HANDSON

HANDSON

Volunteering

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 our main office, 5500 Market St., Suite 110, Boardman. Hands On 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 HOVN at 330-782-5877 or Trumbull County 330-393-4254 or visit www.HOVN.org.

OPPORTUNITIES

Make a Difference Day: On Oct. 22 millions of volunteers around the world will serve their neighbors through food drives, green space expansions and community building renovations among many other projects. In the Mahoning Valley, HandsOn Volunteer Network, the Mahoning Valley’s only local connector organization is partnering with area nonprofits and businesses to Make a Difference. Call or email HOVN to get connected.

HandsOn Volunteer Network of the Valley Team Food Challenge: In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, area schools and school aged students, HOVN is asking volunteers to decorate collection/distribution boxes with family and friends prior to Make A Difference Day. The boxes will be used at food pantries and for future collections/distributions. HOVN is also asking schools/school students to collect nonperishable food items then deliver them to Second Harvest Food Bank on Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to noon. Most needed items are: canned foods with pull tops, peanut butter, canned meats, rice, canned vegetables, and dry cereal. Items can be dropped off on Make a Difference Day. Tours of the food bank will be available that day by calling 330-792-5511 to schedule.

Denim Drive: In partnership with Someplace Safe, Beatitude House and Satolli Carpet & Floor Covering, HOVN is sponsoring the Make a Difference Day Denim Drive. Clean denim jeans in all sizes for males and females (size child to adult) can be dropped off at Satolli Carpet & Floor Covering, 361 High St. NE, Warren, or HOVN office, 5500 Market St., Suite 110, Boardman from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 22. Jeans must be freshly washed and cannot have rips, holes, stains or discolorations.

Red Cross of the Mahoning Valley Storage warehouse clean out: Volunteers are needed to vacate supplies from the Red Cross storage warehouse at 1309 Niles Road SE, Warren and relocate them to the Chapter House, 661 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call Karen Conklin at 330-392-2551.

Catholic Charities Regional Agency Angel Tags: Stop in the HOVN offices on Make a Difference Day between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and pick up a pair of scissors! We are assisting Catholic Charities Regional Agency by cutting out and stringing Angel Tags for their Christmas program. Stay all four hours or come in and volunteer as long as your schedule permits at the HOVN office, 5500 Market St., Suite 110, Boardman.

St. Rose Cub Scout Pack 40: Is collecting drink mixes, fruit cups and snacks to send to our service men and women overseas. Collection bins are located at Prospect Elementary School, 700 Prospect St., Girard. Donations can be dropped off from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 17 through Oct. 21.

Curves for Women Fitness of Girard: Denim Drive. Donate jeans in good condition to Girard Curves, 812 N. State St., from 7:30 a.m. to noon and 3 to 7 p.m. Oct. 17 through Oct. 21, and 8 to 11 a.m. Oct. 22. They will donate them to the Emmanuel Community Care Center in Girard. jeans must be freshly washed and cannot have rips, holes, stains or discolorations.

Youngstown Peace Race: Volunteers will meet at the YMCA in downtown Youngstown beginning at 8 a.m. Oct. 23 until the race and clean up concludes. Contact Al George at 330-540-3708 or algeorgecrec@aol.com or www.youngstownymca.org.

October Community Meet and Greet: Volunteers and organizations looking for holiday projects and support for projects are encouraged to come to the monthly meet and greet from 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 17 in the HOVN office, 5500 Market St., Suite 110, Boardman. The popcorn will be ready!

Access Health Mahoning Valley: Is requesting interested volunteers to assist with receptionist duties in their Warren office to answer phones, greet visitors and clients, and track patient information and other general office duties. Qualifications include basic computer knowledge, good interpersonal skills and an ability to be organized.

Mill Creek MetroParks Yappy Hour: Dog-loving volunteers needed to help out at Mill Creek MetroParks “Yappy Hour” from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday. The event will be outdoors at Mill Creek MetroParks Farm, 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road (Route 46), Canfield, across from Canfield Fairgrounds. In case of rain, Yappy Hour will be in the AgVenture Barn. Yappy Hour is a happy hour for canines and their human companions. Two-legged as well as four-legged guests will enjoy treats, libations and live music. Volunteers are needed to hold leashes, dog-sit and hand out treats while guests get their food and drink. Volunteers should be at the Farm by 4:30 p.m. for a short orientation. Contact Linda Kostka, Development & Marketing Director, at 330-702-3000 for more information.

Girard Multigenerational Center: Assist the staff with their 10-year anniversary celebration on Oct. 18 with decorating the center, set up and greeting guests.

Mahoning Valley Historical Society Room Hosts “Memories of Christmas Past”: The annual holiday exhibit at the Arms Family Museum, presented by the Mahoning Valley Historical Society. Volunteers are needed to serve as “room hosts” who will guard the artifacts on display, answer visitors’ questions, give directions, etc.

College Students: Youngs-town State University or surrounding colleges and university students who have course requirements for service can call 330-782-5877 or email YSUHandsOn@HOVN.org.

First Night Youngstown: Seeks volunteers to help at this year’s New Years Eve event. Volunteers typically work a three-hour shift, and serve as admission button checkers and greeters, bus greeters, venue site inspectors, sellers of admission buttons, and more. The event is from 4:30 p.m. to midnight.

Eastern Ohio P-16 Partnership for Education: Mentors (five positions). Leading Forward is a mentorship program designed to transform the lives of students, with a unique approach to college preparedness. Five mentors are needed to support students in achieving academic success and preparing them for the transition from high school to college. Volunteers must possess a college degree and be available two hours per week on Saturday from September-May.

HOVN Ambassador: If you are out going, personable, ethical, enjoy meeting and greeting people, we want you. The HOVN Ambassadors are responsible for meeting and greeting guests, answering phone calls, assisting prospective volunteers with information, support staff with occasional clerical needs and be part of a great organization!

RSVP Reading Buddies: RSVP is currently orienting new volunteers to the Reading Buddies program in the Youngstown City Schools for the 2011-2012 school year. Volunteers need to possess patience and understanding as well as commit to regular schedule of working with elementary-aged children in helping them develop strong reading and comprehension skills. Contact Marlene Braunlich at 330-782-5877 or mbraunlich@hovn.org