HELPING HANDS Volunteering

Volunteer Services Agency is the resource for volunteer recruitment, placement and management in the Mahoning Valley. It sponsors the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, which places people 55 and older, and the Volunteer Center, the clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities. For more information, call RSVP at (330) 782-6171 or the center at (330) 782-1220.
SHORT-TERM OPPORTUNITIES
Goodwill Industries: Volunteers needed for amblyopia (vision) screening. Training provided. The volunteer chooses the day(s) of scheduled screenings.
Mahoning County Council for Retarded Citizens: People needed for the council's six-week Camp Rachel summer camp. Responsibilities may include feeding children, diapering young children and assisting with outdoor play.
Special Olympics: People needed to hug participants as they cross the finish line for the Special Olympics event June 9 at Austintown Fitch High School.
Ohio State University Extension (4-H Youth Development): Various community events.
CAN YOU HELP?
Volunteer help also is needed for these agencies:
American Red Cross: People needed to assist with disaster services, public relations, service to military families, clerical work and health and safety services.
Arms Family Museum of Local History and Mahoning Valley Historical Society Library: Museum suitcase presenter needed to work with the curator of education to develop and present additional programs. Also, research volunteer needed to help the archivist on Saturdays, research and answer mailed inquiries from patrons on local history and genealogy, and locate files, pictures and other documents used by researchers.
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Mahoning Valley: Mentors needed for children ages 7-15. Adults will provide guidance and friendship while establishing a long-term relationship with the child. Background check required.
Family Services Guardianship Program: Volunteers will be assigned to one client each and will visit, provide transportation and do some shopping for that person. The volunteer reports to the guardian on developments.
Glenellen Senior Suites: Volunteers needed to play cards with, walk with, or paint nails for residents.
Help Hotline: People needed to provide telephone crisis intervention, information and referral, suicide prevention, and after-hour agency screening for a four-county area. A six-month commitment is expected. Spring training is provided Mondays from April 30 to June 4 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. and June 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Potential Development Program: Volunteers will help teachers, greet children, assist with snacks and clothing and supervise children.
Safe Kids Coalition: People needed to go into the community to correctly install car seats and teach parents proper installation procedures. Office help is also needed.