Volunteer opportunities

HandsOn Volunteer Network of the Valley, 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. It is located at Youngstown State University, second floor of the Williamson School of Business in the Center for Non-profit Excellence, and the main office, 5500 Market St., Ste. 106, Boardman. HandsOn is a monthly column that serves to communicate the impact that volunteering can have on the community. To express interest in one of the opportunities below, contact HOVN at (330) 782-5877 or Trumbull County (330) 393-4254 or visit the Web site www.HOVN.org

OPPORTUNITIES:

United We Serve: President Barack Obama introduced a nationwide service initiative, United We Serve, as the beginning of a sustained, collaborative and focused effort to meet community needs and make service a way of life for all Americans. United We Serve, which officially kicked off June 22, will run through Sept. 11, a new National Day of Service to both celebrate the service to our country and to honor the Americans who died Sept. 11, 2001, by recommitting to serve in the future.

Nonprofit assessor: HandsOn Volunteer Network is looking for individuals to work with our community partners to conduct a needs assessment within their organizations. All volunteers will receive training and ongoing support from the staff during the project.

Child-care assistant: The Beatitude House is looking for caring volunteers to provide child care for Beatitude House children while their mothers attend group meetings Thursdays from 5:45 to 7 p.m. A staff member will be present at all times. This is an opportunity for high school and college students planning for a career in child care or education.

Habitat outdoor attendant: The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Struthers is looking for volunteers who enjoy working with people and like being outdoors to provide customer service to shoppers. The ReStore offers a great work environment and flexible hours.

Youth court workshop: Teens who are interested in serving on a new Youth Court in Mahoning County are invited to participate in a three-day introductory session at the Martin P. Joyce Juvenile Justice Center on July 14, 15 and 16. Participants will receive an in-depth orientation to the Juvenile Justice system, tour the justice center on East Scott Street, Youngstown, learn about restorative justice and peer courts, participate in workshops and participate in a mock trial. Register online at www.hovn.org or contact Corrie at (330) 782-5877.

Buddy Walk: Putting Downs First is in need of volunteers to help with their Buddy Walk on Sept.19 at Perkins Park in Warren. Volunteers will assist in setup, the game zone, retail store, passing out food, raffles, registration, parking, activities and cleanup. For more information, contact Kristen Gallagher at (330) 393-4254 or (330) 540-0102.

Clothing donations needed: Neighborhood Ministries has been providing assistance to families in need since 1912. Currently, there is a need for new and used clothing for its clothing bank. All clothing is needed and welcomed; however, there is a specific need for children’s clothing and school uniforms. This is a great time to clean out your closets to get ready for the next school year. For more information on how you can help Neighborhood Ministries continue to care for families, contact Donna at (330) 755-8696.

Salvation Army: The Salvation Army in Warren is in need of a soup-kitchen assistant to help with the planning and preparing meals for the last five working days of the month. The hours are 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Contact Kristen Gallagher at (330) 393-4254 or (330) 540-0102 for more information.

Canfield Fair volunteers: Volunteers are needed to staff the informational booth at the Canfield Fair. The annual fair runs from Sept. 2 through Sept. 7. Each volunteer will receive one free admission ticket to the fair for each shift worked.