In Israel, once a person finishes high school, and turns 18, he has to join the army. The army released me a year and a half because of a health problem. (more about my health issues and opinions about the army in the future).
So this summer, I decided that I want to volunteer somewhere. I didnt want to get a job like most people. I plan on getting a full time job after I finish college, so this summer I wanted to help. now, the reason I want to volunteer is to help people, and maybe change their life a bit. I didnt want money, or "good for you" comments from people. I just wanted to help.
So I went to the biggest community center in the city. I asked if there's anything I can do to help, and volunteer somehow. and she laughed. laughed in my face. I was in shock. I couldnt believe it. no wonder the world hates us so much. they should. anyway, she wasent completly useless. she gave me a phone number of a guy who is in charge of the whole volunteering in my town. so I called him, and we set a meeting.
I came in, talked to him, and said that I would really like to help somehow. he gave me a couple of options: help in the court, helping people to fill out forms. people who cant speak hebrew. he said they are looking for people like me, who know both russian and hebrew. another option was to help people with down syndrom, and spend time with them. another option was to be a guide at a sports camp, for kids. he said he'll talk to the people in charge of all of these things, and they'll call me.
I was waiting 2 weeks for a call, and nothing happend. so I decided I go to visit him again. he was shocked noone called me, and said he'll work on it. 1 week later I decided to go to this youth center, and maybe talk to them about something, and they closed the place. I went to the Studio where people learn hebrew, and offered my help, they said they dont want it. I went to a bunch of community places and noone wanted my help.
feeling sad and frustrated, I decided to give up. after searching the entire city where to help, noone wanted it. I assumed someone would. oh well... I guess now it's too late. I will start colllege in September, and then right after it I'll try to get a job. no more volunteering. sad.
You'll always be able to find someone or something to help if you look in the right place. Nothing you'll be able to volunteer for at college at all? I don't know how anything works in Israel.
My cousin had to do more than 30 hours of community service and he had a really hard time finding one, even here.
Fortunately he found some service. Around here, the easiest way to volunteer is by going to a homeless shelter early in the morning and serve breakfast to the homeless, which is what I do about a couple Saturdays or so.
i think it's great that you tried so hard to find people to help. don't give up though, i'm sure you will have opportunities to volunteer at other times.
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