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Can you suggest any virtual volunteer activities related to children and elderly people?
I am an undergraduate student, but I don't have a vehicle yet, so I want to know if there are any online volunteer opportunities where I can work with people from children to elderly people. I really want to do something for the community and communicate with people more. Thanks for helping me!
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7 answers
Updated
Natalie’s Answer
Hi Victoria! Yes! There are plenty of virtual volunteer opportunities where you can support both children and the elderly from anywhere. Here are a few ideas:
For Children:
- Tutor or Mentor Online – Organizations like UPchieve and Learn To Be connect volunteers with students who need academic support.
- Virtual Storytelling – Read books to kids through programs like Storytime Volunteer or record audiobooks for visually impaired children.
- Pen Pal Programs – Write encouraging letters to children facing medical challenges through Cards for Hospitalized Kids.
- Virtual Coding or STEM Mentoring – Groups like Code.org let you help kids learn coding and technology skills.
For the Elderly:
- Friendly Phone Calls – Organizations like CallHub and Dorot pair volunteers with seniors for weekly phone or video calls to reduce loneliness.
- Letter Writing & Digital Pen Pals – Programs like Love for Our Elders let you send handwritten or digital letters to brighten a senior’s day.
- Teach Technology Skills – Help older adults learn how to use Zoom, email, or social media through groups like Cyber-Seniors.
- Virtual Storytelling or Music Sharing – Read books, share stories, or play music over video calls with elderly residents in assisted living homes.
These are just a few, but it's great that you're interested in volunteering with these groups! Hope this helps spark some inspiration!
For Children:
- Tutor or Mentor Online – Organizations like UPchieve and Learn To Be connect volunteers with students who need academic support.
- Virtual Storytelling – Read books to kids through programs like Storytime Volunteer or record audiobooks for visually impaired children.
- Pen Pal Programs – Write encouraging letters to children facing medical challenges through Cards for Hospitalized Kids.
- Virtual Coding or STEM Mentoring – Groups like Code.org let you help kids learn coding and technology skills.
For the Elderly:
- Friendly Phone Calls – Organizations like CallHub and Dorot pair volunteers with seniors for weekly phone or video calls to reduce loneliness.
- Letter Writing & Digital Pen Pals – Programs like Love for Our Elders let you send handwritten or digital letters to brighten a senior’s day.
- Teach Technology Skills – Help older adults learn how to use Zoom, email, or social media through groups like Cyber-Seniors.
- Virtual Storytelling or Music Sharing – Read books, share stories, or play music over video calls with elderly residents in assisted living homes.
These are just a few, but it's great that you're interested in volunteering with these groups! Hope this helps spark some inspiration!
Updated
Steven’s Answer
For elderly I highly recommend https://loveforourelders.org/
Essentially you write letters to the elderly for them to read. A fun and helpful activity especially if you get friends/family together to join in.
Essentially you write letters to the elderly for them to read. A fun and helpful activity especially if you get friends/family together to join in.
Updated
Steven’s Answer
There are many programs that match young people with lonely senior citizens. Most are sponsored by religious organizations (local and national). As for child based organizations there are many of these that are run by different individual organizations. Some ideas of where to look for these have been given by others.
Giving of your time is the greatest gift!
Giving of your time is the greatest gift!
@Steven Young - Great advice ! One online service for this is Conversations to Remember https://conversationstoremember.org/
The volunteer is required to work 10 hours by phone or online in a structured schedule each week. It's great that you've brought this up !
Michelle M.
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Great you want to help others! Look for opportunities where you can be a Pen Pal to an elderly person. Many folks in living assisted facilities are very lonely and would greatly appreciate receiving letters from you.
Check online for virtual volunteer opportunities.
With every good wish and many blessings,
Karen
Check online for virtual volunteer opportunities.
With every good wish and many blessings,
Karen
Thank you for your suggestion, I never think about being a Pen Pal, this is so good to know. I will find one and start with it.
I hope you have a good day, thank you so much!
Victoria Nghi
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello again, Victoria Nghi !
There are so many ways that you can obtain volunteer work connected to your major of Psychology. You can even do it in person without having a car. It is crucial to do social or community service in person because it is a very, very human contact type of work and the experience has much to offer. Let's start with what you could do on campus.
I would advise meeting with the Psychology Department Dean/Chairperson and offering to do peer counseling for on campus students. You wouldn't be doing therapy, rather situational counseling, like lending a supportive and listening ear. Eventually out of this, you will learn how to do benefits advisement, information and referral, too. If you can do this at the Psych Dept. or the on campus student center or anywhere, this would be the best training you could ever get. It can familiarize you with counseling skills, navigating the social service system and having true full contact with clients.
