So, volunteering has been on my mind for the past year and a half. I have tried a couple different organizations to see where I can help, but so far it hasn't worked out because I have young children. My two oldest are in preschool a few days a week, so I just have my 18 month old with me. The people I've spoken with tell me to just wait until all of my children are in school and then I can be more involved. The problem is, I can't stop thinking about how I have TIME to help, just haven't been able to connect with the right group or find a way to help.
I was wondering if any of you local moms have found an organization to get involved with, while you have young children or babies with you. I know little ones often get in the way more than they help, but there's gotta be something i can do, right?? We aren't in a position to help out financially on any regular basis.
I was thinking about doing something out of my home (making something) and donating it. I know the no-sew fleece blankets are popular, and I know how to make them. But, that again costs money, so the number I could make would be limited. I like baking, but I don't know if places for the homeless accept homemade foods to give out (which I would totally understand).
Anyone have a suggestion? And if anyone has an idea of something to do from home and would want to join me in doing it, I'm totally up for getting together with other moms too!
Thanks for all the responses! Such great ideas! I will be talking to our Pastor on Sunday to see about elderly folks I could visit. And I contacted the Palatine Twp food pantry to see about sorting foods. And I am planning to meet with a local moms group next week to see about working with them on ways to volunteer. I'm so excited! Hopefully at least one of those will work out as something I can do! Thanks again, ladies!!
A. my mothers group is looking for ways to do it as we speak! i have 2 moms looking into different option s they have found. We are all mostly located in palatine as well. If youd like to join our moms group please email me and ill get you alll the info! ____@____.com
There are probably some homebound people from your church that would appreciate visitors (and baked goodies). I'm sure they'd enjoy seeing a little one or three! Maybe you could do a little cleaning for them as well. :)
You could also check in with nursing homes. Some of those people don't get visitors very often if at all.
There is an organization called Clearbrook in the Northwest suburbs. It is for children/ adults with disabilities. They are a wonderful group and always are in need of volunteers. Maybe you could contact them and see if they need things like stuffing envelopes, or collecting things. They often have fundraisers for their different programs that require donations from businesses and sometimes it can be difficult to get someone to solicit and/ or round up those donations. Those are some things that can be done at home or without really having to be at the facility (where it may be more difficult to help with your little ones around). The person to contact is the Director of Volunteer Services, Nanci Chesek and her contact info is ###-###-#### or ____@____.com
You may also want to check with the local domestic violence shelter. WINGS is in Palatine and Shelter, Incis in Arlington Heights. Sometimes shelters have nights were people cook a meal for the women and children in shelter and bring it in.
SPHD, http://www.sphd.org/ is in need of people to bake cookies for their holiday parties in December. They are also in Palatine.
The Palatine Township's Senior program has a shopping program where you can either take a senior shopping or the person gives you a list and money and you do the shopping for them.
You can also contact the local retirement homes- sometimes they have programs where you can 'adopt' a senior. You basically just commit some time to hang out with that person and give them some company.
Good luck. I hope you find something. And kudos to you for wanting to give back to the community. What a wonderful example you are setting for your children!
Hi A., How awesome that you want to give of yourself to others. My church, Willow Creek, has a PADS ministry, which is for the homeless. They take the homeless in once a week. I was on the meal committee. I committed to once a month. You would prepare and drop off one part of the meal, ex. vegetable, pasta or dessert. Your kids could help you purchase the food, help prepare and they be involved in dropping it off. I enjoyed serving others in this capacity. Best wishes. Google Willow Creek Community Chruch South Barrington Illinois
Hi... my 21 year old brother died of epilepsy two years ago and my family now hosts an annual 5K to raise money for epilepsy research. We just had our second one last weekend and had over 350 participants and raised over $20,000! We're already starting to work on next year's race, and could use volunteers to help from home throughout the year. Some options are researching companies and organizations that serve the epilepsy community whom we can invite to our epilepsy resource fair; making phone calls to companies seeking donations and corporate sponsorships; making phone calls or emails to the media looking for media coverage; or, if you're good with graphic design, creating our marketing materials (flyers, etc). If you're interested you can email me at ____@____.com can see more about the race at www.PaulsRunForEpilepsy.org.
Bring the little people! How about helping at the library?
Don't give up. I was able to volunteer with young children, I did all the computer work (newsletter, booklets...). If there is something you are passionate about, call the group and let them know what you can do. Look in your local paper and see what charity events are scheduled. Even if you missed helping out this year, it usually takes a year to put on an event and scheduling the next one will start right back up.
Hi A.,
I have no suggestion for you but I think it is great with small kids and all that goes along with a family, & yet you still want to give to others! Awesome! Please do let us know what you ended up chosing to do with your time & money.
I am getting involved with my local food pantry and getting people to donate more. My car is currently loaded down for the 2nd time in 4 weeks, that I will dropping off tomorrow.
