Volunteer Wayne
By Don McLoud
Published in News on May 23, 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.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Spring cleaning? Donate unused tools -- Community garden restoration project can use your unused tools. Gather shovels, weedeaters, chainsaws, hoes, and other implements. They will be used to restore garden to its former state for all the community to enjoy.
Embrace the miracle -- Help prepare mothers for their role as a parent with this ongoing project. Each newborn in Wayne County will receive a basket of a variety of educational items and samples. Volunteers are needed to assist in assembling the baskets in late May. Also, assistance is needed with delivering the baskets to the maternity ward at Wayne Memorial Hospital at your convenience during the month of May. Some light lifting (under 30 pounds) may be involved. Individuals or a group of volunteer can participate. Assistance with data entry is also needed.
Collect clothing for migrant families -- You can help by contributing your unused clothing or be being a clothing collection point in Wayne County. Schools, churches, businesses, neighborhoods and individuals can all participate. All items will be picked up by APPLE, an interfaith, community based group working to address basic clothing needs of the migrant families in Wayne County.
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.
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 began March 27. Help prepare for a great season when the league starts playing on June 5.
ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES
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 6 months to 5 years old, Reach Out and Read is a collaborative effort to impact literacy in preschool age children.
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 fundraising 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.
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.
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. A few hours a week with a flexible schedule are all that is required.
Construct homes 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.