HandsOn Volunteer Network of the Valley, engages 21st-century volunteers to improve civic health and

HandsOn Volunteer Network of the Valley, engages 21st-century volunteers to improve civic health and social conditions by reaching out to volunteers to raise awareness and inspire them to make a difference; providing people with access to projects and other opportunities to learn new skills and engage in work to improve their communities; and mobilizing people to use their time, talent, money and voice to create community change. The office is at 5500 Market St., Suite 110, Boardman. HandsOn is a monthly column that serves to communicate the impact that volunteering can have on the community. For trending opportunities, like us on Facebook by searching for Hands-On Volunteer Network of the Valley. Contact HandsOn Volunteer Network by calling 330-782-5877 or emailing info@HOVN.org about these opportunities:

OPPORTUNITIES

Youngstown Beerfest: Volunteers are needed for the Youngstown BeerFest on Sept. 20 at the Covelli Centre; volunteers must be 21 or older, enjoy being with people and have good customer-service skills. They will be pouring beer, directing guests, checking IDs and helping as needed throughout the event. Shifts are available. Call 330-782-5877 or go to the HandsOn website to register.

Down Syndrome Association of the Valley Buddy Walk: Volunteers are needed for the Buddy Walk planned for Saturday at the Shops at Boardman Park. Volunteers will receive on-site training the day of the event. Responsibilities could include setting up or tearing down, or helping with food, water, activities, basket raffle and registration. Shifts are available from 6:30 a.m. through 2 p.m.

3rd annual Olivia’s Backyard Carnival event: Olivia’s Backyard Carnival benefits the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley. Volunteers can give a few hours or the whole day. Help is needed to run games, with food prep, selling raffle tickets and more. The carnival is from noon to 7 p.m. next Sunday at Welker Park in New Middletown. For information or to volunteer, call Steve or Crystal at 330-366-0148.

Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber YOUNG Conference: A YOUNG (Youngstown, Ohio Utica and Natural Gas) conference will take place Sept. 11 at the Covelli Centre. Volunteers are needed the day before the conference to stuff swag bags, assist with setup, stock beverages, assist participants and assist job-fair participants. Shifts are available.

Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber YOUNG 2014 Golf Outing: A golf outing will precede the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber’s YOUNG conference, and is planned for Sept. 10 at Mill Creek Golf Course in Boardman. Volunteers are needed to sell 50-50 raffle tickets from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Also needed are “hole sitters” or volunteers to watch for the holes-in-one on two particular holes; two shifts are available, noon to 2:30 p.m. or 2:30 to 5:30. Orientation will be 30 minutes before shift, and refreshments will be provided.

Choffin Aquaponics: The Aquaponics program at Choffin Career and Technical Center on Wood Street in Youngstown is seeking volunteers with levels of skill and experience that involve plumbing, construction, curriculum development and facilities operations for the 2014-15 school year. Facilities assistants are needed to feed fish, clean aquariums, tanks and filters, maintain the floors through sweeping and mopping; systems-maintenance assistant to analyze water systems and maintain pump systems; and communications specialist to write and edit materials to be used in the classroom and for the marketing campaign. All volunteers are required to go through HandsOn.

RSVP Lead With Experience: RSVP Lead With Experience Program is seeking volunteers individually or in groups who can work with local organizations to increase their capacity and impact the populations they serve. Call Addonnus Harden at 330-782-5877 or email aharden@HOVN.org.

RSVP Lead With Experience for Project More: HandsOn is expanding Project More in Mahoning and Trumbull counties. Mentoring in Ohio for Reading Excellence is a volunteer reading mentoring project for students with disabilities or those who are not on track. RSVP is looking for members to spend 40 minutes per session in William Holmes McGuffey Elementary. No experience is needed. If you can spare some time to help improve childhood literacy, call the RSVP office at 330-782-5877.

Telephone Reassurance Clients: Telephone Reassurance volunteers provide calls to seniors living alone. Volunteers are screened and trained in confidentiality and offer a friendly ear and information about community resources and outreach services to seniors. Contact Harden at aharden@HOVN.org or call 330-782-5877 to participate.

Support a Veteran: HandsOn has several volunteer opportunities available at local veterans centers. Positions range from assisting with the outreach database to making appointment reminders via phone calls. Call the HandsOn Volunteer Network office at 330-782-5877.

Hospice of the Valley Hospice House: Volunteers needed to provide support and companionship to patients and their families before and after the patient’s death through visits while the patient is in Hospice House. All volunteers must complete the required training program. In addition, clerical volunteers are needed to assist personnel with copying, filing, inventory, phone calls and scheduling at the front desk; fundraising volunteers are needed to assist with signature events by securing auction items, selling raffle tickets, setting up and tearing down event venues, gift-wrapping and other tasks; and mail-team volunteers are needed to process all mass mailings for the agency as well as other tasks.

United Methodist Community Center Warren Food Give Away assistants for veterans: The United Methodist Community Center will host food giveaways to homeless veterans and their families the fourth Wednesday and Thursday of each month. Volunteers are needed Wednesday to organize, sort and pack groceries for the veterans and Thursday to help with bag distribution and assisting those veterans who may need extra help. Plan for a three-hour time commitment Wednesdays and 21/2 hours Thursdays.

VFW Post 9517 honor guard associate: A volunteer is needed to facilitate access to veterans’ benefits and supportive services by offering emotional and psychological comfort in a time of crisis to family members of the deceased veterans through an honor guard at military funerals; maintenance of uniforms, flags and supplies; administrative support necessary for the provision of services. Volunteers must be a VFW or ladies/spouse auxiliary member with the ability to perform flag ceremonies or provide other support.

Veterans Outreach: The Veterans Outreach Center in Struthers is looking for assistance with website development and veterans-benefits assistants. For information, contact Harden at aharden@hovn.org or by calling 330-782-5877.

American Red Cross receptionist: American Red Cross of the Mahoning Valley needs a volunteer receptionist who is available from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Volunteers answer phones and direct calls, handle incoming and outgoing mail and assist staff when needed. The Red Cross office is in Liberty.

Affordable Care Act volunteers: The ACA’s first deadline has passed for enrolling, but many people are getting ready for the next deadline and need assistance navigating the system. HandsOn needs to boost its volunteer ranks for ACA inquiries. Those who have a background in a helping profession, prior volunteer experience or knowledge in navigating difficult Web pages are needed for an Affordable Care Act project at HOVN. The training is free and will be done at HOVN offices. Call 330-782-5877.

Math tutors: Volunteers who have about 30 minutes a week are needed to help students understand critical academic information in many local schools. Contact Harden for information.