Volunteer opportunities
By Other
Published in News on December 4, 2005 2:06 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 ext. 336 or at www.volunteersolutions.org/uwwc/volunteer for more information.
O llamar representatives de Latinos por Volunteer Wayne/RSVP: Gaspar Gonzalez, (910) 296-1851, o Willie Cartegena, (919) 735-5010 ext 116.
At Volunteer Wayne/RSVP, we recognize that all people have time and talents to share, and that communities are strengthened when people connect across their differences through volunteer service. Whether you have just one hour a month, or several days a week to share, we can help you find a rewarding experience where your contribution makes a difference in Wayne County. The following is just a sampling of opportunities from 68 community agencies in the local area.
HOLIDAY
OPPORTUNITIES
Just an hour or two will fill you with holiday cheer and bring joy to others. Bring a friend to double the fun. See us next week for even more holiday opportunities.
BLOOD SUPPLIES LOW
You can give the gift of life. With holiday schedules, blood donations are low. Unfortunately, holiday accidents resulting from increased travel create a higher demand. You can help by either donating blood or assisting those involved with blood collection (registering donors, giving them juice etc.).
RING THOSE BELLS
The Salvation Army is in need of civic groups, church groups, as well as individuals, to volunteer to be a bell ringer at their kettles. Just an hour will help the less fortunate right here in Wayne County.
SPREAD HOLIDAY JOY
Groups and individuals can bring music to Cherry Hospital patients during the holidays. Times are flexible. Excellent opportunity for church groups, especially youth groups, to make their holidays more meaningful.
WRAP IT UP
Students with the Mayor's Youth Council will be wrapping gifts as a fundraiser for scholarships from Dec. 13-24. Weekdays after school from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays and holidays from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sundays from 1-6 p.m.
WRAP IT UP II
Non-profit focused on domestic abuse needs extra hands wrapping gifts, weekdays from 8-5. Help ensure lots of smiles for families who could use some holiday cheer.
BRING A SMILE
TO A CHILD
You will make cheerful memories for children when you assist with this holiday party for kids on Dec 10th, 10-2. Non-profit focused on victims of domestic abuse needs a few extra hands to create a fun event that everyone will enjoy.
ONGOING
OPPORTUNITIES
INFORMATION SYSTEMS ASSISTANT
This opportunity is available Monday -- Friday anytime between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Information Systems Department of our local psychiatric center desires someone to help "clean up" approximately 100 old computers so they can be put on state surplus. The hard drives must be cleared which involves starting each computer to a diskette that will wipe them clean and completely free of data. Job requires the individual to be at least 14 years of age, complete volunteer orientation, have the ability to follow directions, and have the patience to accomplish the task, which takes 20 minutes per computer.
PATIENT LIBRARY ASSISTANT
One individual can help in the patient library at a psychiatric facility. Assistance is needed two days a week from 1-4 p.m. You can lend a hand cataloging books by bar code into the computer, returning books, videos, and CDs to their proper location, checking out materials to patients and staff, and maintaining library so that books, magazines, and newspapers are kept orderly. Must complete volunteer orientation, be over 18, and be able to interact with psychiatric patients.
MENTORS
CHANGE LIVES
Mentoring has proven to be a successful prevention and intervention for at risk youth. By just spending a small amount of time with a child, you will be a role model. You and the child will decide activities according to your availability and mutual interests. Time commitment varies from 1 to 2 hours a week, according to the different programs.
ENJOY READING?
This is the perfect opportunity for you! Volunteers deliver books and discuss them with homebound Wayne County residents. Volunteers will be required to drive their own vehicles but individual delivery routes will be confined to a small geographic area. Hours are flexible.
IN-HOME HOSPICE DIRECT CARE
Volunteers provide assistance in the home of terminally ill patients and their families. Assist by providing companionship, comfort, and emotional or spiritual support. Volunteer may read, write letters, run errands, or do some shopping for the family. Requires 2-hour minimum commitment per week -- flexible hours. Minimum age: 16 with own transportation.
