The residents and staff of Valakampiai Social Services Home are delighted and proud that volunteers regularly visit the institution.
The contribution of volunteers to the overall positive atmosphere of the institution, the well-being of residents (and staff), the development of creativity, and engaging leisure activities is invaluable. Skaistė brings so many positive emotions to the residents by painting bright and colourful pictures together with them and later taking part in exhibitions. American volunteers are able to engage the residents so effectively that most of them readily participate in cooking activities, games, and dancing. Volunteer Olga always comes up with something unexpected and interesting for the residents, whether it is a trip to a bowling alley or a Christmas lunch at a restaurant. For one of our residents, we found a volunteer, Eugenija, who calls her from time to time and talks with her. The resident has no relatives who could visit or call her, so these calls from the volunteer bring her great joy – she, too, has someone close to her! Volunteer Ieva, who developed warm relationships with the residents and organized meditation sessions, walks, and film screenings for them, later became an employee of our institution.
December 5 is **International Volunteer Day**. To mark this occasion, we decided to ask a few questions about volunteering to our volunteers Skaistė, Eugenija, Ieva, Olga, Connie, a representative of the group of American volunteers, as well as to the residents and staff of our institution.
What colour would you use to depict your volunteering, or what symbol would you use to describe it?
Skaistė: “I would describe volunteering as white, perhaps with a few strokes of blue. To me, volunteering is something bright, good, and almost otherworldly. The blue strokes would represent the mind – my understanding of the love and friendship I experience, something that will stay with me for a long time. Volunteering at VSPN (Valakampiai Social Services Home) is a way of life for me, and nothing can replace these friendships.”
Eugenija: “Colour, symbol – a yellow sun.”
Connie, representative of the American volunteer group: “We would describe it as blue – like the sky, yellow – like sunlight, and white – like a glow or the unpredictably changing wind.”
Ieva: “I would depict volunteering in green and pink.”
Olga: “Colour… Probably yellow or orange.”
What values and life experiences influenced your decision to start volunteering?
Skaistė: “I have been volunteering for many years, since I was 23. I feel that it is something innate – it is not something taught at school or within families. From an early age, I wanted to help people without expecting anything in return. While I was living with my parents, I could not fully pursue this dream, but once I started working, I always donated part of my salary to those in need. At your institution, I discovered a sense of spiritual fulfilment, where material support is not needed and where so little is required – just time and attention. I will probably continue volunteering throughout my life and helping those who truly need it.”
Eugenija: “My friendship with Aleksandra began long before it was referred to as volunteering – unexpectedly and naturally. My daughter Viktorija, who works at Valakampiai Social Services Home, speaks of the people living here as being just like all of us. One day, when I called my daughter, I heard a cheerful voice – it was Aleksandra. We have been talking from time to time ever since. I am always amazed by how joyfully she tells me about everything: that she has been painting, working with clay, sewing, and that all the food is delicious…”
Connie, representative of the American volunteer group: “Our desire to serve others.”
Olga: “When I meet my friends (and now I can confidently call them that), I am filled with positive emotions, while all the negative ones disappear. It is difficult for me to answer what values and life experiences inspired me to volunteer. I came across your institution by chance and visited without any intention of coming back, but after my first visit, something stayed with me and kept drawing me back.”
Ieva: “It saddened me that people spend their time working for money or doing projects simply because they will look good on their CVs. I was even somewhat frustrated that this was so widely accepted and normalized (especially among students!). I simply wanted to do something that mattered to me, something I enjoyed, so I decided to volunteer. I believed that the experience would somehow prove valuable, perhaps even more valuable than I expected. And that is exactly what happened!”
What have you learned or realized about yourself and life since you started volunteering?
