Hospitals are always looking for volunteers - I'm sure if it's large enough, your hospital may have additional need. I volunteer in a small department at the hospital -and pretty much sit in front of a computer entering data or folding pamphlets - really, the only anxiety-provoking time is walking through the hospital around so many people. But once I get to my department, I feel really good about contributing.

There's also almost always a need for volunteers at the humane society - I was a cat socializer for 6 months - I would just sit in the cat rooms, let them come up to me, reach out to pet them, allow them to become more accustomed to their future families. Are you allergic to animals? I hope not!

Another option is to volunteer at the public library in your area - you may see children though and I understand that is difficult for you. I volunteered at my local library and just checked items in and out and played solitaire on the computer, putting items away when needed but there wasn't much standing or running around at all!

Volunteering can make you feel SO good - I hope you find an opportunity to try it!! And while wherever you volunteer will welcome your help, it's also much easier to take time off when illness requires it. My supervisor has told me a hundred times if not more that if I'm not feeling well, I should NOT feel bad about it, that while they appreciate my help, she encourages me to take care of myself first. It's a win-win situation!

Hey there. I understand the grief...I don't think I could be surrounded like that. I volunteered at a food pantry and it was a great experience. I was in charge of distributing food to those in need...we took donations from grocery stores and individuals and had an organized system of distributing donations to our clients. Also museums are a great environment. I'm not sure what you have locally but some may need volunteers from time to time.

I think that working in a gift shop would mean a lot of hours on your feet

I've volunteered at a shelter for youth... a distress centre (suicide hotline) and for wrongful conviction... I've just started volunteer work in a food bank but have only done one shift... I don't know if it's for me either... It's very physical

Perhaps look online and see what help they're looking for in your area or ask at the hospital if there's volunteer work that doesn't require a lot of standing... Good for you!!

I can't do any volunteer work, it's the same as working except for free.

I checked one of the local hospitals and I was actually surprised at how many positions are volunteer. I guess I just assumed a lot of them got paid. I think sitting at the information desk would be good for me or something like that.

Spacekat, I thought about the Humane Society but unfortunately I am allergic to cats. I have a cat but my doctor said since I've had her for so long I'm immune to her. He said no new cats for me. I'm not allergic to dogs though.