V is for Volunteering - A to Z April Challenge

For the past two years, Sophia, Olivia, and I have been volunteering on a regular basis. During 2011, we did   something we called 52 Weeks of Giving where we donated items, cash, or time to different organizations each week of the year.

During 2012, we did a special project we called 12 in 12 where we did 12 different service projects each month for 12 months.

In 2013, we thought it would be good to focus our attention on just a few organizations in terms of volunteering and donating our resources.

One of the new organizations we picked this year is a nursing home in a nearby town. Each month, we volunteer twice. However, we will most likely increase our volunteering during the summer months when we have a bit more time.

Sophia working with the big board during bingo.

During February, we made cherry and strawberry pies with some residents for one activity; and did painting projects during another session.

The residents playing bingo.

In March, we celebrated two holidays with the residents. In mid-March we made shamrock shakes for St. Patrick's Day which the residents enjoyed.

Then, on Good Friday (before Easter), Sophia played the harp while Olivia, Tia (the activities director), and I served angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream.

Sophia passing out treats to the winners.

During April, we helped Tia with bingo. Sophia and Olivia marked the letter/number combinations on the board once I called them; and Sophia passed out treats to the winners while Olivia cleared the board for the next round of bingo.

A resident enjoying a visit from Eenie and Sophia.

One of the highlights during April was taking Eenie (one of our cats) in to visit the residents. They have no other volunteers who bring in cats, so this was a treat for those residents who enjoy cats.

Eenie and Sophia with a resident at the nursing home.

Eenie did very well on his first visit to this nursing home, and we are planning to return in May to do more animal-assisted therapy.

Olivia and Sophia getting Eenie comfortable with the hallways 

before visiting residents at the nursing home.

Tomorrow, on April 26th, the nursing home is hosting a volunteer appreciation/recognition event. There will be live music performed by a local composer, treats (food and beverages), and a program. We are looking forward to attending the event and meeting others volunteers who enjoy working with seniors.