From the book Someone Needs You
Find the volunteer role that fits you
There are thousands of volunteer openings out there. The hard part isn't finding one. It's finding the one you'll actually look forward to, week after week.
That's what the book is for: quizzes, checklists and a 14-day path that point you to your kind of helping.
Get the book on AmazonKindle $4.99 · Paperback $9.99
Inside the book
Little quizzes that do the sorting for you
People or animals? Busy and buzzy, or calm and quiet? Circle fast. Walter is timing you.
Are you a Greeter, a Fixer, a Quiet Helper, an Animal Whisperer, or an Organizer? Five fun questions tell you.
A taste, once a month, once a week, or seasonal. You set the amount.
"If I sign up, I'm stuck forever." "I'm too old to start something new." Let's see.
What to say when you call, already written, so all you do is dial.
"My nap ran long." "I need a haircut first." Cross off every excuse your brain has tried.
Walter's Take:"I took the personality quiz. Result: supervisor. Nobody was surprised."
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Every link from the book is below, plus new places I find along the way. If a website ever changes, the new link will be here.
Part Four · Days 6 to 8
The big directories
National, free, and every one of them leads to places in your own town.
AmeriCorps Seniors
Programs just for people 55+: RSVP (use your skills), Foster Grandparents (mentor children) and Senior Companions (help older adults stay independent).
Use its search tool to find a program near you.
Visit AmeriCorps SeniorsIdealist
The big national listing. VolunteerMatch joined it in 2025.
Search by town and distance, in person or from home.
Visit IdealistEldercare Locator
A free government service that connects older adults to local help, including your local agency on aging.
Call or text 1-800-677-1116.
Visit Eldercare LocatorJustServe
A free listing of local service projects, open to everyone.
Browse projects near you.
Visit JustServeFrom your armchair
Ways to help from home
Perfect if driving is hard, your knees have opinions, or you're caring for someone.
Smithsonian Transcription Center
Help type up old letters, diaries and field notes so anyone can read them, a word or a page at a time.
Visit the Transcription CenterOperation Gratitude
Write letters of thanks to service members, veterans and first responders. Knitters can join their handmade hats and scarves drive, too.
Visit Operation GratitudeProject Linus
Handmade blankets for children who are seriously ill or going through a hard time. Knit, crochet or sew, and find your local chapter.
Visit Project LinusBe My Eyes
A free phone app. When someone who is blind or has low vision needs a hand, like reading a label, you answer a short video call and lend your eyes.
Visit Be My EyesNew finds
More places that welcome volunteers
National groups with local chapters. Each website has a way to find the one near you.
Meals on Wheels
Deliver meals, a friendly visit and a quick safety check to older neighbors.
Visit Meals on WheelsAmerican Red Cross
Disaster support, blood drives, and help for military families.
Visit the Red CrossHabitat for Humanity
Help build homes near you, or serve in other ways that don't need a hammer.
Visit Habitat for HumanitySCORE
Ran a business or managed people? Mentor new small business owners. Many SCORE mentors are retirees.
Visit SCOREBig Brothers Big Sisters
Be a mentor to one young person, one outing or conversation at a time.
Visit Big Brothers Big SistersDay 7 · Right down the street
Some of the best roles are never posted online
- The library
- Schools
- Animal shelters
- Senior centers
- Hospitals
- Food pantries
- Places of worship
- Museums
- Bookstores
- Garden centers
- Craft stores
- Community bulletin boards
"Do you use volunteers?"
The one question that opens almost every door. Ask it at the front desk. You don't have to sign anything.
The research
The two studies in the book
Harvard, 2020
About 13,000 adults over 50, followed for four years. Those who volunteered about 100 hours a year, roughly two hours a week, felt more purpose and optimism and reported less loneliness.
University of Michigan
About 5,000 adults over 60 who weren't lonely at the start. Over 12 years, those who volunteered more than 100 hours a year were less likely to become lonely.
Studies like these show a link, not proof. But it's a link worth two hours a week.
Found a great place?
Tell me about it. I'm always adding new finds to this page, and your story might help another reader take their first step.
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