When many Americans think of retirement, thoughts of golf or travel plans may come to mind, but volunteering their time also ranks at the top of a year-round to-do list for many retirees. Volunteering opportunities are readily available to residents at Mount Miguel Covenant Village, a faith-based, not-for-profit, continuing care retirement community administered by Covenant Retirement Communities.
When many Americans think of retirement, thoughts of golf or travel plans may come to mind, but volunteering their time also ranks at the top of a year-round to-do list for many retirees. Volunteering opportunities are readily available to residents at Mount Miguel Covenant Village, a faith-based, not-for-profit, continuing care retirement community administered by Covenant Retirement Communities.
“I have always been one who likes to help others, and Mount Miguel gives up plenty of opportunities,” said Joanna Meckley, 84. “I no longer drive, and they are pretty good about supplying transportation to residents.”
One of the activities offered by the senior living community is a chance to volunteer at New Season’s Church in Spring Valley. Once a month, a group of residents will take a shuttle bus to the church and help re-package industrial-sized crates of fresh produce into smaller, individual packages that will be redistributed to those in need.
“There are crates of oranges or kale and we will spend a few hours repackaging the produce,” Meckley said. “I like seeing the good works done by these charity organizations, and I enjoy interacting with people who are not as fortunate as I am. Volunteering is a rewarding and good way to give back to the community.”
For Mount Miguel Resident Services Director Margo Bule, scheduling a plethora of opportunities is all part of the active lifestyle that abounds in the community, including a recent Habitat for Humanity construction project and a trip to the San Diego Rescue Mission to lend a hand to help serve the evening meal to guests who frequent the mission.
“We have a large, active population here at Mount Miguel and offer the residents a variety of planned activities,” Bule said. “We offer volunteer opportunities that not only our independent residents may participate in, but some that are also open to our assisted living residents and skilled nursing residents who enjoy participating in volunteer programs.”
Resident involvement from a variety of healthcare levels is beneficial to everyone, says Meckley.
“It is important for people to know that once they move to a retirement community, they can continue to live and give,” she said. “We have people that need walkers or who can’t stand for a long time, but they can sit and package up food. When you retire, you keep living your life. Some people have a state of health where they can’t do much, but Mount Miguel also offers activities on campus, too, to help others.”
