The renowned ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle, once said: “the essence of life is to serve others and do good.”
What does this quote mean to you? How can you apply its message to your own life?
One way you can implement this idea is through volunteering. Volunteer work is a generous and gracious way to spend time and resources on a cause or organization you care about. There are many ways that volunteering works to serve the people and community around you from soup kitchens to blood drives and other charitable efforts. With so many opportunities, you can use your unique skills and passions to contribute to your community.
Whether you have recently retired or are a pro at the retiree lifestyle, volunteering is a great activity to add to your weekly schedule. Williamsburg, Virginia offers many different volunteer opportunities so you can find one that will best suit your interests.
Let’s take a look at why volunteering in retirement is important and how you can get involved in Williamsburg.
Why Volunteer?
When you dedicate your time to serving others, you are doing something to improve the world around you. But volunteering isn’t just a noble gesture, it’s how many non-profits and charities stay in business. They rely on people like you who care about the cause to be representatives of the group.
Volunteering also allows you the opportunity to become more involved in your local community. Perhaps you are interested in volunteering at a local museum or gardening at a community park. Any service you are willing to offer to your community will only help it grow and prosper. It’s always good to add additional value to the community you live in. By keeping it nice, you are helping to preserve its history for years to come.
Volunteer work will expose you to new people as well. The most prominent part of a community is the people that live there. Volunteering will give you a chance to get to know them and form new relationships. A community is so important when you enter into retirement. Meeting people who share your interests is a great way to develop friendships and find a sense of belonging in your golden years.
Volunteering is also incredibly accessible with many days, hours, and seasons available. There are also convenient locations, often within a 30-minute drive.
Colonial Williamsburg Volunteering
Founded in 1632, Colonial Williamsburg was a mecca for political events in Virginia at the cusp of the American Revolution. Its history and charm drive tourism and forms the bedrock for a quaint community, which makes volunteering here even more interesting!
There are so many opportunities for residents to get involved in their community. With a wide range of tasks and activities, you can find something that speaks to you and that you will enjoy doing.
Below, we divided various volunteer opportunities by interest/skill. Take a look at these and the links provided to give you a comprehensive look at more opportunities to get involved.
History and Outdoors
Waller Miller Park, Freedom Park, Chickahominy Riverfront Park
The park is always looking for volunteers especially in the summer months. Many people are needed to help weed, water, and plant flowers in the garden. If you have a green thumb or are looking to get it a shade or two darker, this activity could be perfect for you!
If you love keeping parks and trails clean and neat, consider joining the beautification team.
There is also an opportunity to help with a fishing mentorship and inspire a new generation of anglers. For more opportunities, check out their official website.
Historic Jamestown
This museum is hungry for volunteers to help make the space inviting and ready for guests! If you are a history buff, this could be an incredible opportunity for you.
You can find volunteer activities that cover a wide range of historical periods like the Colonial, Revolutionary War, and Civil War eras.
Pets and Animals
This section is all about animal lovers. The area is wild with opportunities to make some new furry friends from training and education on pet care to pet therapy to assistance in clinics and more, there is certainly something for everyone. A few ideas can be found below.
Dream Catchers Therapeutic Riding in Toano
This wonderful organization provides numerous equine-assisted activities and therapies. They are in search of volunteers who can give riding lessons (must be certified), maintain the facility, and also office support. Learn more here.
Heritage Humane Society
Animal lovers of all kinds are welcome here to help care for injured, ill, or stray animals found around the community. You can help these animals find the right home.
Pawsitively Precious Adoptions
Calling all cat people! You can help feed and take care of cats until someone adopts them.
There are also opportunities to assist with livestock in Colonial Williamsburg. With such a diverse area, there are numerous types of animal assistance. You can find something that aligns with your interests and skills.
Children and Family
The Williamsburg area is lucky to have so many charitable organizations, including faith-based, social services, Habitat for Humanity home construction, educational/tutoring through public and private schools, and health/human care at the numerous senior living and assisted living locations that support the people who live there. A few others to consider are below.
Peninsula Foster Grandparent Program
If you are over 60, you can volunteer to help mentor a child with special needs. This is a wonderful way to show love to your fellow neighbor.
The Salvation Army
Sign up to teach a life skills class to underprivileged children or elect to make your famous sweet potato casserole for a Thanksgiving dinner. The Salvation Army has many opportunities for you to help better the lives of people in your community.
United Way of Greater Williamsburg
Do you have a great idea to help bolster volunteers throughout your area? This could be a wonderful organization for you! United Way seeks to increase the quality and quantity of volunteer opportunities in the area.
As you can see, there are so many opportunities for you to get involved. If you are interested in seeing new and upcoming volunteer events, check out this listing.
Volunteering your time and talents is something you will always remember. The unique history of Williamsburg and the Historic Triangle including Yorktown and Jamestown attracts many retirees to the area, and volunteering at one of the many amazing organizations in our area only enhances the retirement experience. By making lives better and improving your community, you are dedicating yourself to keeping your hometown beautiful for years to come.
Is Williamsburg the best place for you to retire? Let’s talk about your retirement goals together. Set up a time to talk with a team member today. We can’t wait to help you plan for your dream retirement.
Disclosures:
Covenant Wealth Advisors is a registered investment advisor with offices in Richmond and Williamsburg, VA. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital.
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