without mobility.

If you're into animals, there is a rescue organization called Indigo Rescue Foundation...they rescue cats mostly, but dogs as well. A friend of mine founded this organization in 1998, and they are always looking for help.

If you like working with people, check out the Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation. The main compound on Walker Rd. and 158th. in Beaverton is where I would start. A good many of their programs are based there.

Head up Cornell Rd. and stop off at the Audubon Society...working in the woods with birds and nature. They used to train volunteers to do the nature walks...not sure how it works anymore.

And as Darius said, there is an enormous homeless population in Portland...with many homeless shelters. A bit 'O phone research should link you with one needing some help.

This is only scratching the surface of opportunity...I've done a lot of volunteer work over the years...feel free to PM me if you still would like more info. Hope some of this helps...Good luck, and bless you!

[graham.]

When I was in middle school my sister and I volunteered at a local nursing home entertaining and helping take care of the residents. It may not sound like a lot of fun, but actually it kinda was. I still remember a number of people I met volunteering there who were characters.

You should also keep in mind what you might like to do for a living. Try finding a job volunteering somewhere in that sector as it will not only give you an idea if you actually like it or not, but also give you experience and hopefully make it a little bit easier to find a job when the time comes.

[~Thunder~]

Like working with animals, but don't want to drive far? Just head over to a convenient vet location and talk to the receptionist. i did that in high school and they had no trouble finding stuff for me to do.

Like mentioned, something in your future line of work would be ideal.

Really though, if you opt for a B&G Club, old folks home, or anything else it will look good on your resume and put you one up on other applicants. Employers seem happy to see SOME type of volunteer work regardless of the particular field.

Good luck!

[slipstream]

I would recommend the Oregon Humane Society, they have a great volunteer program.


The Cat Adoption Team would also be a good choice.

[Aeacus]

There's Habitat for Humanity. http://www.habitat.org/cd/local/

I don't know how tech savvy you are, but if I remember right they have on the job training. http://www.freegeek.org/

[slipstream]

I forgot about free geek, that is also a really great place. You don't have to be tech savvy to volunteer there, they teach you how to do all the sorting and disassembling and everything.

[giggles]

The Red Cross also has positions in almost every city helping out with blood drives and CPR training.

[Patrick750]

I volunteered at a place called sunshine pantry, it's a food bank and they always welcome volunteers. The owners will be VERY grateful for volunteers. It's a small business and don't get many helpers. Blood drives, larger food banks, animal shelters, they get volunteers a lot.

[Prophet]

I was wondering if anyone had any good Organizations that needed community service or volunteer work. Its summer time and instead of sitting on my butt playing video games, I was wondering if any of you had good places I can volunteer at. Since I can not find a job I want to be active and do something during the summer.

I have high respect for this guy now for being a donater in his community.

[Kro]

So I looked up a bunch of places. Looks like I am going to call up Habitat for Humanity or Boys and Girls Club. I am still looking into some near by animal shelters.

Only problem is a lot of people ask for 6 months of volunteering. "Which I don't quite understand yet" Can anyone try and explain why they would do that? Seeings how school is in like 3 months I don't know what I will be doing then and if I will be able to volunteer during that time.