I can't afford to donate much, but are there other ways to help?
2007-10-08 20:42:07 · 19 answers · asked by M M 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Community Service
WOW, you can do so much without giving up one penny.
First, do not treat the elderly like they are stupid. I've always had elderly friends and they tell me they just hate it when people talk down to them or like they are stupid or can't take care of theirselves.
If you want to know what you can do to help, just ask one person who is older in your neighborhood. They know what they need. Some just want someone to show interest in them, to hear their stories, to simply care about them as a person, just as you would those your own age. Many are lonely, but not all. Some would love someone to just help them do some cleaning or organizing. Some could use a ride tot he store if you drive, when you ahve time. Be clear about what time you have, what days and times you can help. Some are very needy because no one helps or cares about them, so be spacific if you offer to give rides, when you can do it. If you promise to give a ride, don't cancel out, keep your word.
Ask an elderly person if they'd like to take a walk with you, let them say how far they can walk, including the return walk home.
Helping to do cleaning if they can't do it theirself or afford to have someone come into do it for htem. Especially the deep cleaning that requires moving furniture or getting down on the floor, such as cleaning floor boards, etc.
Really, just ask, show a sincere interest in just one person, don't try to do things for all the elderly at once. Get to really know one person, see what things you can do to help, but ask, ask them, they know what they need. Some may just say, come visit with me. Learn to really listen to them, as many people totally ignore the elderly and don't listen to them.
You'll find you can do many things for the elderly and others that only costs you your time, not money.
2007-10-08 20:51:31 · answer #1 · answered by Mountain Bear 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Fantastic question my friend! ... I was very taken by this question and just had to answer it. I commend you for your attitude towards the elderly.
Here are a few things you could do for them that most elderly people appreciate quite a bit:
1. Mow their lawn
2. Run a few small errands
3. Take them their mail
4. Go to the grocery store for them
5. Sit and spend a few minutes a day just getting to know them as a person (with wisdom). You can learn a heck of alot from an elderly person.
Good Luck, Stay blessed ... and God Bless you for being an angel!
Much Love
Peace & Happiness
2007-10-09 03:52:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know of a company that will donate 15% of it's proceeds to them. You just have to do the work to get people to buy their products. You can do that by putting together fliers or something explaining your cause. Every time someone buys something on their website (which, they have some amazing deals geard towards fundraising called Extreme Buys), 15% of the proceeds go to your cause, and 5% goes to building schools and libraries in Nepal. Depending on the situation, they may even donate more than 15% to your cause. If you would like their info let me know. Good Luck! :) lulugunn@yahoo.com
2007-10-09 19:27:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do small errands: Walk the dog. Read the paper. Sweep the steps. Paint the mailbox.
Think like a grand daughter to them and it may come natural to see things that can be done...you may not have cared about the trash in the yard before, but if it were your grandparents house then you would.
2007-10-09 03:50:41 · answer #4 · answered by armani.lamar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A friendly conversation and your time is worth more then money. Check up on your elderly on hot days,mow the lawn, drive them to the store. Sit and have some tea.
2007-10-09 03:49:02 · answer #5 · answered by Normefoo 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do what I do. Knock on their door and ask them if there is anything that you can do for them for free. They always want to pay you even though they can't afford too.
I mowed a neighbor's lawn a while back because it was getting really high. He said he gave his lawnmower to his son to use and he never returned it. [he's 87 and his son doesn't even visit him even though he lives in the same town. That was on Father's day.
It made me feel good as my Dad is passed away.
2007-10-09 17:05:51 · answer #6 · answered by goalaska 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
many of the elderly in our society are simply very lonely, talk with them, visit an old age home and read to them, assist with their mobility. listen to them, be interested, to hear some amazing stories simply ask about their childhood, and above all do not, repeat not appear overbearing or threatening.
2007-10-09 03:53:07 · answer #7 · answered by professor 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Volunteer with Faith in Action, if there's a local program. www.faithinaction.org. Otherwise, volunteer with a church to take people to church, or get to know them and ask if they need some free help. Sometimes people just need someone to talk to, or someone to help them bring their groceries home from the market, or someone to help change a light bulb.
2007-10-09 03:53:46 · answer #8 · answered by Katherine W 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Volunteer at a local day centre or rest home. Knock on the door of someone near you and make friends, do their shopping etc.
Good for you!
2007-10-09 03:49:59 · answer #9 · answered by Chrissie F 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can help them with their Yard work, ask if they need help in the house, maybe see if they have some small repairs that you can do. also just sitting down drink a cup of coffee and talk, you wouldn't believe how much that helps.
2007-10-09 03:52:47 · answer #10 · answered by celeste2760 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