Mission of Mercy Filter: How can I find sources of cheery personal mail for my lonely elder Alzheimer's patient? I live with my mother-in-law who has middle stage Alzheimer's. She does a lot of sitting and staring. She has no attention span for books or magazines or TV. She lights up for visitors, dessert, church... and personal mail. I am looking for a service that arranges (basically, one-directional) "pen-pals" for elder shut-ins. She has just enough means to assure her basic care, but not much for extras. This would have to be a volunteer service like a charity or ministry. [more inside]
posted by cross_impact on Dec 26, 2009 - 53 answers

I need to do 2-3 hours of volunteer service TONIGHT. Got any ideas/projects for me? [more inside]
posted by Jacqueline on Dec 2, 2008 - 9 answers

I was watching Ken Burns' documentary "The War" this weekend, and started thinking about how I could give back to my community and country, while being a member of a structured organization that could provide me with a social outlet. [more inside]
posted by willmize on Nov 13, 2008 - 1 answer

I am interested in becoming a humanitarian de-miner. This FPP reminded about my interest. A brief search has brought up a couple of organizations, but I was hoping some people here might be able to provide some practical insight. Is this foolish, feasable or just downright romantic thinking about making a real difference? [more inside]
posted by isopraxis on Dec 12, 2007 - 10 answers

Did you volunteer as a child? Or do you work now with a children's volunteer group? Tell me what you know about youth service. [more inside]
posted by pineapple on Dec 12, 2007 - 18 answers

I'm interested in spending a couple of years in another part of the world, either volunteering or teaching. Am I fit to do so? If so, what programs should I look into? [more inside]
posted by treepour on Nov 9, 2006 - 16 answers

I’m looking for organizations/agencies that arrange group international travel. [more inside]
posted by bwilms on Apr 18, 2006 - 2 answers

Recently I've decided that I would like to take a service trip this summer, and would like opinions and ideas on where to go, who to go through, and who might help fundraise such a trip. [more inside]
posted by charmston on Jan 20, 2006 - 9 answers

Where can I find a place to volunteer in the Chicago area? [more inside]
posted by frankie_stubbs on Dec 3, 2005 - 5 answers

Community service: I have an assignment for school to do 3 hours of volunteer work. Anywhere I can find wants a longer commitment than that, and unfortunately, 3 hours is the most free time I can spare this semester. I've checked Volunteermatch. Any ideas? (I'm in Chapel Hill, NC, and don't drive; I have few real skills).
posted by Jeanne on Nov 4, 2005 - 21 answers