I am a native San Franciscan, 86 years old, and I live in the finest senior facility anywhere, the Jewish Home for the Aged.
My volunteering, preceding my admittance to the Home, was practically nil. I thought I was doing my part for the Jewish community by only contributing money, regardless of how large or small. How wrong I was. My eyes have been opened since coming here.
To see those of all ages, from grammar-school children to seniors, rich and poor, giving of their time: caring for the elderly, waiting on tables, pushing wheelchairs, sending out mailings, staffing a library set-up, working on the in-house newsletter, staffing the gift boutique, planning and finalizing social and fund-raising events, helping out in the creative arts department.
I get so emotional when I see teenagers, both boys and girls, giving up a few hours of their precious time on Sundays and holidays to help out. Our thanks to their parents and their schools for encouraging this.
I could go on and on. I, along with approximately 450 other residents, am the recipient of this enrichment of our lives. And, many of us that are fortunate enough to be able to do so, also volunteer.
Have you any idea how rewarding this is? I decided to write this when I read on our bulletin board that “some of the services in the Garden Cafe would be curtailed because of the lack of volunteers.”
I hope, through this article, that you might consider “giving of your time” whether it be three hours a week or a month, just something. I feel great being a volunteer. You will too.