I’ve talked a lot about the kind of volunteer opportunities that older adults can participate in. If they’re able to, volunteering can give older adults a sense of purpose and foster their sense of community. For a lot of older adults with small children in their lives, volunteering at their schools can be a great opportunity. So let’s talk about the kinds of educational volunteering they can help do.
Volunteering at Events
Schools often need volunteers for events like the school book fair and fall festivals, as well as back to school events. If your granchildren are in any extracurriculars, you may be able to help with those events. Most of these events have positions like helping with ticket sales at the door and others that do not require a lot of lifting or standing.
Helping With Reading Programs
Schools often have programs to evaluate students’ reading and helping kids who may need extra support and practice reading. This will really help the kids at the school, as especially in elementary school, the special educators are often stretched thin and early intervention is so important.
Organizing Supply Drives
Many times, you do not have to be the person lugging collections around to organize a supply drive. Schools may even have their own already set up for the year (like coats for winter and school supplies in the beginning and end of the year) that you can help with, and bonus points if you bring a few friends!
I tried to talk about ways that most older adults can help. Schools can be a great place for older adults to volunteer at because they’re ADA compliant, they’re inside, and a lot of tasks can involve sitting.
Written by Brigid Coffey
