Volunteering Mamas

[GreenGranolaMama]

Hey Mamas! I would like to start doing some volunteer work with my 8mo DS and am looking for some ideas/stories/advice/suggestions. I know some of it will depend on what is available in my area, but I am just hoping to get a feel for what other Mama/baby teams have done Thanks!

[Peony]

La Leche League. naking with one hand or else i'd type more.

[meco]

I second LLL. Or any other parenting group--API, Holistic Moms or any local parenting group in your area.

If you attend a religious institution, you can ask if they need any help. Or your local community garden, community center, girls and boys club or library. You could also consider a nursing home or visiting a homebound senior.

You could peruse Craigslist for opportunities to volunteer from home or google to find organizations that could use your skills from home. Or call your local volunteer center if you have one. Or check out sites like volunteermatch.org.

You can also do one time acts like participating in various events like festivals, walkathons, park clean ups and fundraisers. You can donate food/clothes/books/supplies.

[GreenGranolaMama]

Thank you so much for the tips!!! I contacted the humane society in our area and I think DS and I are going to go help walk dogs there once a week, and I am so excited!!! It's been pretty snowy here lately, but as long as it's not super cold out, I am going to try and start going next week. I'll keep posted on how it goes!

I also got the contact info for LLL, what kinds of things would I do while volunteering with LLL?

[Peony]

Often LLL groups can always use help with many different things, from bringing snacks to meetings, helping with fundraising, greeting and talking with new moms at meetings, helping with newsletters, flyers, the list goes on and on. The great thing about LLL is that they always say "family first" so it is a great way to volunteer with children.

Good luck in your efforts! I've been very active volunteering for 6 years and 3 children now. It's difficult at times, especially now that I'm returning to paid employment, but worth it.

[bluebunny]

I deliver meals through Meals on Wheels, an organization that provides meals to people who cannot make meals for themselves due to health-related issues. ODD has enjoyed going with me and seeing all the people.

[RockStarMom]

My daughter and I do feral cat rescue. It's so nice because I don't have to deal with anyone else to do it--no checking in or anything, we can just do it whenever it's convenient for us. If we're bored at night I'll ask her if she wants to go trap some cats and we go.