THIS WEEK’S VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE LEHIGH VALLEY

COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY (CACLV), Bethlehem is seeking community members to become certified tax preparation volunteers through the IRS supported Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), as well as other volunteers to assist with hospitality functions at free tax sites in Lehigh County. This is an on-going opportunity from 1/2014 to 4/2014 at 5 locations with evening and weekend times available. Contact Nicole Folino, 610-417-8956, nfolino@caclv.org.

EXECUTIVE SERVICE CORPS OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY (ESCLV) is looking for retired and career professional management consultants to volunteer their expertise to non-profits in the Lehigh Valley. Contact Bill Cosgrove, 610-504-6199, esclv@ptd.net

FAMILY CONNECTION of EASTON, INC. is looking for committed, passionate individuals to serve on our Board of Directors. Members serve 2 year renewable terms. Members are asked to attend meetings (held every 3 months), serve on at least one committee, participate in special events, and attend a yearly retreat. To be a good ambassador for our organization, we offer an orientation and provide ongoing support and information. Call Carolyn Serva, 610-250-2551 x24075, servac@eastonsd.org.

LEHIGH VALLEY HEALTH NETWORK, Allentown has volunteer opportunities available for their new orthopedic hospital located on Tilghman Street. We are seeking friendly, compassionate, and high customer service skilled volunteers. All volunteers must complete the LVHN Volunteer process on LVHN.ORG. Applications are found at the link on the bottom of the LHHN.ORG home page. Please send two completed reference pages and fill out an application. To learn more, contact Karla Bachl, 610-402-8897, karla_m.bachl@lvhn.org.

MEALS ON WHEELS OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, Bethlehem needs drivers and grocery shoppers for homebound clients in the Cherryville and Slate Belt areas. Drivers use their own vehicle to deliver meals. Runners take the meal from the car to the client. Time frame is 10:30am-12:30pm. Shoppers must be 18 years to shop alone, or 14 if accompanied by a parent/guardian. Call Janet Soos, 610-691-1030, janets@mealsonwheelspa.org.

MORAVIAN HALL SQUARE, Nazareth needs several volunteers to deliver the morning newspapers and an in-house Daily Chronicle to our Health & