volunteer column
By Matthew Whittle
Published in News on November 23, 2008 2:00 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 Barbara Stiles at (919) 735-5151, ext. 702 or at www.volunteerwayne.org for more information. Teens can contact www.wayne teenzone.com.
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 helpyou find a rewarding experience where your contribution makes adifference in Wayne County. The following is just a sampling ofopportunities from 68 community agencies in the local area for
individuals, civic, church, and business organizations.
PERFORMING ARTS
You can be part of the arts here in Wayne County! Ushers, greeters, andticket sales are some of the ways you can help.
BUILD A SUCESSFUL FUTURE FOR GIRLS
No matter what your experience, age, or time available, there's a place for you to help a girl grow and learn.
MENTORS
Two programs in Wayne County hope you care enough to become a role model for youth. A youth empowerment afterschool program seeks both male and female mentors for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade boys and girls. Another program asks for two hours of your time each week to shape the life and
make a difference in the life of a child.
HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS
If you have a caring heart and a little time to share, join this worthwhile effort. Opportunities vary, with some involving direct care to individuals and/or their families, such as tuck-in or bereavement care. Other activities involve indirect service such as clerical tasks.
Many patients are glad to have someone visit with them or read to them, or perhaps run an errand for them.
MEALS ON WHEELS
Drivers are needed to deliver meals to homebound residents. When you bring the provided warm nutritious meal, you will also check on the individual's well being. Just an hour of your time will bring smiles!
HOSPICE MEALS
Pick up and deliver meals for hospice patients. Both noon and evening positions are available. Various days are available.
LOVE ANIMALS?
Foster homes are needed for abandoned animals. If you have a heart for animals you can shelter a furry friend until a permanent home can be found.
HOME CONSTRUCTION EFFORT
Help build homes for eligible low-income homeowners. All levels of skills are needed and training is available. Must be 16 years or older at the construction site, however, younger youth who would like to help with painting and landscaping will be called when those opportunities are available. Construction hours are 8 a.m.-3.p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
CLERICAL/OFFICE ASSISTANCE
Several agencies are seeking individuals to assist with some light filing, organizing, paper shredding, data entry, data collecting, and making copies. There are also positions for Internet resource research, grant research and writing, and word processing (typing manual updates, etc.) Additionally, you may help with the lending library or be a closet aide. Any weekday, any time between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
HORSE LOVERS
Brighten the day of disabled individuals by being part of this
therapeutic riding program. Many tasks are available to help the special needs rider.