[Rachaelxxx]

I have some free time this year and I work part time (Saturdays and Mondays), but I've also got my youngest with me and she is starting school next year. I would love to volunteer somewhere for a few hours a week. It would be great if I could take my daughter with me, but if not I can always volunteer somewhere when she is at kinder.

My problem is I don't know what I want to do. Do I want to help out with children/elderly/animals. I would love to hear some stories from those that volunteer or know someone that volunteers. What do they do ?

[mudskippa]

I used to volunteer at op shops - I really enjoyed it actually, sorting through things and determining prices and putting stuff up around the store. I was terrible at selling though - little old ladies could always talk me down a few coins. Little old ladies are so cute and they count out all their change and yeah, there was just no way I could charge them the price if they didn't have enough little coins.

[Jembo]

I work for a childrens charity that has a lot of volunteers (though I am paid). The volunteers help raise money and put on events, they have a lot of fun.

I also volunteer for a non profit association, but that is doing admin work for them and also being part of the committee.

I think definately find out what you are most interested, and also how much time you have free so you can choose something that suits, I have always found volunteering usually takes more time than you expect

[Livsh]

I volunteer online for the Smith family. Volunteering in the 21st century!!

[ubermum]

I help run a pre-school children's music group.

[StudyMuffin]

My main vollie is on being on the committee for a big charity event. Most of the work can be done from home, just have to go to meetings every now and then and obviously the lead up to the event is quite chaotic.

Also I just generally volunteer at one off events.

My mum used to volunteer at a cat shelter, she loved it but said it did get to her (emotionally) the cruelty of some people.

[It'sallgood]

I'm pretty sure there is a website you can go to which will show you whats in need for volunteers in your area. Google it, something like Volunteering Australia or such.

No - I don't volunteer. I just don't have time.
Tamm

[ladyantebellum]

I volunteer at a local run homework club as a tutor for primary aged kids. Two afternoons a week - the same days i work. Its right opposite the school i work at and i put my kids in daycare until 4.30 for ive got an hour at the centre.
DH and i are also on a committee for an annual town event but it isnt a lot of work - one night a year and a handful of meetings.

[Guest_Retro_Mumma_*]

I'm the president of a women's social group. I organise events such as dinners, picnics, workshops so women can learn new skills, have fun and make new friends.
I also organise charity events for the group. It's a really great group full of intelligent, nice, funny women and it's good for people that are new to town and have found this town to be a bit cliquey.

I also just help out different charities on my own for example I just baked a heap of slices to help out a company that was hosting the cancer councils Australia biggest morning tea. I'm also apart of a relay for life team but I'll be almost 9 months pregnant with the event is on so I don't think I'll be doing too much running that day.

For fun I attend other peoples fundraisers, the other weekend I went to a high tea fundraiser for a children's charity and I had a blast. The way I see it is it's not that much more expensive then going out for dinner and I have fun doing it all while raising money for a good cause.

I think that's the main thing is if you enjoy it then it's not really work it's fun and a great way to meet like minded people.

[Ehill]

Before this baby i voluteered for meals on wheels 1 day a week. I will go back to it as soon as i can.