JANUARY ARTICLE: Serving Others and Your Community as a Volunteer. Join the Movement on Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service

On January 20^th, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leader and activist. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day is a special holiday designated as an official National Day of Service that encourages volunteerism.

Volunteering helps those you serve and strengthens the community. Volunteering is beneficial to you by keeping you engaged and connected to other individuals and your community.  Much research has shown that volunteering can improve physical and mental health especially in older adults and can also reduce stress.

Did you know? Nonprofit organizations - food pantries, animal shelters, senior service agencies, disaster services organizations, advocacy and human rights organizations and many others often rely on volunteers to help them fulfill their mission.

There are many different types of volunteer opportunities. It’s important to seek a volunteer opportunity that resonates with you – your passion and purpose – and that also fits your schedule. Below are some examples of volunteer opportunities:

• Reading to preschool age children
• Mentoring middle and high school students
• Delivering meals to homebound seniors
• Volunteering at the local Council on Aging
• Helping with maintenance/upkeep of a community space or building
• Providing care for animals in an animal shelter
• Helping to build a new home for a family in need
• Driving/accompanying older adults to medical appointments
• Becoming an ambassador or greeter for an organization or program

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has hundreds of volunteers who provide essential services to older adults, individuals with disabilities, families, veterans, and others throughout the 23 communities we serve. Nutrition Program Volunteers deliver “Meals on Wheels” to homebound recipients daily. Volunteers for the Money Management Program help older adults balance their checkbooks, reconcile bank statements and pay their bills on time.

OCES also has volunteers in the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Plymouth County, part of AmeriCorps Seniors, the federal agency for volunteering, service and civic engagement. These volunteers help local businesses such as Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Food Banks, South Shore Community Action Council, Veterans Services, South Shore Habitat for Humanity and others.

Not sure how to become a volunteer? Or are you currently a volunteer seeking a new opportunity? OCES has a Volunteer Center, located at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth, where program staff can assist in your search for volunteering opportunities that fit your skills and interests. Visit OCES’ website at www.ocesma.org/volunteer to learn about volunteer opportunities or fill out a volunteer application.

You may also search for volunteer opportunities by visiting the Volunteer Match website at https://www.volunteermatch.org.

Volunteering strengthens our ties to one another and to our communities. Join the movement on Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service, and make a difference in the lives of others and the community.

For more information about volunteer opportunities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding communities, visit OCES’ website at www.ocesma.org/volunteer or contact OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator at 508-584-1561 or email at volunteerdept@ocesma.org.