Volunteer Services Agency Inc., a United Way Agency, is the local resource for volunteer

Volunteer Services Agency Inc., a United Way Agency, is the local resource for volunteer recruitment, placement, and management for people of all ages and abilities in the Mahoning Valley. Helping Hands is a monthly column that serves to communicate the impact that volunteering can have on our community. To express interest in one of the opportunities below, contact VSA at (330) 782-5877, or visit www.volunteerservicesagency.org. and click on the blue button for 1 (800) Volunteer.org

SHORT-TERM OPPORTUNITIES:

Canfield Fair volunteers: Many nonprofit groups need the support of volunteers throughout the fair’s six-day run to promote their mission and services to the public.

Second Harvest Foodbank: The agency needs immediate assistance with repacking bulk food products and food distribution this month. Flexible shifts available. Great opportunities for church groups, social/fraternal groups and families. Must be 14 to work in the warehouse.

Help Hotline: Do a collection project in your church, neighborhood or place of employment. Personal-care items needed such as soap, shampoo, shaving cream, deodorant, lotion, lip balm, slippers, socks, toothpaste and toothbrushes, combs, brushes, gloves scarves, hats and small purses. They will be donated to low-income and at-risk clients served by the agency.

Make A Difference Day: The event will be Oct. 27, but it is not too early to start thinking about a service project. On Make A Difference Day, millions of individuals across the nation gather to volunteer in their communities. Participation is simple. Get a group together and determine what need you want to address, develop a project and register it with VSA and recruit volunteers.

Teen Action Group: Students from Mahoning and Trumbull county high schools can represent their school as a member.

LONG-TERM OPPORTUNITIES:

Potters Wheel: Tutors needed for Adult Women who are actively seeking educational opportunities. The schedule is flexible.

Easter Seals: Volunteers needed for the agency’s Weekend Respite Helper program. ssist with children during weekend stays by playing games, reading books or just visiting. FiYou will afteen weekends per calendar year.

Project Opportunity: Volunteer tutors needed for adult nonreaders. Volunteers need to register for and complete a 12-hour training to use the Laubach Literacy Way to Reading designed for use with adults. Volunteers meet with their students once or twice a week at a mutually agreed location.

Goodwill Industries: Volunteers, working in teams, visit pre-schools to perform vision screening on 4- and 5-year-olds for ‘lazy eye’ and report any problems to the amblyopia program coordinator.

Paisley House: Person needed to assist with calling bingo and overseeing the residents.

Volunteer Services Agency: A business recycling liaison is needed. The Mahoning County Reuse & Recycling Program can assist local businesses in reducing costs associated with trash disposal by implementing a recycling program. Liaisons can help by contacting area businesses and setting up appointments for the businesses to learn more.

Youngstown-Mahoning Valley United Way: Volunteers needed to serve on various committees including public relations, campaign and community investment.

Tri-County Family Violence Prevention Co.: Volunteer needed to serve as a mediator between parents and teachers regarding student absenteeism on school days and during school hours.

Loghurst Farm: Numerous volunteer opportunities abound on the farm located on U.S. Route 224, Canfield Township. Loghurst provides an opportunity to experience the Western Reserve life including the pioneer settlement, secret Underground Railroad activity, 1900s truck farming and much more.

Interdenominational Youth Coalition: An opportunity for youth ministers, directors and teens from 13-18 from churches, faith congregations and religious organizations to participate in service projects as an extension of their faith. The coalition meets the second Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. at Volunteer Services Agency.