HANDS ON | Volunteering

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 on Facebook by searching for HandsOn Volunteer Network of the Valley. Contact HandsOn Volunteer Network by calling 330-782-5877 or emailing info@HOVN.org about the following opportunities:

OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer income-tax assistance: HandsOn is searching for volunteer tax assistants. Volunteers will help moderate- to low-income individuals, families and seniors file their income-tax returns. This is an IRS-sponsored program in which volunteers will receive training to become certified. For information about volunteer registration and training on becoming a VITA Volunteer, contact Addonnus Harden by emailing aharden@hovn.org or by calling 330-782-5877.

Project MORE tutors: Project MORE (Mentoring in Ohio for Reading Excellence) is a volunteer reading/mentoring project to benefit students with disabilities or those who are not on track. McGuffey Elementary is a station of volunteers with Project MORE. Volunteers will work in their own community to help students gain the skills and confidence they need to increase their individual reading levels. Volunteers will work with students for one to four, 30-minute, one-on-one sessions. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Hands-On is the direct volunteer connector for Project More of Ohio. Contact Harden for information at 330-782-5877.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service: The MLK National Day of Service, a part of United We Serve, urges Americans to work together to provide solutions to pressing national problems. This year’s event will be Jan. 20. The HandsOn Volunteer Network of the Valley will participate in the day of service with its third annual Write-On! School Supply Drive. Many students who received school supplies at the beginning of the school year need to have those supplies replenished. To assist HOVN during the drive, collect or purchase supplies such as crayons, pencils, markers, glue or glue sticks, notebooks or scissors, paper and other supplies. Drop off supplies from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Jan. 17 at HandsOn Volunteer Network of the Valley, 5500 Market St., Suite 110, Boardman, or from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Girard MultiGenerational Center, 443 Trumbull Ave., Girard. Volunteer to sort the supplies from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 20 at HOVN offices. Starting at 9 a.m. Jan. 21, supplies can be picked up at the HOVN offices to be delivered to selected Mahoning and Trumbull County schools. For information on participating, contact Kristen Gallagher at HOVN at 330-782-5877 or kgallagher@hovn.org.

Save-A-Life Smoke Alarm Iniaitive (SALSA): HOVN is recruiting volunteers to install smoke alarms as part of the Warren Firefighters SALSA program on Jan. 20, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Volunteers will be trained on the proper placement and installation of the smoke alarms before heading out to the homes that need them most. This opportunity is appropriate for groups and businesses. The SALSA program serves Warren residents who must complete an application for the smoke alarms. Recipients are chosen based on fire fatality statistics and need. Contact Kristen Gallagher at HOVN at 330-782-5877 or by email at kgallagher@hovn.org to register for SALSA installation round 4.

Girard Multi Generation Center tech wizard: The Girard Multi Generation Center is in need of a tech wizard who can tutor guests of the center on computers and technology. A background check and orientation will be required. The volunteer will teach members how to use computers, iPads, iPhones, tablets and e-readers. The time commitment is flexible, about once a week. The volunteer will help people learn to keep in contact with families who are away and also improve the quality of life by helping them to keep updated with technology. To volunteer, contact Jude Signonello at 330-545-6596.

Ronald McDonald House of Charities of the Mahoning Valley and Western Pa. database detail technician: A volunteer will research names in an old database and then update them in a new database, and they will look up names in phone books, add missing information, delete names not found and enter data into a computer. Three hours a week will be needed until the database is complete.

Ohio Benefit Bank counselor at the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library: An Ohio Benefit Bank counselor volunteer will use computer program prompts to interview clients, input application information, print forms and give directions for applications which require mailing. The position requires a minimum one shift per week at three to four hours a shift, with appointments taking approximately one hour each. Volunteers must be computer and Internet literate, able to work independently, be organized, detail oriented, dependable, respectful of confidentiality, able to carry laptop and portable printer, and have phone and email accessible. The volunteer will complete a one-day, six-hour OBB training session.

Steel museum book cataloging: The Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor, also known as the Steel Museum in Youngstown, needs assistance in book cataloging. A recent donation to the museum included approximately 800 books, and they need to be entered into the online catalog. The museum has no one on staff with the credentials and training for the task.

United Way Youngstown and Mahoning County database detail technician: A volunteer will research names in an old database and then update them in a new database. They will look up names in phone books, add missing information, delete names not found and enter data into a computer. Three hours a week will be needed until the database is complete.

Home for Good receptionist: Home for Good is the re-entry program and referral service center for offenders returning to society. It needs the receptionist for its new offices. The volunteer(s) would be responsible for answering phones, running copies and other tasks. Home for Good is in downtown Youngstown, at 20 Federal Place (the former Phar-Mor Centre).

OBB mobile volunteers in Trumbull County: HOVN, in cooperation with Ohio Benefit Bank and the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Food Banks, needs understanding, compassionate and nonjudgmental volunteers to assist people in the community with accessing programs that will help strengthen families. Training, orientation and support to volunteers who become OBB Mobile Volunteers is provided. The opportunity is appropriate for those 18 and older who are looking for careers in the social-service fields. Those who can go online to shop, pay bills or check email have the basic computer skills needed to be an OBB counselor. Openings exist throughout Mahoning and Trumbull counties. For information, call Harden at 330-782-5877 or by email aharden@hovn.org.

United Methodist Community Center veteran’s lunch prep/server: Volunteers are needed to assist the UMCC staff with preparing and serving lunch at their weekly Veteran’s Lunch and Learn. Each Wednesday, veterans can enjoy a hot lunch and learn about services available to them in the community as well as share some social time with other veterans.

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