
Find a way to give that is right for you
My family moved to Keizer in 1964. I was 5 years old and I vividly remember that it rained for months leading up to a flood that year.
I grew up going to Keizer schools and later moved back to the same Keizer house and worked retail until my retirement five years ago. Once I hit that point in my life, I knew I couldn’t sit and watch TV all day! I needed stimulation. I needed to work with people and wanted to make a difference in some way.
With fond memories of visiting my mom and sister working at Salem Hospital, I became a volunteer. It was a perfect fit for me. I helped patients in the hospital get to and from group therapy. Sometimes they didn’t have a support person, so I chatted with them and helped out. The nursing staff appreciated me and treated me well. I loved going and just felt invigorated being able to help people.
I now help in the volunteer office. I take calls and answer questions from potential volunteers. In the office two days a week for four to five hours each day, I feel like I accomplish something every time. It is pure joy to know that my time isn’t wasted, maybe even a little selfish that I love feeling thanked, appreciated, and rewarded for giving back.
I also joined the Salem Health Auxiliary and had a blast eating pizza and stuffing Awesome 3000 packets with a fantastic group. I am exploring how we can accept credit cards at the craft sale. The money we raise goes toward student scholarships. I also help out a few friends with errands and chores.
Everyone can give in some way. Find a passion, hobby, skill or interest you can parlay in giving back to this wonderful community.