Acts of Kindness: How Volunteering Enriches Lives at The Glenview

Acts of Kindness: How Volunteering Enriches Lives at The Glenview

Crafting cards with care. Calling bingo with purpose. Bridging language gaps for those in need. Bringing comfort to hospital patients. Restoring local habitats. Mentoring the next generation. When it comes to volunteer opportunities for seniors, The Glenview residents are dedicated to giving back to Naples in meaningful ways, using their time and talents to make a real impact on the causes that inspire them.

Whether it’s mentoring young children, assisting healthcare initiatives or championing local conservation efforts, they’re proving that retirement is the perfect time to make a difference. From Collier County volunteer opportunities, and Fort Myers volunteer opportunities to volunteer conservation work, and becoming a volunteer ambassador, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved.

Here’s how residents of The Glenview are having fun volunteering—lending hands, lifting hearts, changing lives—and how you can, too.

Making a Difference, One Student at a Time

Many Glenview residents are passionate about education and youth mentorship, helping shape young minds and provide brighter futures for children in Collier County. Lynn Nolan volunteers at Fun Time Early Childhood Academy[KW1] , which provides safe, quality, and affordable education for underserved children from working families. This community service program helps prepare every child for kindergarten, regardless of background.

Jean Turk and Carol Levy are dedicated to giving back at The Glenview, helping to fund educational opportunities for employees. Jean hosts monthly bingo events to support the Glenview Scholarship Fund, which benefits high school students working in the dining room and employees pursuing higher education. Carol contributes by creating and selling handcrafted cards and artificial succulents, generously covering her own supply costs.

Jean, a Pelican Bay resident for over 35 years and a Glenview resident for more than a decade, has a lifelong passion for teaching. A former educator of 30+ years, she also volunteers by teaching Mahjong to new residents.

“You get more out of volunteering than you give,” she said. “I love teaching and getting to know new residents. People helping people makes everyone better for it.”

Health, Healing, and Helping Community

Many Glenview residents are passionate about health and wellness, dedicating their time to improving healthcare access and supporting medical initiatives. Several participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s–Naples, raising awareness and funding for Alzheimer’s care and research.

Maria Merill volunteers at Naples Comprehensive Health, assisting with the Neighborhood Clinic Program, which provides medical and dental care for low-income workers in Collier County without insurance. She is fluent in Spanish and serves as an interpreter, helping clinicians communicate effectively with their patients.

“After losing my husband, I felt lost and alone. Volunteering saved my life,” Maria said. “It feels great to be needed, be helpful and know what you’re doing makes a huge difference in the lives of the nurses, physicians and patients.”

Retired Volunteer Opportunities That Create Lasting Impact

Engaging with nature is a great way to stay active and make an impact. For those who love being outside, there are plenty of outdoor volunteer options to ensure Naples' beautiful landscapes and wildlife are preserved for future generations.

The Glenview residents make a difference in the community and environment through nature volunteering efforts such as beach cleanups, habitat restoration, park maintenance, and environmental education programs through Collier County Parks and Recreation. Naples Zoo and Conservancy of Southwest Florida offer wildlife biology volunteer opportunities in animal rescue and education, local research, and marine life conservation.

During the holiday season, The Glenview residents volunteer with organizations such as Harry Chapin Food Bank, Salvation Army Collier County, and Toys for Tots. They help feed families and make sure children wake up to a special gift, spreading warmth and holiday cheer throughout the community.

For those drawn to faith-based giving, residents like Susan Liebetrau dedicate their time to supporting Moorings Church programs and initiatives, strengthening the community through acts of kindness and service.

Give Back, Get Inspired

“At one time, I didn’t know what to do with my life, but now I see all the good that I can do for others,” Maria said. “Volunteering is amazing and enriching. Whatever you can do for a nonprofit helps your community, but it also helps you as a person grow.”

If you're looking for volunteer opportunities in Naples, FL, and want to make a meaningful difference, RSVP of Collier County and VolunteerMatch are great resources. You’ll be sure to find a cause that aligns with your passions and start making an impact—one heartfelt gesture at a time.

For those seeking a retired and senior volunteer program in a senior living community offering comfortable luxury and resort-style amenities, The Glenview offers countless ways to get involved. Whether you want to mentor students, support healthcare initiatives, assist with wildlife conservation, or give back creatively, there’s an opportunity here. Call (239) 977-9744 or contact us to learn more.