Samantha had only planned to participate in an Alzheimer’s walk but ended up volunteering much more support on many levels.

Name: Samantha

Cause website: http://www.alz.org/

1. Please provide a short paragraph about your volunteer experience. 

I initially only planned on walking in the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s”.   I tried to raise money by asking friends and family, but then decided that I could exponentially increase the donations by hosting a fun event in a local bar.  My best friend and I teamed to get items donated for our raffle and silent auction, and we ended up raising over $8,000!  All donations go toward research, support for those with the disease and their families, and ultimately to help find a cure!

There are several different opportunities throughout the year with the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Dallas. Please see below.

Office Administrative Work: Help with office activities such as answering the phone, stuffing envelopes, copying materials, folding letters, distributing materials, gathering information on county services and assisting in the recruitment of volunteers.

Health Fairs: Increase awareness of the Alzheimer’s Association by attending health fairs to staff a booth, provide handout information, and interact one on one with members of the community.

Helpline Specialist: Provide information and referral to patients, caregivers and professional providers via the phone. Requires interview with a Helpline/ Resource Coordinator, and you must be available to work a 3 hour shift each week.

Public Policy: Be involved with public policy issues by attending legislative hearings and participating in meetings with legislators in your local community as well as in Austin and Washington, D.C.

Speaker’s Bureau: The Association provides speakers for presentations on various aspects of Alzheimer’s disease. If you have good presentation skills and enjoy speaking to groups, this could be for you!

Special Events: There are two ways to become involved with our special events.  Be on a committee for a special event and help the Association raise the funds it needs to serve the community, or volunteer for the day of the event run smoothly.

Support Group Facilitators:  Hold meetings to provide emotional support and information sharing for family members and caregivers.

2. What were you expecting going into this volunteering event? Did those expectations change at all once you were done volunteering?

Honestly, I was not really expecting much, but only because I was just planning on participating in the walk.  The great thing about working with Alzheimer’s Association is that you can do as little to as much as you want while volunteering.  As I started learning more about the disease and organization, the more time I wanted to spend volunteering. 

3. What was one thing you saw or did today that you’ll remember from today’s volunteering event?

It is amazing how many people have been directly affected by the disease and it was a great feeling to be doing something to help the cause.

4. As an “experienced” volunteer at this cause, what would you tell someone who’s interested in volunteering at this cause for the first time? 

I was not an experienced volunteer at this cause, but I will continue to work with them each year. I would let them know that every little bit counts, and that just alittle time can really make a difference.

5. Are there any additional items people should know about volunteering at this cause?

Not that I am aware of.  There are year- round opportunities for people of all ages.

Thank you Samantha – keep making our community a better place!

Please leave a comment below.