HandsOn Volunteer Network of the Valley, a United Way Agency, is the local resource for volunteer

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 located at Youngstown State University, second floor of the Williamson School of Business in the Center for Non-profit Excellence and its main office, 5500 Market St., Suite 110, 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 our website at www.HOVN.org

OPPORTUNITIES

Christmas Eve/Day: Each year, Hands-On Volunteer Network receives numerous calls very close to the Christmas holiday from people who would like to give back on Christmas day. These requests often are difficult to accommodate due to many partner organizations closing for the holidays. If you feel you would like to help around the holidays, please call HOVN no later than Dec. 15 for assistance with finding an episodic opportunity or connecting you with a long-term experience.

First Night Youngstown: Have the best New Year’s Eve ever! Volunteer with First Night Youngstown. Numerous opportunities and time slots, LOADS of fun!

Catholic Charities Regional Agency: Volunteers are needed to serve as the agency’s Christmas Program Elves each day to assist with the unloading of Christmas presents from the sponsors vehicles and the sorting of the gifts according to child and family this week of from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Help also will be needed Dec. 14 and 15 to assist the families with pick-up and getting the gifts to their vehicles. This opportunity will be at Catholic Charities Regional Agency on Laird Avenue in Warren.

Girard MultiGenerational Center: The center provides a fun evening of activities, games, crafts, refreshments and an indoor snowball fight Dec. 20. Volunteers are needed in each of these areas. Volunteers are asked to be at the center at 5:30 p.m. for assignments. The event ends at 8 p.m.

Volunteers in Tax Assistance: Volunteers provide free tax preparation to low- to moderate-income families and eligible senior citizens. No prior experience is needed. Training in tax law and basic preparation is provided, and certification from the IRS is required. Training takes place in early January, and online practice is available. Opportunities are available for greeters and Spanish-speaking interpreters. You must be a high school senior or older to volunteer.

Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp.: YNDC is looking for volunteers to assist in block projects, house-boarding events and other special neighborhood projects in Youngstown. There are one to two events each month to choose from. YNDC is also seeking lead volunteer event coordinators to assist staff with set up, execution and cleanup of neighborhood workdays and special events.

Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry: Volunteer driver/deliverer of donated bread every Friday morning for 90 minutes to three hours. Arrive at the Canfield Giant Eagle between 8 and 9 a.m. Load your personal vehicle with donated bread and baked goods from the back delivering area of the store. Drive bread to Casa Madre, and help bring in what is needed. Deliver the balance of the items to Homeless Solutions in Youngstown. Requirements: Clean driving record, proof of insurance, own dependable vehicle and a friendly and positive demeanor. A cellphone also would be beneficial.

HandsOn Award Committee: Join other community leaders in planning and implementing an event that honors the work of local volunteers while bringing awareness of the need to continue to support an ethic of giving back without expectation. Call 330-782-5877 or info@HOVN.org.

Hero Tree: Local military members, their friends and their families are invited to honor veterans and active military by hanging a photograph “ornament” on the tree that will stand in the hall outside the offices at 5500 Market St., Suite 110. Participants are encouraged to write a personal dedication or message for the back of the ornaments. You may deliver your picture in person, send it by mail, or email it to gbrown@hovn.org. Only deliver copies as photographs cannot be returned.

Salvation Army: Bell ringers needed. It only takes a couple of hours of ringing a bell and collecting donations for hundreds of people through the Mahoning County Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign.

Helping Other Women: The organization is is looking for assistance with the following: pick up donated items. Must be able to help lift up to 200 pounds, such as appliances, couches and other furniture – and be comfortable in all sections of the city. Sort through donations/organize warehouse. Should be organized and able to lift heavy items. Take applications. Must be courteous and respectful, and treat clients with dignity. Should be comfortable going into homes anywhere in the city. Write thank-you letters. Need someone with neat handwriting and organizational skills.

Multiple Sclerosis Services Agency: Needs volunteer assistance with clerical duties at their Canfield office. Seeking people with skills in typing, filing, answering the phone and speaking with individuals with disabilities.

Nonprofit Board Service: HOVN has have several organizations looking for new board members. Contact info@HOVN.org. There is an interview process that has several steps and takes about three hours spread over one to two weeks. Training is available and may be reimbursed by the organization of placement.

LEAD Volunteers: Many nonprofit partners are looking for experienced volunteers to implement programs on a regular basis. LEAD volunteers take charge and see the project through from start to finish. They work under the direction of the director or program director of an agency and function much like a staff person. This opportunity is open to people of all ages, but if you’re 55 years or better or retired, we really need your skills, experience and time. Training is provided by HOVN.

Junior Achievement of the Mahoning Valley: Volunteers are needed to present the fourth grade “Our Region” program to students at Willard K-8 school in Warren. Training and all materials are provided. Commitment is one hour a week for five weeks. For more information, contact Kristen Gallagher at HOVN at kgallagher@hovn.org.