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: The

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: 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 volunteer 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.
SHORT-TERM OPPORTUNITIES:
Easter Seals: Volunteers are needed to wrap gifts at Barnes and Noble Book Sellers on Dec. 8 and 22.
Salvation Army: Bell ringers are wanted for the month of December. This is an excellent opportunity for families or for volunteering with your children. Also needed are people to help with the Christmas Assistance Program on Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 20.
First Night Youngstown: Volunteers are needed on the night of Dec. 31 for a variety of jobs, such as hospitality, activities, button checkers and admission sales.
Protestant Family Services: People can adopt a needy family for Christmas and provide a Christmas blessing through the giving of toys, clothes and food.
Loghurst/Western Reserve Historical Society: Volunteers can help with two events, Dec. 11 and 18 called "Christmas Candle Tours," and Dec. 17 called "An Olde German Christmas."
Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program: People are being sought to assist senior citizens by using computers to help make choices about the Medicare Plan D. This will occur several times monthly through February.
Hospice of the Valley: Will be training new volunteers through a five-week class that begins Jan. 13.
LONG-TERM OPPORTUNITIES:
Burdman Group: Volunteers are needed to mentor clients through daily activities, such as grocery shopping, general shopping, doctor visits or recreation.
Angels for Animals: People can help through animal care, cleaning, building maintenance or the education center.
Citizen Corps: Citizens are needed who are willing to respond to a disaster or emergency in their community. Training provided.
Meals on Wheels: Volunteers are needed to pack food and deliver it from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This can be done once a month or weekly, with a partner or alone.
Paisley House: Looking for someone to call bingo, play games, lead exercises or entertain the residents.
YWCA: People can help by bagging groceries any day of the week.
Girard Multi-Generational Center: Volunteers are needed to tutor, assist at social events, create crafts and assist with computer classes and the health clinic.
Protestant Family Services: Tutors are needed for grades K-4, for one hour a week at Mary Haddow School, Youngstown.
Volunteer Services for Seniors: Volunteers are needed to help senior citizens remain independent by assisting them with grocery shopping, doctor visits and reassurance calls.