You’ve looked forward to retirement for your entire career, but once the time finally arrives to say goodbye to full time employment, you might find yourself wondering what to do with all of your spare time. It is common for seniors to search for new ways to contribute to their favorite organizations or greater residence by volunteering. In fact, Boomers especially are plunging into retirement volunteering their time in short- and long-term roles.
This International Volunteer Day (December 5), let’s talk more about the ins and outs of senior volunteerism. As you look forward to your retirement, or as you plan for new ways to get out and about, here is what you need to know about volunteering.
Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering at your favorite organization certainly brings them the benefit of your talents and time. However, the organization is not the only one who benefits. Volunteers also demonstrate significant health benefits when they choose to donate their time.
The Innerbody Research notes that anyone who volunteers can see benefits ranging from lower rates of depression to less stress. However, seniors can especially gain benefits from their volunteering efforts, including increased physical activity, longer lifespan, and increased socialization with peers which is quite crucial to healthy aging.
In short, any type of volunteer work can bring you new friends and new opportunities to share your talents with those who need it most.
Where to Volunteer
If you are ready to volunteer your time, there are plenty of places in your residence that could use your life experience and passion:
Pet shelters
Your town’s library
Any social service organization that serves those in your local area, such as homeless shelters
The park district or forest preserve
Your city’s senior services office
Meals on Wheels local deliveries
Local botanical gardens
If you prefer to help out a national or international organization instead, there are many that utilize volunteers. However, keep in mind that searching for a local chapter of the organization is the best way to form connections and makes getting started easier. Organizations to consider are:
Big Brothers Big Sisters
National Park Service
International orphanages
Veterans Administration
Red Cross
Alzheimer’s Association
Getting Started
There are so many opportunities for volunteers, and that is great news for seniors looking to get involved! However, too many options can also make you feel overwhelmed, which might delay pursuing your volunteer efforts. Here are a few tips to make getting started less overwhelming and more exciting:
Write down a list of things you are passionate about or are great at.
Volunteering should benefit the organization as well as be fun and fulfilling for you. Begin your volunteerism journey by taking stock of what passions and talents you want to share. Great at gardening? Perhaps volunteering at your local parks department could be a good fit. Thrive off making someone else smile? Delivering meals to homebound seniors can make their day (and yours). Are you an organization master? Volunteering in the office of your favorite organization could be the best way to share your talents.
Call or email multiple organizations you are interested in volunteering for.
Many nonprofit organizations don’t have a designated volunteer coordinator, which means that returning calls to interested volunteers can sometimes take longer. Also, when you contact multiple organizations, you increase the chance of finding one that fits your expectations.
Determine your needs and if your needs are flexible.
Take time to figure out how often you would like to volunteer and share that with the organizations you are in contact with. Sometimes, your timeframe or your preferred timing will simply not match with an organization’s needs, and that’s ok.
Don’t force it.
Finally, you might find your dream organization to volunteer for, but you aren’t sure if you would like helping with the tasks they need help with right now. Resist the urge to force a partnership that you might dislike moving forward. Remember, volunteering should be fulfilling (not frustrating) for you!
At Legend Senior Living residences, our Life Enrichment teams are dedicated to finding ways to connect residents with passion projects and volunteerism opportunities they love. We know that volunteering brings a sense of purpose and we also know our residents have so much experience, joy, and talents to share with the greater community.
Here’s to making volunteerism a priority well beyond International Volunteer Day and everyday.
It was a momentous occasion in Bradenton on May 1, 2025, as we welcomed a very special guest Ellie Hollander, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels America. Her visit was more than ceremonial; it was a heartfelt celebration of community, service, and the vital work being done across Florida to nourish and support our seniors.Ellie flew in from the Washington, D.C. area as the keynote speaker for the Meals on Wheels Florida annual conference, proudly hosted this year by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Ellies schedule was packed, but that did not stop her from doing an interview with MySuncoast ABC-7 telling viewers how critical the meal program is to our homebound seniors. Next, Ellie hit the road and delivered meals to some of our senior clients and talked with our volunteers. Ellie also stopped by our Friendship Dining Center program, and participated in a music game the clients love.The Members of the Florida Chapter of Meals on Wheels America named Maribeth Phillips, our President & CEO, as their Board President earlier this year. Maribeth invited Ellie to attend and kickoff the conference. Ellie shared valuable insights with the members in attendance, and her words reenergized the room!The conference included meal providers from across the state, with over 20 different organizations attending. Attendees also heard from Bob Blancato, Executive Director of NANASP, also from Washington, D.C.; Bradenton Police Detective, Jim Curulla on senior scams; Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Chief of Emergency Management Sarasota; Louise Gallagher on Senior Mental Health; and Jennifer Huber from FPL. Chef2Home provided a delicious breakfast and lunch.We are proud to be part of the national network of Meals on Wheels America and grateful to be a part of the state-wide chapter, Meals on Wheels Florida, both working every day to ensure no senior goes hungry.