Skaistė: “I never really think much about helping others. As I mentioned, it comes naturally to me – it is simply my way of life. I remember the first time I helped someone: I was 14 years old and used my savings to buy some milk and a bread roll for an elderly man who was begging. It gave me an incredible feeling – a sense of happiness in my soul and an indescribable realization of how good it feels to give and share. At your institution, I find spiritual fulfilment and experience that feeling of seeing something genuine and sincere, something that is becoming increasingly rare nowadays. We live in a world where even opinions can be bought, so being here is the best therapy for my mind.”
Eugenija: “It is wonderful to realize how easily and simply you can bring joy to another person. I have learned how important it is in life to listen and truly hear others.”
Savanorių amerikiečių grupės atstovė Connie: Galėjimas matyti šypsenas bei džiugesį žmonių, kuriems patarnavome, veiduose, suteikė mums labai malonių išgyvenimų. Reikia nedaug pastangų, kad kitiems galėtum suteikti džiaugsmą. Gyvenimas yra per trumpas, kad galėtume nesidalinti savimi, savo žiniomis bei džiaugsmu su kitais. Beje, mums labai patiko apsikabinimai 🙂
Olga: “I experience so many positive emotions when I see Jonas, Juozas, Marina, and the others, when I arrive and hug them… It is very touching. I feel their genuine sincerity and the way they respond to my deepest emotions… I simply feel good being with them; there is no pretence. Thanks to them, I have realized that I have no right to complain about life. I feel happy, for example, when we go bowling, when I hear laughter and see my friends smiling. I miss you all very much.”
Ieva: “When I first started volunteering, I had no idea how to communicate with the residents, what they would be like, or whether we would get along. By the end of my volunteering experience, I could describe each of them individually, had spent time talking with everyone, and it was truly eye-opening. First of all, I realized that everyone has a completely unique personality and that putting labels on people does not really tell you anything about who they are. Secondly, you do not need to take special courses to know how to behave or communicate here – you simply need to be human and empathetic. And finally, I realized that we are all much more alike than we are different.”
In your opinion, who would benefit from volunteering?
Skaistė: “That is a really difficult question. I believe volunteering should come naturally. People should feel joy when volunteering and share love and positive emotions. If you think volunteering is merely a selfish escape from negative thoughts or difficulties in life, you are mistaken. I believe it is more important to know how to give, in every sense, rather than to receive. Then you will experience joy rather than simply seek personal benefit.”
Ieva: “Volunteering would be beneficial for people who are not satisfied with what they are doing or who are unsure of what they want. It is possible to volunteer while working or studying. For students, volunteering can be very useful in learning about the nature of work in different fields. For older people who lack emotional fulfilment or variety in their lives, I believe volunteering could bring a great deal of positive energy.”
Olga: “I think it is difficult to give advice on this. The most important thing is whether the person themselves feels the need to volunteer.”
Eugenija: “This kind of volunteering in particular – over the phone – would be beneficial for people who are lonely. I believe that conversations can be healing.”
What would encourage more people to start volunteering?
Skaistė: “This question has been very important to me personally for many years. You cannot force people to volunteer; you can lead by example, but not all of us are naturally inclined to empathize, give, and find joy in doing so. Perhaps this interview will even help us find a new volunteer :)))”
Eugenija: “There should be more awareness that it is possible to volunteer in this way – over the phone.”
Ieva: “Advertising.”
What do the residents of Valakampiai Social Services Home think about the volunteers, and what would they like to wish them?
Rūta: “I like it when the volunteers come to visit. Together we play games, dream, bake cookies, do crafts, draw with the American volunteers, go to Skaistė’s exhibitions, and we made pilaf with Olga. It is always wonderful to spend time with the volunteers. I would like to wish them happiness, good health, and lots of money. We love you.”
Jūratė: “I like it when the volunteers come to visit because I can talk and spend time with them. I enjoy cooking and playing games together with them. I am in a good mood and feel happy when I meet the volunteers. I would like to wish them good luck and good health, and I hope they will continue to visit us.”
