Volunteer Wayne
By Other
Published in News on April 25, 2004 2:05 AM
Volunteer Wayne offers opportunities to serve Wayne County for all ages. This service is provided by Volunteer Wayne and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at Wayne Community College. Contact Joy Pearce at 735-5151, extension 336, or at www.volunteersolutions.org/uwwc/volunteer for more information.
Volunteer awards -- Volunteer Wayne/RSVP is accepting nominations for the 2004 North Carolina Awards for Outstanding Service. Individuals, businesses, and/or groups are eligible to be recognized for their outstanding contribution to the community. Each county may select five individuals, businesses, and/or groups for this award. The Wayne County winners will be recognized at a reception in their honor in late summer. The Governor's Office will hold another special event for all the regional winners in the fall. Nomination forms are available at the Volunteer Wayne/RSVP office. The deadline for submission is April 30.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Man the store -- Thrift store can use your help sorting and pricing merchandise and assisting customers with their selections. Hours of store operation are Monday through Friday 9-5, Saturday 9-1. Store benefits home construction program. This would be a good opportunity for a church group or several individuals.
Teach water safety -- Growing program urgently needs 15-20 volunteers! Over the last few years, this program has grown from one day to five days and will serve 500 children. You can ensure children are ready for summer water activities by assisting with Water Safety Awareness Days during May 3-7. Shifts available are 9:30-10:45 and noon to 1:45 any of those days. Volunteers will man one of several stations where elementary school children learn how to have fun and be safe around water. Your participation in this program may save a life! Call now to schedule your shift.
Postal carriers food drive -- Volunteers are needed to assist in sorting food and delivering food to agencies on Saturday, May 8. The agencies that will be involved in this year's Food Drive are United Church Ministries, Community Soup Kitchen of Goldsboro (formerly St. Stephen's Soup Kitchen), The Lighthouse of Wayne County, The Salvation Army, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and City Rescue Mission of Goldsboro. Volunteers will be placed either at the Berkeley Post Office or the Main Post Office on William Street. Times needed are 2:30 p.m. to about 6 p.m.
Reach Out and Read -- Volunteers in clinic waiting rooms read aloud to children there for wellness checkups. They show parents and children the pleasures and techniques of looking at books together. A National Pediatric Intervention Literacy Program that targets children from months to five years old, Reach Out and Read is a collaborative effort to impact literacy in preschool age children.
Use your leadership skills -- So many volunteers have responded to the Embrace the Miracle Project that a volunteer coordinator is needed. This program helps prepare mothers for their role as a parent. You will schedule volunteers to assemble baskets of educational items and samples, and deliver baskets to the Maternity Ward at Wayne Memorial Hospital. Flexible hours.
Helping hands for fund-raiser -- Home construction program for low-income families can use your help for their Silent Benefit Auction on Thursday, May 6. Tasks include setting up for the event starting at 3:30 p.m., several activities during the fundraiser and clean up following the event.
Build character and athletic skills through baseball -- There is a new game in town for inner city children. The Jackie Robinson Baseball League can use the talents of individuals, churches, fraternities and sororities to ensure success for inner city kids as they learn respect and life skills through sports. Meetings are held every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Goldsboro Housing Authority Building on the corner of Jefferson and Beech Street. Sign-ups begin April 27 at Herman Park from 10-noon. Help prepare for a great season when the league starts playing on June 5.
ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES
Supervise and transport inmates for garden project -- Remember the beautiful gardens next to what is now the Community Arts Council on Spence Avenue? Three Eagles Rotary Club of Goldsboro has launched a three-year project to restore them to their former beauty. The club has already cleared unwanted vegetation and is preparing for the next phase. Inmate labor from the Federal Prison at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will speed up this project, however, transportation to and from the base and supervision of the inmates is the missing piece. Inmates from the minimal security facility will be carefully screened. Supervisory training will be provided. One individual or several can participate during the hours from 8-4, Monday through Friday.
Ensure humane treatment of animals -- Assistance with upcoming fund-raising events for an animal welfare agency is fun and worthwhile. Just some of the activities are the Dog Wash, Fur Bowl, Photo Contest, and Yard Sale. Are you a good motivator? Your leadership is needed. The search is on for a board member to develop this organization's volunteer base. Can you set up a tracking system? You may be the one to join this dedicated group that advocates for our furry friends.
Provide hospitality -- Leisure center can use your talents to ensure their patrons enjoy their visit. Tasks include making games and cards available to senior citizens, signing in visitors, restocking supplies, and replenishing beverages. Share a smile and just a little of your time with senior citizens. They will be so appreciative! Various times are available during Monday through Friday with some evenings.
Help girls realize their full potential -- Adult volunteers can select from a wide variety of volunteer opportunities around their individual schedules. Take time to help the girls in your community. Serve as a member of the Board of Directors, troop committee member or special events coordinator. Program includes a myriad of enriching experiences, including field trips, sports skill-building clinics, community service projects, cultural exchanges, and environmental stewardships. Find out how you can help shape the future of Wayne County.
An opportunity to broaden the world of geriatric patients -- You can make a real difference in the life of an elderly person who cannot read. This geriatric patients program needs reading tutors. If you are over 18 years of age and willing to assist seniors over 65 to learn how to read, you can expand the world of another human being.
Bring music to their ears -- Can you play the piano? A congregate meal site for senior citizens can use your talent! This program allows the elderly to come together 5 days a week for a hot nutritious meal, fellowship, recreation, and education. It also reduces boredom, isolation and depression for the individuals that participate. You can select which one or more day per week or month, according to your schedule, during lunchtime, Monday through Friday.
Help keep our children safe -- Home Alone Program is looking for volunteers to teach first aid, Internet safety, and child abduction prevention. The time commitment varies from as little as six hours (including training) to as much time as you wish with this worthwhile program.
Bring history to life -- Creativity is a plus for this opportunity. A few hours a week are all that is needed to help promote a non-profit dedicated to preserving our heritage. Responsibilities include coordinating publicity for donations, special exhibits, and events.
Home construction for low-income families -- Skills of all levels are needed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can work alongside a family while they earn "sweat equity" to achieve home ownership. Will train.
Transport disabled veterans -- Drivers will receive a free physical and training before transporting disabled veterans to and from hospital appointments in Greenville, Durham, and Fayetteville. Even one day or more per month would help. You can return the favor to veterans for their service to our nation.
Visit Volunteer Wayne on line! You can now find your volunteer niche online at www.volunteersolutions.org/uwwc/volunteer or www.unitedwaywaynecountync.org. United Way has generously provided this service to encourage more people to become involved in our community. Seniors can also see us at www.joinseniorservice.org provided by the Corporation for National Service. Volunteer Wayne is funded by United Way of Wayne County. RSVP is primarily funded by the Corporation for National Service through Senior Corps.