HANDSON | Volunteering

HandsOn Volunteer Network of the Valley, engaging 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 the following 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 and ask to speak to Kristen, or email kgallagher@hovn.org.

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. Each volunteer will have a unique set of tasks, and open positions include a facilities assistant, systems-maintenance assistant, communications specialist, illustrators, revenue-development specialist, LEAD volunteer, botanist and greenhouse janitor. All volunteers are required to go through HandsOn. Contact Ralph Zerbonia at 330-744-8700 to volunteer and to get more information on each position.

Junior Achievement of the Mahoning Valley Classroom Volunteer/Presenter: Junior Achievement classroom volunteers will teach pre-developed JA curriculum to an assigned classroom, making 5 to 7 weekly visits of 45 minutes each, presenting one JA lesson per week. Volunteers are responsible for presenting all lessons of their assigned program in a timely manner. Volunteers will provide continuous updates to JA’s program manager. Some opportunities may require a background check. Volunteers must be reliable and have transportation to/from school. To volunteer, contact Nicole Fond at 330-539-5268, or email nicole.fond@ja.org.

Mahoning Valley Historical Society Holiday Exhibit Volunteers: The historical society seeks volunteers for the Christmas season and holiday exhibit. Volunteers must be able to stand for a four-hour shift and greet guests in a pleasant and welcoming manner. Volunteers will need to give brief descriptions of the surroundings, and answers to visitors’ questions will need to be expressed professionally. Being able to be engaging while safeguarding the collections is very significant to this position. Contact Jody Lewis by calling 330-743-2589, or email armsmuseum@mahoninghistory.org

Veteran Supporters: 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 to get started.

Hospice of the Valley/ Hospice House Volunteers: Hospice House needs volunteers for a variety of tasks. A clerical support volunteer is needed to assist personnel with copying, filing, inventory, phone calls, scheduling Hospice House front desk, Hospice House companion volunteers and Eucharistic ministers. A fundraising volunteer is 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. A mail-team volunteer will process all mass-mailings for the agency and other tasks. A Hospice House volunteer will provide support and companionship to patients and their families before and after the patient’s death through visits while the patient is in the Hospice House. All volunteers must complete the volunteer-training program as required. To participate, contact Rosemary Antonucci by calling 330-788-1992, or email Rosemary_Antonucci@mercy.com.

United Methodist Community Center Warren food giveaway assistants for veterans: Volunteers are needed to assist in food giveaways for homeless veterans and their families. This project takes place the fourth Wednesday and Thursday of each month. Volunteers will be needed Wednesday to organize, sort and pack groceries for the veterans, and on Thursday to help with giving out the bags and assisting those veterans who may need extra help. A three-hour time commitment is needed Wednesday and 21/2 hours Thursday. To volunteer, contact Faith Wallace at 330-743-5149, ext 107.

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 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. Contact James Tornincasa Jr. at 330-547-7101, or email jimt2323@yahoo.com.

Veterans Outreach: The Veterans Outreach Center in Struthers is looking for assistance with website development and veterans-benefits assistants. For information, contact Teri Ely by calling 330-755-5792 or emailing tely@veteransoutreach.com.

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. To volunteer, contact Tab Alden at 330-392-2551, or email tab.alden@redcross.org.