My Community ServiceBy: Caroline E. Perry

Volunteering

• When I found out that volunteering was part of this class a few emotions came over me: fear, excitement, and happiness… all at once!

• Then I started to think about the cheerfulness that I could bring to other people in need. I could make their day a little brighter just by taking a few hours off of mine.

How I Picked

• On my quest to find the perfect volunteer work for me I considered a few of the possibilities:– Humane Society– Goodwill– Second Harvest Food Bank

However…

• I did actually do about an hour and a half of community service at the Humane Society, but I came to find that it did not work for me.

• I talked to my mom, and she suggested trying a nursing home… I was reluctant at first… but I really ended up enjoying it.

Crestwood Nursing Home

• Located in Valdosta, Georgia, Crestwood Convalescent & Nursing Care is a very nice place for elders, or anyone, in special need.

• I mostly worked in the Alzheimer’s Unit.

Activities

• Some of the activities that I did with the residents in the Alzheimer’s Unit included playing with big puzzles and coloring.

• They really enjoyed these simple activities.

Delight

• Every time Ashley and I came back to Crestwood the residents seemed to become more comfortable around us.

• As did we.

• Unfortunately we were not allowed to get pictures of the residents, but this one, of Ms. Hillis, was a fluke.

Ms. Hillis coloring.

Local Celebrity

• Appearing in the Valdosta Daily Times on Wed. March 28, 2006, one of the residents, Daniel Johnson, was featured.

• He sustained injuries from a car accident that included severe head trauma which left him unable to walk, talk, or eat on his own.

• Ashley and I were lucky enough to meet this individual before he left Crestwood.

Activities Director

• Naomi Latini was the activities Director at Crestwood.

• She was in charge of games, activities and any goings-on in the nursing home.

What I got out of the experience…

• I ended up taking a lot out of this experience. This was, in fact, my first real time volunteering, and I enjoyed it so much that I would like to do it again.

• The residents of Crestwood Nursing Home will always be in my heart, and I will continue to think of them.

The End…

WE LOVE COMMUNITY SERVICE!!!