Say you've been blessed to have no need to work a job anymore, have no dependents, are still in OK health and can get around without help. You guess it would be a good idea to give back to others who are worse off. Your friends, neighbors, extended family are all doing fine. Your chapel is focused on saving souls, and people there are too spread out and too busy with other things to keep a regular mutual assistance program going.

If you volunteer at something like a hospice, you could be expected to witness and maybe even do things that you know are wrong. If you volunteer at a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter, it's probably run by diocese hacks or some group that says that poverty is about systemic oppression. Even if you manage to do some good, you have to grit your teeth and watch what you say.

What do you do?

Go ahead and volunteer, be a good example to all, help all those god puts in your path while volunteering, if the management causes you trouble, then tell them why they are wrong and do what is right, if they do not like it, then they are free to let you go. That is what is nice about volunteering, you are freer to be yourself, as thy have no power over you since you do not depend on them for a paycheck. If God wills for you to be there, then all will work out, if not, then the doors will close on that opportunity.

If someone is posting this question here they've already gone through the usual channels of possible volunteer activities at their church. And has been pointed out many people live hours from their chapels. That comment about helping at church was very snarky and unnecessary.

It may not necessarily be true that someone is already aware of every possible option, that is why they are asking, and many appreciate hearing new ideas.  Someone may even become inspired to initiate a new effort that doesn't currently exist where they are.

Not every suggestion will be suitable for every person.  Not everyone can sew, knit, or quilt.  Not everyone can do heavy maintenance or yard work for their chapel or a senior.  Some don't drive and are reliant on rides or public transit (where available) to get to a volunteer activity, which limits their options.  Some don't live close to their traditionalist chapel and helping with things there on a regular basis and during the week would not be practical.  On the other hand, maybe they could take the linens and altar server vesture home after Mass on Sunday and bring them back laundered and pressed the next Sunday.  Maybe they could bring a casserole or pie for the priest.  Maybe they could bring fresh flowers from their garden for the altar.  When suggestions are made it is assumed that they won't be doable, practical, suitable, or possible for everyone, but among the many suggestions most would find something they could do.

In reply #23 AMDGJMJ gave several excellent suggestions that can be done by those who don't necessarily live close to their chapel.

I found the anonymous reply #22 to be very snarky and unnecessary.

It may not necessarily be true that someone is already aware of every possible option, that is why they are asking, and many appreciate hearing new ideas.  Someone may even become inspired to initiate a new effort that doesn't currently exist where they are.

Not every suggestion will be suitable for every person.  Not everyone can sew, knit, or quilt.  Not everyone can do heavy maintenance or yard work for their chapel or a senior.  Some don't drive and are reliant on rides or public transit (where available) to get to a volunteer activity, which limits their options.  Some don't live close to their traditionalist chapel and helping with things there on a regular basis and during the week would not be practical.  On the other hand, maybe they could take the linens and altar server vesture home after Mass on Sunday and bring them back laundered and pressed the next Sunday.  Maybe they could bring a casserole or pie for the priest.  Maybe they could bring fresh flowers from their garden for the altar.  When suggestions are made it is assumed that they won't be doable, practical, suitable, or possible for everyone, but among the many suggestions most would find something they could do.

In reply #23 AMDGJMJ gave several excellent suggestions that can be done by those who don't necessarily live close to their chapel.

I found the anonymous reply #22 to be very snarky and unnecessary.

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Yes. Someone could just say to the priest, "I have some free time and I would like to do something to help the church, but I can only come to church on Sunday."

Does anyone think the priest would say, "No, thank you, we already have all the help we need." Seriously? I have never heard of such a thing in all my born days.

Just because someone doesn't know how they can help out in such circuмstances, doesn't mean the priest won't be able to think of anything. And as I said, the best good work is one that is done directly for God.