by Amanda Dcosta

Created on: May 30, 2009   Last Updated: February 18, 2011

If you really want to be a volunteer, to work for a special cause or to feel that satisfaction deep down inside you that you have done a good deed, Raleigh is the place. Age does not matter, there's something for anyone and everyone. There are a lot of non profit organizations to choose that require your service. You might be a doctor, or a nurse or be just a high school grad with free time on your hand, or you might be a grandparent and still want to hang out with little kids. Whatever it be Raleigh is the place for you.

* For first aid and medical assistance, many hospitals in Raleigh welcome help from medical and non medical personnel. It could be just to entertain kids or to be a companion for the sick, reading them stories. Simple things could be very meaningful to others.

* The Public Works Department of Raleigh welcomes volunteers for their regular outdoor projects such as general maintenance of the city, cleaning of roads, streams, lakes and water bodies from thrash and waste matter thrown in, by tourists. Also water pipes are checked for faults and leaks.

* People can volunteer to be Parks and Garden assistants. That would mean that you could either be a guide, or a cleaning hand, checking the parks and garden place for litter and outside-the-bin thrash, or perhaps to supervise children play zones. Volunteers are also welcome for areas such as checking tokens for entry to the various rides and to be of general help to the visitors at the gardens or parks.

* The elderly are not necessarily left out. Many of them have more time on their hand after retirement and love to spend their time with children. Grandparents over the age of 60 can volunteers to be of help at Public school and day cares. The elderly above the age of 55 can also assist local governing bodies with organizing programs and fundraising events for the City, or with programs for schools and colleges.

* There is always a vacant position for those who love to spend time with those in the Retirement Homes. Hear a story or two of days gone by or simply hang out with them playing Poker or Hearts. Fill them in with stories about the outside world, and help them see the life around them through your eyes.

* For sports lovers, there's always a way to be of assistance to coaches or to assist participants. This could either be at the swimming pools or at the ball courts.

There is so much to learn from being a volunteer and no doubt, Raleigh does its part to encourage people to love thy neighbor.

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