THIS WEEK’S VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE LEHIGH VALLEY

AMERICA ON WHEELS MUSEUM, Allentown is forming a new team of volunteers to help plan the museum’s annual gala held each December. If you like events, decorating, silent auctions or entertainment, you may enjoy planning this fun event with a team of neat people. Call Linda Merkel, 610-432-4200 x11, director@americaonwheels.org.

CEDARBROOK NURSING HOMES, Fountain Hill & Allentown needs volunteers (age 16+) for transporting residents to and from in-house programs and appointments. Various hours between 8am and 4pm Monday through Friday are available. Training will be given during orientation. Call Kerry Magliane 610-336-5684, kerrymagliane@lehighcounty.org.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY – Our ReStore is in need of outgoing, friendly individuals (age 15+) to assist on our sales floor and donation center. Times needed are Wed. to Sat. between 10am-2pm or 2-6pm. Ideally volunteer will commit to a time once per week, if possible. Register online www.habitatlvrestore.org and attend a1 hr. training before starting. Next training is 2/20/15.

LEHIGH VALLEY SCORE, Bethlehem seeks experienced business professionals to offer in-person and online counseling and advice to start ups and owners of small businesses and non-profit organizations. Orientation and training provided. Call Tracy Damiani, 610-266-3000, thdamiani@mindspring.com.

LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO, Schnecksville is looking for committed volunteers to serve as docents by enriching people’s knowledge about conservation while being surrounded by wildlife. Many Smart FUN docent-guided guest engagement experiences are offered throughout the year. Complete a Docent Application, undergo phone screening, do 2 day mandatory training. A fee of $16 includes background check and a t-shirt. Call Timmi Fiske, 610-799-4171 x224, tfiske@lvzoo.org.

MILLER-KEYSTONE BLOOD CENTER, Bethlehem needs Canteen Attendants (age 18+) in our Bethlehem or Allentown locations.  Canteen Attendants monitor blood donors after their donation, ensure donors are feeling well before leaving our site, and serve drinks and snacks to our donors.  Times are Bethlehem – Monday 5:30-8:30pm and Saturday 10am-1pm; for Allentown – Thursday 5:30-8:30pm and Saturday 7am-10am.  Orientation and training provided. Call Janice Brown, 610-691-5850, jbrown@giveapint.org.

ST. LUKE’S UNIVERSITY HEALTH NETWORK, Allentown & Bethlehem is looking for people interested in making an impact and helping brighten the day of our patients, staff, and visitors! Make a difference by volunteering in the Gift Shop or the Information Desk at our Allentown Campus. Opportunities available at our Bethlehem Campus include the Information Desk, OR Waiting Rooms, Volunteer Escort Service or Patient Advocate. Call 484-526-4600 or visit www.slhn.org/volunteerNOW to learn more!

SHARE FAITH IN ACTION needs volunteers to assist clients in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Volunteers improve the quality of life and promote independence by helping elderly and disabled clients with various caregiving services that include transportation, grocery shopping, chores, light housekeeping, etc. If you can spare just 2 hours a month, you can make a difference. We offer mileage reimbursement and flexible schedules. To learn how you can help, call Lynn Marie Heiney, 610-867-2177, ShareCare8@aol.com.

The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley has been connecting volunteers with the needs of the Lehigh Valley community for over 25 years. The organization’s mission is to engage the community to care for one another through volunteerism.

As the premier resource on volunteerism for the Lehigh Valley and surrounding communities, The Volunteer Center focuses on four main areas of volunteerism: Recruitment, Placement, Recognition, and Training. The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley is affiliated nationally with The Points of Light Foundation, Hands On Network, and the Corporation for National & Community Service, and is a member of the following organizations: Volunteer Centers of Pennsylvania, the State Commission Advisory Board for Citizen Service, Keystone Service Coalition, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, and Society of Volunteer Administrators of the Lehigh Valley.

As an example of the impact the Volunteer Center has on the community, in 2012, they recruited, matched, recognized and trained 17,000 volunteers. Of those, 5,000 were youth volunteers. These volunteers saved Lehigh Valley agencies and the community more than $47.5 million. The Volunteer Center collaborates with more than 50 area corporations and 450 Lehigh Valley agencies to create educational and human service partnerships to enhance and enrich the Lehigh Valley community.

Contact the Volunteer Center to receive a brochure listing agencies in need of volunteers at 610-807-0336 or e-mail: vc@volunteerlv.org. Visit our website www.volunteerlv.org for a larger listing of volunteer opportunities.