Volunteer Activities

These are some of the types of activities that volunteers for Hearth perform. Please don't hesitate to introduce other interests that may not be posted.

Concierge at Ruggles Assisted Living Community Greet visitors and residents at Ruggles's front desk.
	The concierge answers the phone, takes messages, sorts mail, and does other light clerical work. This is an excellent opportunity to interact with the residents and staff, get an in-depth view of a how a nonprofit housing program works, and learn all about Hearth. Requirements: Ability to do light clerical work Available during the day Monday and Tuesday afternoons Thursdays A love for the elderly
Food Drives for Homeless Elders Provide food to homeless elders.
	Since 1995, the Outreach Program at Hearth has been assisting homeless elders in their housing searches. However even when we house our elderly friends, they have little income for food and personal items after paying the rent, security deposit, and moving expenses. Hearth's Outreach Team goes into homeless shelters to help impoverished elders find housing and give them non-perishable foods, new and full-sized personal care items, subway tokens, food/gift cards, and phone cards. In order to offer these items, the Outreach Program at Hearth depends on donations from directed collections organized by people like you. For more information, visit our Food Collection page, or please contact Jennifer Hartwell at (617) 369-1565 or send her an email. Requirements: Putting on the food drive during a set time period (from one meeting to a full week) and scheduling it in advance. Advertising Hearth's list of specific needed items via email, signs, intranets, and/or newsletters Collecting items, inspecting the to ensure they are appropriate, and acknowledging donors if asked Scheduling delivery of donated items to the Outreach Program offices.
Adult Education Enrich the lives of Hearth's residents.
	Teach basic computer skills, exercise, needlework, sewing, literacy tutoring, cooking/baking classes, reading aloud, books on tape, or any other appropriate class you can think of! Requires patience and appropriate teaching skills.
Clerical Work For volunteers who enjoy “behind-the-scenes” support.
	Help Hearth staff keep the residences running smoothly. Assist with events planning, grant management, mailings, filing, and general office help. Departments that most often need help are Finance, Property Management, and Outreach. Computer and organizational skills required.
Entertainment Make elders’ afternoons or evenings memorable with your talents!
	Lead sing-a-longs, games, cards, puzzles, poetry readings, or perform vocal or instrumental music, dancing, magic tricks, performance art and more. Requires appropriate entertainment skills.
Friendly Visitor/Companion Be a friend to an elder.
	Provide residents with quality visiting time. Requires commitment of at least six months and to maintain a set schedule determined by Hearth resident and companion. Must be responsible and reliable, have good listening skills, and ability to provide good, trustworthy, comfortable companionship.