As summer approaches, many children in our community are looking forward to sunshine, fun, and time with friends. But for far too many, summer brings something else-hunger.When school cafeterias close for the summer, thousands of local children lose access to the nutritious meals they depend on. Families already struggling to make ends meet are faced with even more pressure. The emotional toll is real. No parent should have to worry if they can feed their child, and no child should go to bed with an empty stomach.At The Food Bank of Manatee, we are stepping up to meet the need. We partner with over 100 local food pantries across Manatee County to reach the families who need us mostbut we cant do it alone.This summer, our goal is to provide: 22,500 meals each week across the 9-week summer break. Thats more than 200,000 meals for children and familiesand every dollar makes a difference.Just $15 provides 10 meals; $30 provides 20 meals; a gift of $150 will provide 100 meals!We know that many in our community want to make a difference. With your support, we can ensure no child goes hungry during the summer months.Please consider making a gift today and sharing this message with others who want to help too. A link to our page is below. A $25,000 Matching Gift to feed children this summer has been offered by an anonymous fund at Manatee Community Foundation. Gifts will be matched $1 for $1 up to $25,000.The Food Bank of Manatee is the only food bank based in our county. We anticipate continued need as families look for nutritional support. Your help matters now more than ever! Please give today!Together, we can bring relief, peace of mind, and full bellies to those who need it most.
On Monday, April 7, 2025, we had the joy and honor of hosting our annual Volunteer Luncheon, a heartfelt celebration dedicated to the incredible individuals who make our mission possible each and every day. Held in a spirit of gratitude and community, the event brought together volunteers with over 100 hours of service for a beautiful luncheon provided by Metz Chef 2 Home. The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to several outstanding volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their service. From delivering meals with a smile to lending a helping hand wherever needed, these volunteers embody the true spirit of giving.The 2025 award recipients included:Champions Circle: Ten Years of ServiceDan WilhelmChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServiceTerri HillChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServicePat McDonaldOutstanding Food Bank Volunteer: Terri HillOutstanding Volunteer Ambassador: Veronica Brandon-MillerOutstanding Youth Volunteer: Jonathan MaassenMost Generous Group Ambassador: Lakewood Ranch Elks LodgeOutstanding Volunteer Group: First WatchOutstanding Administrative Volunteer: Barbara BrownOutstanding Friendship Dining Center Volunteer: Pam O ConnorOutstanding Car Loader: Charlie GunnOutstanding Warehouse Volunteer: Lana PaulRookies of the Year: Jeff and Christy MohlerOutstanding Daybreak Adult Day Center Volunteer: Larry BreidenbachOutstanding Telephone Reassurance Volunteer: Reina HuertaVolunteer of the Year: Terri HillTo every volunteer who gives their time and heartthank you. Our Volunteers are the reason we are able to serve our neighbors in need with care, dignity, and hope. We look forward to another year of making a difference together.
Assisted Living at Windsor of Lakewood Ranch Makes a priority of individuality and autonomy by offering a personalized approach to care. The option to select and pay only for the services needed provides residents with flexibility and control over their care plans.It's reassuring to know that residents receive assistance with activities of daily living in a comfortable environment that fosters independence and social interaction. Having caring associates available 24 hours a day ensures that residents can receive support whenever they need it, whether it's with tasks like bathing and dressing, mobility assistance, or medication management.Overall, Assisted Living at Windsor of Lakewood Ranch is committed to providing tailored care that meets residents' unique needs while promoting their well-being and quality of life.