“Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” This quote, by Elizabeth Andrew, is one of The Senior Connection’s executive director Teresa Beahen Lipman’s favorites. The quote can be true for many organizations in the Wood River Valley, particularly as it applies to volunteers for nonprofits, which typically have tight budgets. Volunteers can contribute greatly to the success of any project or event.
Some seniors find themselves busier than ever, even after retirement. Others are looking for activities to help fill their time. Busy or not, you may decide it’s time to volunteer in our generous community. There are many volunteer opportunities to choose among, from arts and music to health and wellbeing. Some have tangible rewards, others simply help you feel good about yourself and the wonderful place in which you live. The Senior Connection has nine core program and service divisions, one of which is dedicated to Senior Volunteers and Job Corps.
The Sun Valley Center for the Arts has many options for a would-be senior volunteer. There are frequent concerts, plays and lectures; many at the Liberty Theatre are presented by Company of Fools. Ushers and ticket-takers are needed for each performance, and volunteers may stay and attend at no cost. The Center also uses volunteers to assemble mailings and to help them host Gallery Walk events at the Center offices, galleries and education programs in both Ketchum and Hailey. Volunteers are also in big demand for the Wine Auction each July, as well as the Arts and Crafts Festival each August. You can call Kris at (208) 788-6520, extension 205, to discuss options that are suited to your skills and/or physical limitations. To learn about upcoming events, visit their volunteer website at https://sunvalleycenter.org/get-involved/volunteer where you’ll find an application and instructions.
Love dogs and cats? If you don’t have animal allergies, the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley may be just the place for you to volunteer. Seniors have several options. You may want to walk small dogs around the Shelter grounds or take them to the fenced agility center for exercise and play. You might choose to sit in the cat rooms, petting and playing with the cats and kittens. Another option would be to sit at the staff tables and assemble adoption binders that are then placed around the Valley, or make cat toys and fold fresh laundry. Kelly is the programs director there, and she can be reached at (208) 788-4351 for ideas and to schedule a visit to the Shelter.
You can stay really busy at The Hunger Coalition. They often need help with the Hope Garden in Hailey, with children’s programs and seasonal events. In their Bellevue warehouse, you can help sort incoming donations, fill food boxes and distribute freshly picked produce in season. Please call Rachel at (208) 788-0121 to learn how you may help.
The Advocates [for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault] would love to have senior volunteers helping them out, especially with office duties such as mailings and filing. Please contact Anna at (208) 788-4191 and she’ll put you in contact with the volunteer coordinator.
The Senior Connection needs volunteers who can be scheduled on a regular basis to greet and check in diners, drive Meals on Wheels around the community, work with the Connection Club Adult Day Care and Respite Program and help with special events such as our very successful Senior Olympics. Please call Barb, our volunteer coordinator, at (208) 788-3468 for more information. The Senior Connection staff and members would love to meet you and put you to work!