By: Anisha Saddy
“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” -H. Jackson Brown Jr.
Looking for a way to reach out and make a difference in the community right here in the Charlotte Area? Being a volunteer can be both a rewarding and helpful experience for just about anyone. Not only does it offer work experience, but volunteering can open many avenues for a student: a chance to enhance social skills, self-confidence or even a resume for college. While giving back to the community, it’s possible that someone could get an idea as to what occupation or career field he or she would like to pursue in the future. Here are a few of the many locations to consider when looking for great volunteer opportunities.
If you want a flexible location, applying to volunteer at Legacy Heights Retirement Community in Stonecrest is a wonderful option. By working with the elderly, a student gets an opportunity to meet others who have actually lived through events found in a history textbook, such as the Great Depression or World Wars. The elderly generally have a different perspective on things, because they have traveled much farther along life’s journey than teenagers. Therefore, communicating with them always provides for a learning experience. Showing your interest in this cause involves a visit to the facility and the completion of an application (a signature by a parent or guardian is required). Legacy Heights gives their volunteers the opportunity to communicate with the residents there and help host activities for them, such as an exercise session on Saturday morning, or even a game of Bingo followed by a sing-along on a Sunday afternoon. Recently, there has also been a new nursing home that has opened near the volunteer fire station on Old Ardrey Kell Road, called the Pavilion. Try paying a visit or calling them to see what they have to offer.
Building a lasting network through volunteering somewhere career-oriented is an awesome idea. Many businesses throughout Charlotte offer interning and volunteer work to high school students. For example, the CMC hospitals, including the Pineville hospital nearby, have volunteering programs year-round. By giving the hospital an extra hand, a volunteer not only benefits the business, patients, and families there, but can also provide support to a person going through a hard time.
An individual that enjoys working in hospitals or wishes to pursue the medical field in the future would especially benefit from this volunteering opportunity, as he or she would gain relevant experience by working here. For more information, contact the Pineville location at (704)-667-0431 in order to receive a volunteer application for the Summer 2015 session. Spaces fill quickly, so make sure to complete and mail any necessary forms as soon as possible to be scheduled for an interview. Of the many career-oriented volunteering options elsewhere, some may even be found through programs at school, such as Bright Knights, DECA and the Friends Club.
No matter where a student chooses to spend volunteer hours, he or she is sure to find an experience which is both rewarding and enjoyable. The locations listed below are just a few among the plethora of areas where volunteers are appreciated.
Contact Information: Legacy Heights Retirement Community- 11230 Ballantyne Trace Ct. Charlotte, NC, 28277 704-544-7220
The Pavilion Health Center of South Charlotte- 10011 Providence Rd. Charlotte, NC, 28277 855-833-8511
CMC Pineville Hospital 10628 Park Rd. Charlotte, NC, 28210 704-667-1000
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