Are there any good charities to volunteer for in winter?

[runningbird]

It looks like I am moving in with my parents for a couple months, *bangs head against desk* and I need a way to get out of the house for a good amount of the day. Habitat For Humanity would be great for learning about construction but I doubt they're building right now in snowy Ohio. I can't think of anything else besides a soup kitchen, which would get old pretty fast. Suggestions, please??

[ns123]

Volunteering in a hospital - working with kids? Being a candy striper? Teach life courses at the United Way - like how to balance a checkbook etc. Volunteer at a women's shelter - to babysit or sort through clothes? Reading to the blind? Volunteer at a nursing home?

There are plenty of opportunities to give your time and your love. You just have to see it.

[Lauxa]

I volunteered at a hospital once but the program was super lame. It was working the information desk, basically just giving people instructions on how to get places, occasionally pushing a wheel chair. Your hospital may be better, but definitely ask what the program is before volunteering.

I was going to say reading for the blind before ns123 beat me to it. I had a great time at Habitat for Humanity, but like you said it might not be feasible in winter. There's also meals on wheels.

If your main goal is to get out of the house, why not get a job? Or maybe you could post services you'd be willing to do (cleaning, child care, fix-it jobs, errands) on craigslist... you could charge or offer to work for free for families in need.