Why Volunteer with Seniors First

Time is the greatest gift you can give. Seniors First volunteers know how good it feels to see the face of an elderly client brighten when they walk in the door. Our volunteer visits are often the highlight of a client’s day, breaking up the countless hours they spend alone at home. Volunteers are a vital part of the care we provide….and they are always needed.

The Benefits of Volunteering

You get to make a real difference – Often just spending time listening to and talking with our clients helps to enrich their lives. They really look forward to your visits.
You meet new people – Volunteering is a great way to meet others with common interests.
It relieves stress – Studies show volunteering improves mood and reduces stress and anxiety.
You get to bond with another generation – When you volunteer you become a student and a teacher. Sharing between generations enriches us all.
You strengthen your ties to the community – Nothing makes you feel more connected to your neighborhood and city than involving yourself in activities that benefit others.

You can join our effort to help vulnerable seniors age safely at home where they are happiest. Together, we can each do a small part to improve the lives of so many. Please contact Maureen Sullivan at 407.373.7752 or msullivan@seniorsfirstinc.org to learn more.

Project Connect

Seniors First is now providing free use of Samsung tablets called Claris Companions to our Meals on Wheels clients in a program specifically designed to relieve isolation and loneliness. These user-friendly tablets are designed for seniors and enable them to watch movies, tv shows, local news and more. They can connect with friends and family, join groups with similar interests, play games alone or in groups and attend virtual classes. We are looking for volunteers to train clients in their homes on the use of the tablets or host groups virtually on your favorite topic or hobby. If you have a special interest you’d like to share, we’d love to her from you! Maybe you’d be interested in leading a group book club, simple arts and crafts, music, history or trivia. Volunteer to lead groups from home virtually during the week or provide one on one training at the home of a senior weekdays or weekends. Daytime and evening shifts are available. Find out more about the program and how you can get involved by contacting Volunteer Program Supervisor, Maureen Sullivan at 407-373-7752 or msullivan@seniorsfirstinc.org.

Delivery of Meals

Volunteers are the heart of Meals On Wheels. Caring and compassionate individuals deliver healthy meals to recipients’ homes Monday through Friday, rain or shine. For more information on how to get started click here.

Groups

Our Neighborhood Lunch program offers a great one-time opportunity for groups of 8-10 to spend some time and share a little love with our mobile seniors who come together for a meal, games and social activities. We have 16 sites across Orange County.

Donation Drives: Neighborhoods, businesses, church or civic groups can benefit seniors by holding personal care, housecleaning or food pantry drives. To view our needs lists, click here.

Food Pantry

Our food pantry is open to the public the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 9am-11am. Volunteers are needed to sort and stock donations and to assist with food distribution on pantry days. For more information about volunteering contact Volunteer Supervisor, Maureen Sullivan at msullivan@seniorsfirstinc.org or 407-373-7752. To donate, view our pantry needs list here.

Administrative/Office

During regular business hours, Monday through Friday, volunteers assist with clerical duties.

Special Events

Volunteering for event planning committees or day-of event duties is a great way to have fun and support our mission. Our two signature events are the High Tea & Hats luncheon and Seniors First Turkey Trot 5k.

High Tea & Hats Opportunities:

Become a committee member, help plan and execute the event and volunteer to work the day of. This event takes place each spring and requires a 4 to 6 month commitment prior to and up to day of event. For more info on event, contact Katherine Brown at 407-615-8979 or kbrown@seniorsfirstinc.org

Turkey Trot Opportunities:

Volunteers are needed Thanksgiving morning before, during and after the race. Many volunteer with family or friends and have made it part of their Thanksgiving tradition. Duties include registration, set up, tear down, kid’s race and logistics. Volunteers are on site by 6:30am and everyone is headed home to their families by 10:00am. For more info on event, contact Maureen Sullivan at msullivan@seniorsfirstinc.org or 407-373-7752.

Holiday Gift Drive:

Our annual gift drive is a great way to share the holiday spirit with our seniors. Donate on your own or as a group with your business, church, club or civic organization. This year we are collecting $20 Publix and Walmart gift cards to distribute to seniors throughout the community. Learn more here
For more info, contact Stephanie Jorian at 407-615-8962 or sjorian@seniorsfirstinc.org