To all that've done volunteering...is it fulfilling beyond words/do U find yourself?

Question

wanting to do more and more volunteering?
Since we live in such a materialistic society that can be harmful to ourselves and others (potential to become self-centered)
I thought it would be nice to hear from those who learned the art of gratitude, selflessness doing volunteer work: animals, wildlife, people, rain forest ect.
Did these experiences make you so fulfilled that you find yourself wanting to do more and more of it?
And what were some of your personal experiences helping someone or something needy in the world?
Thank you and happy holidays :o)

Answer 1

After many years of volunteer work, I think it's very true that you really do get more out of the experience than you give. I'm very active in the local volunteer community in my town, volunteering in some projects, and leading various other projects. It's kind of addictive once you find the right project.

Once you find the project that not only provides some sort of impact to the community, but also provides that special feeling within yourself, it's like some sort of magic. I've found that I've been drawn to a variety of different projects involving children, education, environment, and other issues in society. I've been lucky enough to find an organization that allows me to not only work as a volunteer, but also allows me to use my skills to make the greatest impact throughout hundreds of different non-profit organizations.

I know that other volunteers that I work with regularly find that they have connected with their own projects as well. They have often described it to me as "finding the missing piece of the puzzle."

If anyone out there hasn't tried it yet, it's very fulfilling. I would recommend that everyone out there get involved with something. There are many one-time projects out there that don't take a lot of time. Everyone can make a difference.

Answer 2

I am a Red Cross volunteer and spent almost 5 weeks in Louisiana last year. I was one of the first ones in being that, at that time, was in the safety and security div. I had been a volunteer in other org. before but that experience changed my life forever.
Being a volunteer is one of the most rewarding things you can do with your life-no matter where you are sent or the conditions when you get there.
I now set up communications (RTT) for the RC so am one of the first to get to a disaster.
My experiences (good & bad) would fill up a book as would most volunteers.
Have a wonderful and safe holiday.

Answer 3

I was one of the first E.M.T.s in the country....Idaho 1975. I did volunteer ambulance & first responder volunteering untill 2002. Age caught up with me & I had to give it up. I loved it & while I was still able wanted to do it every day. Couldn't tho because I had to work reg. job. Anyway, it sure helped a lot as I now take care of both my parents & have the knowledge & confidence to do so. I loved my volunteer work & when I can, I'll do more such as reading to the little ones at the library, Hospital volunteer Ladies etc.

Answer 4

Books to Prisoners is a program that ships donated books to prisoners, many of them in solitary confinement (only in Illinois, USA). I love books and reading so it seemed a natural fit. However, I was the victim of an armed robbery 3 yrs. ago and today, I think I'm trying to assuage my guilty feelings for testifying against them. BUT...

With every book sent out, goes my thoughts and prayers that the individual may find solace and redemption. Their request letters are very touching. The most requested books are dictionaries, second to that are Bibles, Torahs, Korans. I find service to those without a voice (the poor, oppressed, imprisoned, hungry) to be fulfilling. It feels as if I am now repaying the many gifts and talents bestowed on me. Obviously, you too are a volunteer and my wish for you is that you are filled with same feelings as I. May the Great Creator shine on you...

PS - Many states have programs similiar to ours. Contact: http:\\books2prisoners.org

Answer 5

I am President of a Lion's Club, and am very fulfilled by the service opportunities that it presents.

I also work with Kiwanis International, Habitat for Humanity, and I am a member of a Mission Team that goes to Haiti, and works in nutrition clinics, drills wells, and does church construction.

I always look for other service opportunities, because I am so happy for the blessings God has bestowed upon us. I just want to share God's abundance with the world.

Answer 6

Okay, personal experiences: (This might take a while)

One year I built an entire roof with my youth group for an elderly man. I was the first one up on the old roof, and my foot sank through. Everyond was cracking up when a friend of mine who came up to help me had his foot shoot through too.

Two years ago, I put up siding on an elderly couples house with my youth group. Every day before we went back to our camp ground, the guy would start crying, and he told us how much we meant to him, and then we would have a prayer.

Three years ago, my youth group and I built a floor, installed a toilet, sink and bathtub, as well as put paneling up inside the house.

Last year, my youth group went to Tennessee, and held a daycamp for underprivledged children. We would feed them, and play games with them every day for a week.

Each year my youth group takes this group of almost forty kids, and we buy them almost three hundred dollars of clothes each, because they have nothing. We throw them a christmas party, and we buy them toys and wrap them, so on christmas, there is stuff under a tree, if there even is one.

Also, I've worked in Hati and Nicoragua.

I've volunteered at the Humane Society.

I've worked twice with Habitat for Humanity

And I've worked five times at the Soup Kitchen, as well as Meals on Wheels.

Every week my youth group holds a service and we hang out with the elderly people at a nursing home.

Also, over the summer I volunteer as a counselor at the YMCA. I always get the Four and Five year olds, they are the best!!

Those trips, and things, were the best weeks of my life. I wish I could live every day I did then. Sleeping under the stars, cooking over a fire, and working all day until I was covered from head to foot in mud tar, and love.

Answer 7

the most wonderful part of being a volunteer is giving of myself to assist another, because countless others have helped me in so many ways. I am not able to recall or recite all the gifts of a smile when I needed it, a good listening ear, consistent kindness is something many will never have the privilege to experience.

as a volunteer, you find more of the greatness in you
and all you give increases your experience.

may the universe bless all that even think about volunteering
and increase the immeasurable blessings of those that do!
peace!

Answer 8

I volunteer my time with an international aid organization.
I find myself in very remote and primitive areas all over the globe. I may be away from home for months.
It is hot, dirty, sweaty, extremely hard, heartbreaking, stressful, and unsanitary. It is also joyous, loving, and peaceful

I would not trade it for the whole world. It uplifts your soul and gives you inner strength.

You will find your purpose and your strength when you see that you are in a relationship with all other living things; and that you are powerful, purposeful, and peaceful when you serve in some capacity.

.

Answer 9

I have been volunteering with animal rescues/shelters, for a few years now. I really love being able to socialize these animals, get to know them personally, and based on that, be able to find the perfect family for them.

It can be tough, especially when potential adopters get upset when we tell them that the cat isn't suitable for their home enviroment.

Answer 10

Service to others is a marvelous thing. I have volunteered in many capacities, particularly the literacy action (helping people read better), prison ministry, and others. I want people to have a better feeling for themselves and their place in the world. I have been blessed with good things, and enjoy sharing them with others.