Volunteer Opportunities (kids included?)

I have a friend with a 3yo who is looking for a place to volunteer tomorrow, whether it's doling out turkey slices to the homeless, or whatever else... Is it too late?

Anyone got any ideas?

It's certaintly not for me to say, but I don't think any volunteer op is appropriate for a three year old.

That said, St Thomas of Canterbury (around Kenmore and Lawrence) has a soup kitchen that they usually need volunteers for. 773-878-5508.

-ramon

Unfortunately, trying to sign up to feed the homeless the day before Thanksgiving is usually WAY too late. There's an influx of folks who want to do the same, so if you haven't made a "reservation" way in advance, it's likely you'll may just be ushering homeless people to and from the lines or to tables.

That being said, volunteers are desperately needed the other 364 days a year, so why limit it to one holiday?

Hi,

I have a friend who has regularly volunteered on Thanksgiving at a well known charity. She advised her charity now conducts background reviews of new people who want to volunteer. Obviously, this is not done in snap.

I also second Ramon's opinion that small children don't fit in well in these situations.

Regards,

I happen to agree with all of you, but thought I'd give it a shot.

Thanks!

Saint Pizza wrote:I have a friend with a 3yo who is looking for a place to volunteer tomorrow, whether it's doling out turkey slices to the homeless, or whatever else... Is it too late?

Anyone got any ideas?

I'd recommend that your friend contact Chicago Cares directly, 312-780-0800. I think their projects are full, but they may have ideas. I'm going to a CHA building for seniors tomorrow to prepare & serve Thanksgiving lunch and then to play BINGO. I think the residents would absolutely love to see a 3-year-old, and I'm a huge proponent of exposing kids to volunteerism at as early an age as possible (unless there are power tools involved!), but, alas, I'm not the site leader tomorrow--otherwise, your friend and her child would be more than welcome to join the group. Try Chicago Cares.

Hi,

It is the parent's responsibility to watch their child. I can evision the parent getting busy, then suddenly other volunteers find themselves watching the child. In a general population, you may have people who are not so nice. A three year old can be easily led away, which could have a benign or tragic outcome. The parent's first responsibility is to their child.

In years past, Vital Information and his wife have brought their children to meals at Inspiration Cafe. The girls were at least grade school age who helped bring food to the table. The girls were co-workers and easily under their parent's watch. At that age, they can easily understand their role as a volunteer.

Regards,

I started working soup kitchens, at first on holidays, around the 3rd or 4th grade -- after The Big Guy in the Red Suit and that Bunny were pushed aside. I was already pretty handy in the kitchen, even with a chef's knife. I think that is the more appropriate age, but each child and situation is different.

It was a great experience, both in terms of learning compassion and how a commercial kitchen works. It also helped fill a void left by shattered childhood fables.

I remember the first day, I was assigned a safe and mundane task. I objected, showing I could prep veg, and was re-assigned. I was then shocked that so many of the vegetable had rotten parts, etc, and pointed this out to the leader. She kindly instructed me to cut out the rotting parts. I couldn't believe people would eat this stuff! At the end of service, I ate the same meal we served, and was quite happy with it.

-ramon

-ramon

gmonkey wrote:That being said, volunteers are desperately needed the other 364 days a year, so why limit it to one holiday?

G,

I have a friend and fellow BBQ guy who is a captain in the Salvation Army and he says exactly the same thing, but adds Christmas as another holiday where they have a surplus of volunteers. I'll be slinging turkey at the Salvation Army today, and asked last week if they needed additional volunteers, the answer was a very polite "not really"

If one is looking for volunteer opportunities there is a dinner at the Harbor Light Center on Dec 21 where additional assistance will be needed, both for cooking and serving. I will follow with additional information first week of December.

Happy Thanksgiving to all,
Gary

G Wiv wrote:I have a friend and fellow BBQ guy who is a captain in the Salvation Army and he says exactly the same thing, but adds Christmas as another holiday where they have a surplus of volunteers.

LTH,

While there was a full compliment of Thanksgiving volunteers at the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center with 2,200 meals served people stayed in motion throughout the day. Of the 300 meals are served at the center per se, the rest are in mobile feeding and two other connected facilities, on special occasions people are served waiter style with real attention to detail.

Service with a smile


Received with an equally genuine smile.


The food, while obviously prepared in large quantity, was quite good.



Pumpkin Pie was a big hit.


The well fed, ok, very well fed.


Served the not so well fed


A thanks to Salvation Army Captains Merrill and Nancy Powers who do more good for people in a morning than many of us do all year, if not a lifetime.

Additional pictures may be found here.

Enjoy,
Gary

I just thought (too late) of something that would fit the bill, here - although "needy" is a strong word...for the past several years, we've taken treats to our local firehouse and police station on Thanksgiving and Christmas, Sparky in tow (I think we began this tradition when he was two or three.) Although the firehouse here generally is overflowing with food from their families and neighbors, IMHO police officers don't seem to be remembered on holidays as often - and I think their job must be harder those days.

This year, I made a large crudite platter with homemade tzaziki and tirokafteri dips. Per our usual method, Sparky and the 'spouse drove them down to the station while I minded the turkey.

I'd imagine if one thought about it, one could find quite a number of people who offer essential services on holidays that nobody thinks to thank.

Mhays wrote:I just thought (too late) of something that would fit the bill, here - although "needy" is a strong word...for the past several years, we've taken treats to our local firehouse and police station on Thanksgiving and Christmas, Sparky in tow (I think we began this tradition when he was two or three.) Although the firehouse here generally is overflowing with food from their families and neighbors, IMHO police officers don't seem to be remembered on holidays as often - and I think their job must be harder those days.

This is a great idea! While it's too late for Thanksgiving, I'm sure it will be appreciated on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and will do it then.

Thanks for the suggestion.