HANDS ON Volunteering

Volunteer Services Agency Inc., a United Way Agency, is now HandsOn Volunteer Network of the Valley, the local resource for volunteer recruitment, placement and management for people of all ages and abilities. HandsOn 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, or to explore ways you can get involved, contact HandsOn at (330) 782-5877.

OPPORTUNITIES:

First Night Youngstown: Volunteers are needed for this annual alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Youngstown. You can help by greeting people, selling admission buttons, or helping with special events and performances. All volunteers who work at least three hours between 5 p.m. and midnight will receive free admission to all the festivities. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Contact us today to sign up.

Non-Profit Board Development and Leadership Training Series: HOVN, as part of its Non-Profit Development series will again be offering board training and development for nonprofits beginning in January. The sessions will be at the Park Vista Gathering Room from 9 a.m. to noon on these dates: Jan. 10 and 24, Feb. 7 and 21, March 7 and 21. This comprehensive training is designed for people who have no previous governance experience, or those who would like to update knowledge and skills. Each session is directed by two or three community leaders with extensive knowledge of the nonprofit sector. If you’d like more information, call Maureen Drummond at (330) 782-5877.

Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is still looking for volunteers for its annual Kettle Drive that began in mid-November. The famous red kettles need volunteers to spend two to four hours helping to raise needed funds to support increased demand for food and emergency assistance. This is a great opportunity for families, groups and organizations. Call HOVN today to schedule your shifts. Help is especially needed in Boardman, Canfield, Austintown and Poland. Shifts run in two or more hour increments from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Senior Services Committee of Mahoning County: People who have an interest in talking with people about issues relevant to aging are needed to conduct 3- to 5-minute telephone surveys to determine public opinion about the needs and services of our aging population now and for future planning. Survey volunteers will be calling registered voters throughout the county. Call HOVN for more information about scheduled dates.

Hospice of the Valley Patient and Family Volunteers Upcoming Training: Act as extension of the family in providing support to the patient and caregiver. Companion volunteers are trained to handle all situations which may arise while they are in the patient’s home. These volunteers provide companionship and friendship; perform simple chores and run errands; offer caregiver respite by sitting with the patient so the caregiver can attend to other tasks in, or outside, the home; transport the patient to outside appointments; offer grief and bereavement support to families. Call HOVN or Hospice of the Valley at (330) 788-1992.

Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way: Help United Way Youngstown/Mahoning Valley and learn more about what they do to make our community a better place to live by joining the staff at United We Dine at local restaurants Monday, Dec. 15 and 22. For more information, call United Way at (330) 746-8434.

Habitat For Humanity Mahoning County: Volunteers needed to help in the organization’s re-store by checking people out, stocking shelves and general store maintenance if you have an afternoon or Saturday.

Sunshine of Warren/Trumbull: Volunteer receptionists are needed Monday through Friday, flexible hours. Contact Kristen Gallagher at HandsOn Volunteer Network of the Valley in Trumbull County at (330) 393-4254 or Rosalynn at Sunshine (330) 393-5775.

Foster Grandparent Program of Trumbull County: FGP could use people to help answer the phone and providing data entry on Fridays. Contact Kristen Gallagher at HandsOn in Trumbull County or Virginia at Foster Grandparent Program (330) 373-6480, ext. 227.

Warren Interfaith Community Action Committee: Are you a certified electrician looking to volunteer your time to help an organization? The Warren Interfaith Community Action Committee needs you to help get their community center up to code and ready for renovations. Contact Kristen Gallagher at HandsOn in Trumbull County or Walter at Warren Interfaith at (330) 394-4423.

The Camelot Center: Help wrap Christmas packages at the Eastwood Mall. Also, volunteers needed to help fill their shifts. Contact Kristen Gallagher at HandsOn in Trumbull County or Debbie at Camelot (330) 889-0036 for dates and times.