Kristina: “I like it when the volunteers come to visit. I really enjoy talking with them, visiting them, and receiving gifts from them. I also enjoy playing basketball, dressing up, and painting pictures together. I feel happy and good when the volunteers come. I would like to wish them good luck and happy holidays.”
Aleksandra: “I enjoy talking on the phone with Mum (Eugenija). We talk about handbags, big beds, how things are going, sewing, toothache, little sheep, and how much I would like to meet her. Talking to the volunteer makes me feel good and lifts my spirits. I would like to wish her happiness, joy, good spirits, good health, and a Merry Christmas.”
Supratau. Toliau kiekvieną pastraipą versiu į anglų kalbą ir pateiksiu **atskirai, kad būtų patogu kopijuoti**. Virgilija: “ I like the volunteers. We play games, draw, dance, perform theatre, and eat together. We made potato pancakes with Skaistė, ate pilaf with Olga, and baked cakes and did crafts with the American volunteers. I am in a cheerful mood and feel good when I meet the volunteers. I would like to wish them good health, lots of friends, lots of money, and many friends.” v
And the staff’s thoughts on the volunteers’ activities…
ocial worker Justyna: “We always look forward to welcoming volunteers to our institution. Each of them is unique and brings something different into our lives. Some volunteers simply interact with the residents, while others engage them in various activities, entertainment, and excursions, bringing new colours into their lives. This is exactly what I expect from volunteers – sincerity and being present here and now. Most importantly, volunteering should benefit not only the residents but also the volunteers themselves. From their feedback, I can see that the volunteers themselves feel as if they are ‘walking on air’ – it uplifts them and brings them joy. I am extremely happy to see the bright eyes of both residents and volunteers and their sincere communication. Both sides become attached to one another, and the friendship continues even afterwards – they also keep in touch by phone. Attention, care, and sincerity are what I would like most from volunteers. Volunteering is not about coming, doing something, and leaving without any commitment. A volunteer can also simply be a person who wants to give a little of their time to others. It is particularly suitable for people who are overwhelmed by their daily routines and no longer see the colours of life. It is important to understand that a volunteer not only gives but also receives a great deal from the residents – sincerity, joy in life, faith, warmth, laughter, and time spent together. Therefore, volunteering is beneficial to everyone. Without a doubt, volunteers provide the greatest benefit to residents by giving them their time. It is the most important gift we can share with others, although not everyone is willing to do so. Every new volunteer brings a new story and new colours into our residents’ lives. Staff members also feel a great sense of joy because volunteers can help us move away from our daily routines and bring a burst of positive emotions into our work. Residents are eager to interact with volunteers and readily embrace new acquaintances and experiences. All these new experiences, impressions, and sincere interactions are the greatest benefit to our institution. Therefore, we always look forward to welcoming new volunteers and are delighted to have them with us.”
Occupational Specialist Viktorija Kuodytė: “We are delighted to have such a large group of volunteers whose care for the well-being and leisure activities of our residents is, in my opinion, extremely valuable. Volunteers come to us for different reasons: some because they enjoy it, others see it as a form of service, some find it pleasant and interesting to discover differences, while others simply enjoy doing good.”
Occupational Specialist Viktorija Kuodytė: “We are delighted to have such a large group of volunteers whose care for the well-being and leisure activities of our residents is, in my opinion, extremely valuable. Volunteers come to us for different reasons: some because they enjoy it, others see it as a form of service, some find it pleasant and interesting to discover differences, while others simply enjoy doing good.”
“I believe volunteering would be most beneficial for curious people who want to broaden their horizons and for those who are open to differences.”
“Thank you for being with us!”
“We sincerely thank our volunteers Skaistė, Eugenija, Ieva, Olga, the group of American volunteers, and their representative Connie for their meaningful work and generosity!”!
“You bring so many beautiful, bright colours into the daily lives of our residents! May your own lives also be filled with the most beautiful colours!”
Occupational Specialist Viktorija Kuodytė and
Deputy Director for Social Affairs Virginija Paulauskytė
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