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

SHORT-TERM OPPORTUNITIES:

Huggers Wanted!! Are you a hugger? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you. Saturday, June 14, the Mahoning County Special Olympics Committee will be hosting the 39th annual Invitational Track & Field Meet at Austintown Fitch High School Stadium. Volunteer huggers are invited to come out and encourage the athletes as they compete in events including running, walking, standing long jump, soft ball throw, shot put and wheelchair events. In addition to hugging, volunteers are needed to help with transporting athletes to the awards stand. If you think this is the perfect opportunity for you, contact the Volunteer Services Agency today to register for the event.

The Rich Center for Autism: July 26, 120 volunteers are needed to “Give Autism the Boot.” Help man a collection “boots” or pails at this communitywide event. This would be a great opportunity for families or service groups! Shifts will be two hours long or longer if you choose.

Salvation Army Mahoning County Chapter: Mark your calendars now! Help with the Salvation Army Christmas Kettles. This is a great opportunity for families, social and fraternal organizations, civic clubs and groups of employees.

LONG-TERM OPPORTUNITIES:

Ohio Department of Aging: May is Older American Month and its theme is “Loving Life, Helping Others, Supporting Communities.” Volunteer opportunities are available for people of all ages to make a difference in the lives of our older Americans in the Mahoning Valley.

Antonine Sisters Adult Daycare: Play games, crafts, assist with meal times and assist with ambulating. Play cards, socialize and engage clients in meaningful activities and discussions.

Sunrise Assisted Living: Gather residents together for BINGO games and men’s card night, call out bingo numbers, shuffle the deck, encourage participation and distribute prizes, laugh and have fun!

Heritage Manor: Bake, garden, play an instrument, entertain — the options are unlimited at this family friendly facility.

Volunteer Services Agency: Contact them for more information about opportunities at these locations: Shepherd of the Valley campuses, Humility House, Marian Living Center, Glenellen Assisted Living; District 11 Area Agency on Aging Ombudsman Program.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Volunteer Service to Seniors: If you believe that we can make our community a better place, one day at a time, one person at a time; if you recognize that kind deeds can bring light back into the lives of our elder friends; if you want to find a way to add sunshine to someone’s day; if you would like your congregation or organization to learn more about how it can put its faith into action; call Volunteer Service to Seniors. The Faith in Action program brings volunteers to work together for our elderly friends and neighbors in Mahoning County. It’s easy, fun and will help you make the world a better place!

Hope House Visitation Center: Compassionate, understanding and empathetic volunteers are needed to assist with children/family custody exchanges, supervision of children, monitoring parent/child visits and light cleaning between visits. Availability during weekdays preferred.

Stop One Place Help Is Available Inc. (SOPHIA): Dedicated volunteers are needed to conduct interviews once a month on the second Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This opportunity involves assisting clients who have a variety of needs. Training will be provided.

Children’s Museum of the Valley: Various opportunities are available including, front desk receptionist, gift shop assistant, museum docent, program assistant and office assistant.

VISTA Volunteer: Get things done for your community, Ohio and America!

U Strengthen and expand disaster preparedness and response capabilities, focusing on low income and special needs populations through Ohio Citizen Corps.

U The Ohio Community Service Council is currently recruiting AmeriCorps VISTA members to be placed in Northeast Ohio.

U Benefits include: living allowance, health insurance, education award to apply to tuition or student loans, relocation allowance (if applicable) and federal government hiring preference.