Families with a “home on wheels” have the unique opportunity to plant themselves for extended periods of time in any location in the country, all from the comfort of their own home. While this makes a great way to vacation, RVs can also be helpful for the family that wants to use some of their time to volunteer their services to different organizations who may need help.
If volunteering more is on your plans for the New Year, here are a few places that you can use your love of travel, your passion to help, and your RV to volunteer around the country with Rock Springs RV Storage!
National Parks
Traveling to a national park can mean more than just a relaxing time away–you can also volunteer with the staff of the park in a variety of ways. Of course there are always needs for the cleaning up of the park, but there are many other needs for volunteers besides that! Hosting a campground, leading or assisting on hikes, working with local Girl and Boy Scout troops, or using artistic talents on behalf of the park are all options. Visit volunteer.gov and click on your travel location on the national map to find out about immediate needs! A bonus–those who volunteer at least twenty hours a week can live in the national park for free!
American Red Cross
This organizations offers a variety of ways to use your talents to serve the community, from medical skills, to things like languages or clerical skills. Your family may decide to mobilize after hearing about a national disaster, or they may choose a certain area to volunteer in–like volunteering at Veteran Hospitals, calling to thank donors, or helping with fundraising events.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity has a special program for RV dwellers called RV Care-A-Vanners, which lets individuals, couples, and families who want to travel the road and volunteer their skills participate in the many building projects that Habitat for Humanity initiates. But, more than just builders are needed and welcome–it’s a great way to meet other traveling families, use your skills, and make a difference!
Lighthouse Host
Considered a part of the National Parks, these lighthouses and the hosting jobs that come with them would be a wonderful way to learn and teach about a piece of history, while immersing yourself in the beauty of our national coasts. Sometimes, these locations are specifically tailored towards RVers, and can have special incentives and perks to lure you to volunteering at their sites.
Animal Caregivers
There isn’t one specific organization you have to stick with–there are many animal sanctuaries and habitats that are constantly looking for volunteers and often offer free RV hookups for your time. The tasks range from things like landscaping, office work, housework, and of course working with the animals. Desert Haven Animal Refuge in New Mexico is just one of many such organizations in the West.
As you can see, this just scratches the surface of all the volunteer opportunities available around the country. This doesn’t even mention opportunities at zoos, aquariums, museums, colleges, schools, food and homeless shelters, hospitals, nursing homes, thrift stores, and other places worthy of your consideration!
At Self Assured Storage, we love seeing our customers equipped with the tools they need to invest in our country in ways that bring them joy. When you’re not traveling, or when you’re ready to downsize and need a place to store your belongings during your travels, give us a call! Our helpful staff can get you all set up with a safe storage unit for your RV or belongings!
