National Multiple Sclerosis Society

I recently began volunteering weekly at the National MS Society. I have participated in the Boston MS Walk for over 7 years, and am serving on the Boston Walk Committee for the 2009 walk.

They really have their act together when it comes to preparing for volunteers.

Unlike other non-profits I've volunteered for, they always have a task prepared for volunteers upon their arrival.

If walkers need to receive walk packets, assembly line stations will already be set up by the time you walk in the door.

You really feel the organization values the time you're donating. Brenda Barbour, Director of Volunteer Development, makes sure you enjoy your volunteer experience by matching your expertise with the MS Society's needs.

I just took my wife off life support last night, because her MS has closed her throat, not allowing anything to pass thru (food, water and meds). I was trying to tell Sherry at the MS society this and how I thought that it might help for people to know that MS does kill, but she decided to argue with me rather than just listen to a man with a dying wife. I finally screamed at her that I don't want to argue with you I was just offering you my experiences. I had the MS society in my will, but this is the straw that broke the camels back, I'm taking them out.

These guys are totally focused on getting funds only. There is very little MS family support. In fact my wife has had MS for over 30 years, and they still don't know who I am when I call there. I begged them for years to get a central database so they could at least make us think they know the families with MS in Massachusetts. I believe they finally did get a database, but they don't use it when you call unless you ask for something. They have done the worst job of any organization like this. How about supporting the families and caregivers with MS. If you want an example of a well run organization take a look at the Alzheimer association. If you call them with a problem they will continue to call you back until they make sure everything is ok. Unheard of at the MS society. My money is going to the Alzheimer society. Bu\y the way I have probably raised more money over the years than most, because I ran every turkey day 5k since they were in Hudson at the brewery. I've also biked the 100 milers for them and even did a MS boxing match. The return I get for this is someone arguing with me when my wife is on her death bed. Thank you MS society the errors of your ways will catch up with you.

I volunteered for the MS Volvo 5K run on Thanksgiving Day. Because really, who doesn't want to volunteer at 7AM on turkey day? :) I was assigned to food prep for the runners.. slicing bananas and bagels while chatting with other participants and volunteers. After volunteering through Boston Cares, I realized that the run would interfere with something else I had volunteered for at 10AM. Both Brenda Barbour, the director of volunteer development, and Sandy Baldi were both very nice and accommodating and I was able to go to both (and on time). It was actually pretty awesome helping out that morning and seeing all those that were taking time to do something extra special on their Thanksgiving. I even bumped into two volunteers that were getting married the next day. Love and volunteerism = Long marriages. haha..

The New England Chapter of the National MS Society is a great resource for people with MS, along with their friends and families. There are tons of links/forums/programs including dinners, phone/in person support groups, message boards, educational/advocacy links etc. on their website.

If you'd like to volunteer throughout the year they have lots of walks in New England, the Thanksgiving run, and four bike rides. If you're in the Waltham area, they also need help in the office with everything from admin work to event planning.

And of course if you'd like to participate in any of these events by fundraising or being a runner/walker that is also great! And for all you super athletes, they look for people to represent them for the Boston Marathon.

MS may not be the "hip" cause these days without celebrity backing (RIP Richard Pryor), but they're definitely worthy of your time. Check out their website for more details on MS and the New England chapter!