Do Your Part and Give Back!

Volunteering is a great way to advance your community or help those in need. It is a great way to improve your health, relationships, skills and more! At our 55 plus communities in Oregon, we encourage residents to explore volunteer opportunities and incorporate them into their regular schedules. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of volunteering for seniors, as well organizations local to our communities you can volunteer at!

Benefits of Volunteering

There are so many benefits of volunteering. Here are just a few:

Sharpen Your Skills: Volunteering at various organizations allows seniors the opportunity to learn many soft and hard skills by trying new activities. They may learn how to teach, complete clerical tasks, build stuff, package foods or serve meals, among many other things.
Get Social: Many volunteer opportunities also serve as great occasions for socialization. There are often large groups of people volunteering, allowing you to mingle and meet new people. Plus, many organizations encourage you to bring a group of friends or family to volunteer with.
Move Your Body: Another benefit of volunteering is that it gets you moving. Volunteer opportunities require varying amounts of physical activity, allowing you to pick something that aligns with your capabilities. Get moving and make a difference!
Boost Your Mood: Engaging in volunteering is great for your mental health–it’s mood-boosting! Seniors who volunteer can enjoy an increased sense of purpose, accomplishment, and connection to the community.

Now that you know some of the awesome benefits of volunteering, keep reading to learn about volunteer opportunities that are local to Garden Way and Summerfield Estates, our retirement communities in Oregon.

Volunteer Near Garden Way Retirement Community

A Family For Every Child: This organization is dedicated to finding permanent families for children who are in foster care. If you’re looking to gain new skills, this organization has a variety of skill-building volunteer opportunities, such as an information night assistant or a mentor.
Eugene Public Library: Are you a book-worm or social butterfly? Reading stories to children, welcoming visitors, keeping books in order, and assisting at events are a few of the many opportunities available at the Eugene Public Library. Be a part in helping the library promote the importance of lifelong learning and staying informed!
City of Eugene: There are a variety of volunteer opportunities to explore through The City of Eugene! Browse these opportunities, ranging from ones at the airport to local parks, and find opportunities that align with your interests, background, and availability.

Volunteer Near Summerfield Estates Retirement Community

Growing Gardens: According to its website, Growing Gardens “uses the experience of growing food in schools, backyards and correctional facilities to cultivate healthy, equitable communities”. Volunteer opportunities at the organization vary depending on the season–some of them include community outreach, database management, office projects, and helping at fundraisers.
Hands On Greater Portland: Help this nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization, to provide nutritious food and a community to those in need. There are so many ways to help, whether it be long-term or just one day at a time, with a group or by yourself. Browse its websites for a plethora of opportunities!
The Children’s Book Bank: Make a difference in children’s lives by helping provide them with educational, engaging and culturally diverse books in an effort to support literacy and curiosity. Volunteering includes cleaning, collecting, sorting and packaging books.

With the many benefits that come with volunteering, as well as the endless opportunities, there’s no doubt that everyone can, and should, take time to volunteer. At our over 55 communities in Oregon, we are always happy to provide transportation for our residents to the many local volunteer opportunities, as well as assist and provide at-home volunteer options.

Contact our friendly team today to learn more about Sunshine Retirement Living communities in Oregon.