In the event that it's not done on campus, check to see if you can do this same project at a nearby faith based venue. Churches and Synagogues are sometimes open to having a program like this.
The online experience for this will not be the same. Just keep in mind that you would have to commit to certain hours and a lot of times they have guidelines for volunteers that are the same guidelines for employees and you may need to cancel some days based on things that your classwork may demand. You'd have to give advanced notice. They are social service agencies and some have a definite structure for whomever works under their supervision.
You can find both on site and online volunteer opportunities on the internet by going to the websites Volunteer Match and Volunteer Houston. The links to their websites are below. Even though it is a great service, I would advise not going for any Suicide Prevention volunteer work just yet, even though they do train the people. Let your experience be void of the serious levels for now and later on you would be doing some of the heavier issues with heavier needs clients.
I would advise becoming familiar with Houston's bus system so that you don't feel that you're limited to just online experiences. I left the website below for you to learn more. You can explore possible venues for volunteer work along the routes. Explore hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, local elementary schools and high schools. This will expand the scope for opportunities for you.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !.
VOLUNTEER MATCH https://www.volunteermatch.org/
VOLUNTEER HOUSTON https://volunteerhouston.org/
TRANSPORTATION IN HOUSTON https://www.houston.org/living-in-houston/transportation
There are so many ways that you can obtain volunteer work connected to your major of Psychology. You can even do it in person without having a car. It is crucial to do social or community service in person because it is a very, very human contact type of work and the experience has much to offer. Let's start with what you could do on campus.
I would advise meeting with the Psychology Department Dean/Chairperson and offering to do peer counseling for on campus students. You wouldn't be doing therapy, rather situational counseling, like lending a supportive and listening ear. Eventually out of this, you will learn how to do benefits advisement, information and referral, too. If you can do this at the Psych Dept. or the on campus student center or anywhere, this would be the best training you could ever get. It can familiarize you with counseling skills, navigating the social service system and having true full contact with clients.
In the event that it's not done on campus, check to see if you can do this same project at a nearby faith based venue. Churches and Synagogues are sometimes open to having a program like this.
The online experience for this will not be the same. Just keep in mind that you would have to commit to certain hours and a lot of times they have guidelines for volunteers that are the same guidelines for employees and you may need to cancel some days based on things that your classwork may demand. You'd have to give advanced notice. They are social service agencies and some have a definite structure for whomever works under their supervision.
You can find both on site and online volunteer opportunities on the internet by going to the websites Volunteer Match and Volunteer Houston. The links to their websites are below. Even though it is a great service, I would advise not going for any Suicide Prevention volunteer work just yet, even though they do train the people. Let your experience be void of the serious levels for now and later on you would be doing some of the heavier issues with heavier needs clients.
I would advise becoming familiar with Houston's bus system so that you don't feel that you're limited to just online experiences. I left the website below for you to learn more. You can explore possible venues for volunteer work along the routes. Explore hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, local elementary schools and high schools. This will expand the scope for opportunities for you.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !.
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Oh My God, your comment is so kind, I love your suggestions. Thank you for suggesting me. I actually cannot go to the campus (I will try to check the bus system that you offered), and I will try asking The Psychology Department Dean and my counselor see if they need peer counseling or any positions like that (may be I still need to work online though if they offer a virtual opportunity). About Suicide Prevention Hotline, I actually intended to register for that but thank you for your advice, I may consider something less heavy and stressful than that first. I mean thank you so much for your advice!
Victoria Nghi
You are quite welcome, Victoria ! I just know that something great will be coming your way !
Michelle M.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
7223
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
A Very Good Day To You, Victoria Nghi!
Virtual Volunteer Activities Related to Children and Elderly People
1. Online Tutoring and Mentoring for Children One of the most impactful ways to volunteer virtually with children is through online tutoring or mentoring programs. Organizations like Tutor.com and Khan Academy offer platforms where volunteers can assist students in various subjects, from math to reading. You can sign up as a tutor, and depending on your expertise, you can help children improve their academic skills while also providing mentorship and encouragement.
2. Virtual Storytelling and Reading Sessions Many libraries and educational organizations are looking for volunteers to read stories to children via video calls. Programs such as Storyline Online allow volunteers to record themselves reading books, which are then shared with children. This not only helps promote literacy but also provides a sense of connection for children who may be isolated at home.
3. Crafting and Activity Workshops for Kids You can host virtual crafting sessions or activity workshops for children through platforms like Zoom or Google Meet. Organizations such as The Art of Education University often seek volunteers to lead creative projects that engage kids in art, science experiments, or other fun activities that stimulate their creativity.
4. Virtual Companionship Programs for the Elderly For elderly individuals, many organizations have developed virtual companionship programs where volunteers can connect with seniors through phone calls or video chats. Programs like Elder Helpers or AARP’s Friendly Voices allow you to provide social interaction, which is crucial for combating loneliness among older adults.
