HELPING HANDS Volunteering

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.

OPPORTUNITIES:

Canfield Fair: The Canfield Fair, which runs from Aug. 27 through Labor Day, is fast approaching and nonprofit organizations will need your help to staff informational booths. If you’re interested or your organization needs help, call VSA.

Phone surveyors: Do you like to talk to people about their opinions? The Mahoning County Senior Levy Committee is looking for volunteers to call individuals throughout the county to survey people about the needs of residents related to aging services. Shifts are available during the day, evenings and weekends. Volunteers must be at least 18 years, have a high level of maturity and a clear and audible telephone voice.

Mahoning Safe Communities: Volunteers are needed to work at the Safe Communities booth at the Canfield Fair to located just outside the Government Building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 2-6 p.m. You will help Mahoning Safe Communities and the Operating a Vehicle Impaired Task Force spread the word about their work in the community through the fair’s six-day run. Volunteers will receive a free ticket into the fair and training before their shift(s). Volunteers must be 18 or older. Contact Corrie at (330) 782-5877.

Trumbull County Foster Grandparent Program: Volunteer needed to perform data entry and light clerical work on Fridays between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. The volunteer may choose the hours they would like to work each week. Basic computer skills are required. Training will be provided.

Youth Mentors: Volunteer Services Agency Inc. invites high school students to serve a year as a youth tutor and mentor with the Youngstown STARS After School Program. Mentors will serve an hour or two between 3:30 and 6 p.m. on their chosen day(s) to assist children at Taft or Williamson elementary schools with reading and enrichment activities. In addition, mentors will assist elementary pupils with developing and carrying out service projects. Mentors will go through an orientation and receive ongoing training and support throughout the year. An application, signed parent waiver and references are required. Contact Corrie Adams at (330) 782-5877.

Transform Your Community: VSA will be recruiting volunteers at the Grey to Green Festival in Wick Park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 13. If you are interested in being involved in upcoming environmental projects like tree planting, conducting a tree inventory, litter cleanup, planting and growing sustainable community gardens, or recycling programs visit us at our booth at the festival to get involved. Volunteers are needed the day of the festival to assist with setting up from 8:30-11:30 a.m. or cleaning up from 6-8 p.m. Volunteers must be able to lift tables and chairs and transport them to vehicles.

VITA Tax preparers: The VITA Program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income (generally, $40,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Certified volunteers receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and other convenient locations. Training will be in January for the start of the 2009 tax season.

Grow Youngstown: Community Sponsored Agriculture supports local farmers, provides fresh fruits and vegetables to urban communities, and fosters a relationship between individuals and the earth. Grow Youngstown invites you to get involved a few hours a week by adopting a city garden, harvesting fruits and vegetables at a local farm, or assisting with logo design. Additionally, master gardeners are needed to volunteer two to four hours a week to share their knowledge with individuals and families that are assuming responsibility for new food gardens in their community. Contact Corrie Adams at VSA.

Trumbull County Citizen Corps: Ohio Citizen Corps engages citizens in hometown preparedness through public education and training. The OCC’s mission is to establish a pool of volunteers who will supplement first responders in the event of a disaster. We are looking for people to serve in a leadership capacity in Trumbull County as part of a Citizen Corps Council. All applicants will go through an interview process before selection. Call VSA for details.

American Red Cross Services Armed Forces Training: The Mahoning Chapter in Boardman, 8392 Tod Ave., off McClurg Road, is offering free training in one of its most important operations, Services to Armed Forces, from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. Trained volunteers will then provide a vital link to communication and offer other assistance to military personnel and their families anywhere in the world.