Volunteering is a simple word with a straightforward meaning. It’s an act of service that benefits both the giver and the receiver. More importantly, anyone can do it. Volunteering doesn’t require unique skills, special education, a particular age, or a minimum bank balance. But it does require something valuable—time. The benefits of volunteering are especially significant for retirees, who often have extra time available.

For retirees, extra time is often available in larger quantities. While traveling, tracing genealogy, learning a new sport, or indulging in other activities are great options, volunteering can benefit you and those around you.

If you’ve never considered volunteering, the wide range of opportunities may surprise you. From local to global, there are many ways to get involved, make new friends, and even travel.

“At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished … it’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.” – Denzel Washington.

Local Volunteering Opportunities

Education

Many communities have needs that volunteers can meet. You could help in a classroom, teach children or teens basic skills like reading or writing, or share your knowledge of music, dance, painting, and more. Schools always need volunteers. To get involved, visit the Orange County Schools volunteer page.

Food Banks

If your passion is ensuring people have enough to eat, consider volunteering at food banks, shelters, or after-school meal programs. Volunteers across North Carolina help out weekly, making a big difference in their communities. These essential nonprofits often rely heavily on volunteers.

Dog Sitting

Love animals but can’t have them at home? Volunteer pet sitting or working with a local animal shelter might be perfect for you. You can indulge your love of animals, meet new people, and make animal friends. Volunteer opportunities include photographing shelter animals, helping at kennels, greeting guests, and showing animals to prospective owners. Contact Orange County Animal Services to get involved.

Disaster Relief

When disaster strikes, communities need help to recover. Organizations like FEMA, the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and others work tirelessly to assist those affected. Benefits of volunteering include providing essential support and resources, and helping people rebuild their lives and homes.

Volunteering and Travel

If you love traveling, why not combine it with volunteering? Here are a few opportunities:

National Park Service  Explore the great outdoors by volunteering at one of the nation’s national parks. With more than 400 to choose from, you can find a great travel opportunity and volunteer to help with greeting, leading hikes, sharing history, and more. After 250 hours of volunteering, you earn a free annual pass to over 2,000 federal recreation sites.

AmeriCorps  See the country one neighborhood at a time. Share your skills, make a difference, and travel. AmeriCorps offers volunteer opportunities for people of all ages and experiences.

Discover Corps  With the motto “vacations with a purpose,” Discover Corps lets you travel with a knowledgeable team while giving back to the world. They offer trips of varying lengths, destinations, and goals, so you’ll find the perfect vacation with a purpose.

Silver Sneakers  This nationwide organization offers various opportunities, including online classes, fitness classes, nutrition workshops, and volunteer opportunities matching your interests and background.

Peace Corps for the 50+  Commit to two years plus three months of training to serve in another country. You choose the country and type of work, or the Peace Corps decides based on needs and skills. Benefits include a housing and living stipend, money for readjustment, paid vacation, medical and dental care, and the satisfaction of making a difference.

If you need help with these ideas, check out Volunteer Match. This website helps people find volunteer opportunities in their area, partnering with over 130,000 nonprofits.

There’s nothing quite as fulfilling as giving back and knowing you’re making a difference. Start getting involved today to experience the full scope of volunteering benefits.