5. Teaching Digital Literacy Skills With the increasing reliance on technology, many elderly individuals need assistance navigating digital tools. Volunteering with organizations like Senior Planet, you can teach seniors how to use smartphones, computers, and the internet effectively, helping them stay connected with family and friends.
6. Participating in Virtual Fundraising Events Many nonprofits organize virtual fundraising events that require volunteer support in various capacities—such as promoting events on social media or assisting with logistics during live-streamed events. Organizations focused on children’s welfare or elder care often have these opportunities available.
In summary, there are numerous virtual volunteer opportunities available that cater to both children and elderly individuals. By engaging in online tutoring, storytelling sessions, crafting workshops, companionship programs, teaching digital skills, or participating in fundraising events, you can make a meaningful contribution to your community without needing transportation.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Tutor.com: A well-known platform offering tutoring services across various subjects.
Storyline Online: A resource that provides videos of actors reading children’s books aloud.
AARP’s Friendly Voices: A program designed to connect volunteers with seniors for friendly conversations over the phone.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|=========================God Bless You, Richly!===========================|
|=========================James Constantine=============================|
|=======================The Little Old Aussie Battler========================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|==========================~ Since 1972!================================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Virtual Volunteer Activities Related to Children and Elderly People
1. Online Tutoring and Mentoring for Children One of the most impactful ways to volunteer virtually with children is through online tutoring or mentoring programs. Organizations like Tutor.com and Khan Academy offer platforms where volunteers can assist students in various subjects, from math to reading. You can sign up as a tutor, and depending on your expertise, you can help children improve their academic skills while also providing mentorship and encouragement.
2. Virtual Storytelling and Reading Sessions Many libraries and educational organizations are looking for volunteers to read stories to children via video calls. Programs such as Storyline Online allow volunteers to record themselves reading books, which are then shared with children. This not only helps promote literacy but also provides a sense of connection for children who may be isolated at home.
3. Crafting and Activity Workshops for Kids You can host virtual crafting sessions or activity workshops for children through platforms like Zoom or Google Meet. Organizations such as The Art of Education University often seek volunteers to lead creative projects that engage kids in art, science experiments, or other fun activities that stimulate their creativity.
4. Virtual Companionship Programs for the Elderly For elderly individuals, many organizations have developed virtual companionship programs where volunteers can connect with seniors through phone calls or video chats. Programs like Elder Helpers or AARP’s Friendly Voices allow you to provide social interaction, which is crucial for combating loneliness among older adults.
5. Teaching Digital Literacy Skills With the increasing reliance on technology, many elderly individuals need assistance navigating digital tools. Volunteering with organizations like Senior Planet, you can teach seniors how to use smartphones, computers, and the internet effectively, helping them stay connected with family and friends.
6. Participating in Virtual Fundraising Events Many nonprofits organize virtual fundraising events that require volunteer support in various capacities—such as promoting events on social media or assisting with logistics during live-streamed events. Organizations focused on children’s welfare or elder care often have these opportunities available.
In summary, there are numerous virtual volunteer opportunities available that cater to both children and elderly individuals. By engaging in online tutoring, storytelling sessions, crafting workshops, companionship programs, teaching digital skills, or participating in fundraising events, you can make a meaningful contribution to your community without needing transportation.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Tutor.com: A well-known platform offering tutoring services across various subjects.
Storyline Online: A resource that provides videos of actors reading children’s books aloud.
AARP’s Friendly Voices: A program designed to connect volunteers with seniors for friendly conversations over the phone.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|=========================God Bless You, Richly!===========================|
|=========================James Constantine=============================|
|=======================The Little Old Aussie Battler========================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|==========================~ Since 1972!================================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
I see you again, and I don't know what to say because your recommendations mean a lot to me. I am finding these online opportunities and these are all interesting and helpful activities for me to try. Thank you so much, I feel grateful for this. I hope you have a good day!
Victoria Nghi
That Is Big Victoria! Give Thanks To GOD!
James Constantine Frangos
Updated
Emma’s Answer
You might consider organizing volunteer events and recruiting volunteers in person. While I am uncertain about the specific areas where you could contribute or the needs of your community, initiating online surveys to gather insights on community priorities on other platforms could be a beneficial starting point. Leveraging social media can serve as an effective means of engagement. Collaborating with guidance counselors and professors may also enhance your outreach efforts and provide valuable feedback. You may even gain some references for future volunteer and job opportunities.
Your suggestion is also an interesting idea that I haven't known thought of. Commission a survey on the internet may require little knowledge about technology, I will try to learn methodologies of research first and I'll come back to this idea. Thank you for helping me!
Victoria Nghi