HELPING HANDS | Volunteering

Volunteer Services Agency, a United Way agency, is a local resource for volunteer recruitment in the Mahoning Valley. It sponsors three programs: the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, which helps people 55 and older use their life experience skills in their communities; Volunteer Service to Seniors, which provides assistance and companionship to the elderly living independently in their homes; and the Volunteer Center, which helps people of all ages connect with local nonprofit agencies that need assistance. For more information, call (330) 782-5877 or visit the Volunteer Services Agency at 5500 Market St., Suite 106, Boardman, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
WILL YOU HELP?
Volunteer help is needed for these agencies:
American Red Cross (blood services): People needed to assist with blood donor registration drive. Orientation and training provided. The ability to maintain confidentiality is a must.
Area Agency on Aging: Volunteers are needed for the agency's long-term care ombudsman program. People will visit residents in nursing facilities, be an advocate for residents' rights, educate residents and families about their rights and assist in resolving complaints. Ten hours of training, a background check, a medical check and a commitment of four hours a month required.
Easter Seals of Mahoning County: Volunteers needed for children's day-care and classroom activities, clerical assistance and maintenance help. A background check and physical exam required.
Goodwill Industries: People needed to be trained to screen children in area preschools for the eye impairment amblyopia. Also needed are people to sort books or to read and record printed material to be broadcast to the visually impaired.
Grace Place Medical Services: Volunteers needed during weekday hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Thank You Center to greet visitors, keep the center neat and orderly, collect vouchers for store items, and offer fliers and literature to center shoppers. Volunteers must be at least 18 and must sign a confidentiality statement.
Melnick Medical Museum: People needed to conduct museum tours.
Paisley House: People needed to visit with retired women during craft time and help them write letters and play board games.
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program: Seeking people 55 and older for volunteer service. Volunteers receive assistance with placement, supplemental insurance and recognition benefits.
Salvation Army: Thanksgiving volunteers needed for dinner and other lunch programs. Christmas program volunteers needed to sort, bag and distribute toys. People also needed to do clerical work and interviews.
STARS program: Older adult volunteers needed to tutor and mentor students in neighborhood schools in grades kindergarten through fourth. The Seniors Teaching and Reaching Students program is affiliated with the Youngstown City Schools.
Volunteer Service to Seniors: One-on-one companions needed for elderly people who live alone and have difficulty meeting their daily needs. Activities include home visits, weekly shopping and transportation for the elderly and disabled. A background check is required.