Volunteering is Rewarding, by Temi Horowitz, guest blogger

When I retired to Palm Beach with my husband Al, elelven years ago I thought I'd finally have plenty of time to do all the things I'd always wanted to do, but didn't have time for. Should take a course at the local college, try my hand at ceramics or painting or art appreciation? Perhaps, I would learn to play tennis or Mah Jongg.

Eventually, I took courses at F.A.U. in their L.L.S (Lifelong learning program); I joined a gym; I went bowling; I did try to learn how to play Mah Jongg, (I was terrible). I met friends for lunch. I was Busy, Busy, Busy.

It was all exciting and new, but, believe it or not, something was missing and I didn't know what. Then about five years ago, my husband became ill and we didn't leave the house, except to go to Doctors or the V.A. Hospital in West Palm Beach. While there, I heard about their volunteer program and I saw how much they seemed to enjoy helping people. I saw the camaraderie of the volunteers, and I decided to submit an application.

I was accepted into the program and I love it. I volunteer for about five hours, one day a week, which still leaves me free to take a course at FAU-LLS, go to the gym, and meet friends for lunch during the week. I'm happy helping others; it is very rewarding and I've made a batch of new friends. What could be better! And as my husband says, "It's one day less leaving money at the mall."

With the arrival of young Veteran Women, returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, the Veteran's Hospital in West Palm Beach is seeing young children accompanying their parents when they come in for appointments. Some of the Volunteers have taken it upon themselves to bring in books for children to read, which are put in the women's clinic. Although we would also like to get some crayons and coloring books, we were told that onlyCrayola "Colorwonder" Crayons and Paper were permitted, so we have ordered that from the Crayola Company. This product only works together and not on "any other surface." The children, of course, love them.

If anyone would like to contribute these items, or If you are interesting in becoming a volunteer, call the Veteran's Administration Medical Center, Volunteer Services, in West Palm Beach, at 1-561-422-7373. Temi is sure they would love to hear from you.

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