HELPING HANDS | Volunteering

Volunteer Services Agency, a United Way Agency, is a local resource for volunteer recruitment, placement and management for people of all ages in the Mahoning Valley. It sponsors three programs: 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 volunteer assistance. Call (330) 782-5877, or visit the VSA at 5500 Market St., Suite 106, Boardman between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
SHORT-TERM OPPORTUNITIES
Mahoning County Homeless Coalition: People needed to help with activities Friday for the "Stand Down for the Homeless" Day.March of Dimes: Volunteers needed to help with the MOD's Pumpkin Campaign this month.Salvation Army: People needed as bell ringers or who have musical talents to staff the SA's kettles during its fund-raising drive through December. Help also is wanted for Dec. 1-17 to sort, bag and distribute toys for Christmas.YWCA: Volunteers needed to assist staff with coordinating donations and delivering gifts to families through December.Youngstown State University: One person is needed to be a judge at the YSU's annual English Festival in April. Training provided.
CAN YOU HELP?
Long-term volunteer help is needed for these agencies:
Head Start (North Jackson): People needed to assist children with various activities or share a special talent with them.Ellsworth and North Jackson elementary schools: Volunteers needed to help children with reading and studies.North Jackson Elementary: Volunteers needed to assist the school nurse once a week for two hours.Hilltop Elementary, Canfield: People needed to work with the OhioReads program at the school that runs from this month to May.Volunteer Income Tax Assistance: Volunteers needed to help others with special needs prepare their basic tax returns. Training provided.Big Brothers/Big Sisters: People needed to serve as positive role models, especially for boys, and to become mentors for children ages 7 to 15.Boy Scouts: Volunteers needed to help with various activities.Camp Fire USA: People needed to become program instructors and assist with special events and clerical duties.Family Service Center: Volunteers needed to help with the center's guardianship program, which provides assistance to senior citizens.Goodwill Industries: People needed to help screen children for the eye disorder amblyopia (lazy eye). Training provided.Millcreek Children's Center: People needed to read to children and help them use computers one day a week.Neighborhood Ministries: Volunteers needed to become learning assistants and help instructors with children in grades kindergarten through six.Neil Kennedy Recovery Clinic: People needed to greet clients and prepare paperwork for intake.Potential Development Program: Volunteers needed to assist teachers, greet children, help at snack time and supervise children with their tasks.Second Harvest Foodbank: People needed to help sort and package food in the warehouse and assist with computer input and light clerical work.Sojourner House: Volunteer wanted to help as crisis line workers and as community educators.Citizen Corps: People will be trained to help when there is a local disaster. Someone also is needed to be a lead volunteer and make presentations and distribute literature about personal safety.RSVP: Volunteers 55 and older needed to share their life skills and help in the community.Volunteer Services to Seniors: The program is looking for dedicated people to assist senior citizens with grocery shopping, errands, reassurance calls or visits.