DELIVER MEALS
The Mount Olive area WAGES Nutrition Program is in need of a few individuals to deliver meals to homebound individuals. In just an hour you can bring meals and earn smiles from appreciative seniors while checking on their well-being. Tuesday and Thursday are both available.
TEEN COURT
This program demonstrates the influence of positive peer pressure and allows young people to realize they can play a meaningful role in reducing crime in their communities whether it is at home or school. Adult and teen volunteers are needed.
BACK TO SCHOOL
You can be a part of the solution! Help our schools prepare students for a successful future. There are many ways you can contribute your time and skills. Assist children in developing reading skills or math. Assist in the office. Times are flexible and positions are throughout schools in Wayne County.
ENGLISH AS A
SECOND LANGUAGE
You do not have to be able to speak another language to help a student learn English. Students need help speaking, writing and listening to a native speaker of English. Positions are available in several schools.
AFTER SCHOOL
Foster a greater chance for children's success later in life. Several opportunities are available. You can assist with one-on-one homework help. Or take part in programs throughout the year, such as: Character and Leadership Development, Education and Career Development, Sports and Fitness, Health and Life Skills, and the Arts. These are ways you can share your expertise and help children develop healthy habits and relationships with adults.
LIKE PEOPLE?
Did you know that mean people do not give blood? That has been the experience of Red Cross Blood Collection staff. If you like people and have a pleasant personality you will enjoy greeting blood donors, have them sign-in, or serve them a beverage and snack after their blood is collected. Blood supplies will be depleted by the extensive recent disasters. You can help maintain an adequate supply of blood by being a greeter, manning the phone to schedule donor appointments, or donating blood. Hours are flexible with many dates from which to choose. You decide how much time you wish to serve. Training is available.
BALLOON BRIGADE
The Balloon Brigade delivers a special birthday wish to terminally ill patients at hospice center and to in-home hospice patients in Wayne County. With assistance from the Volunteer Coordinator, the Volunteer Organizer will be responsible for assisting with recruitment of volunteer teams, donations, and scheduling. Minimum age: 16 with own transportation. Hours vary and can be flexible to fit your schedule.
"THERAPAWS"
ANIMAL THERAPY
Visit a small group of psychiatric patients (usually no more than six) in geriatric unit with your pet on Mondays from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. You must be at least 18 years of age, able to interact with psychiatric patients and complete shot/health verification form for animal. Small dogs are preferred.
HOSPICE
MEAL DELIVERY
Do you have 30 minutes or more once a week (or more) to deliver meals to patients at local hospice center? Volunteers will pick up 12 meals from Brian Center and deliver to the center. The round trip usually takes less than 30 minutes. Opportunities are available 7 days a week at 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Dependability and commitment to the job are essential as patients depend on you to deliver their meals. If you say "yes" to this opportunity, you must be 16 years of age, possess a valid driver's license, and transportation. Training will be provided. Several slots are available, as well as substitute positions to fill in for vacationing volunteers. Ideal for individuals, church groups, or other civic organizations.
ANSWER PHONES AND
GREET VISITORS
Several agencies can use some assistance answering phones, greeting visitors, and other various activities. You may register volunteers, serve them food and drinks, or organize photos into a scrapbook to document the agency's history.
KEEP SENIORS ACTIVE
Assist with social activities within a Senior Center. Calling bingo and being energized about physical fitness are just a few of the duties you will be involved with that will provide opportunities for seniors to socialize and keep them healthy. Hours are from 9:30 a.m. The length of time depends on your availability.
CLERICAL ASSISTANCE
Office skills are needed for this position that will free staff for more complex duties. Filing, data entry, moving folders, labeling folders, answering phones, and other tasks will help various non-profits in their missions as they serve the residents of Wayne County. Flexible hours. Will train.
Volunteer Wayne Online! 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.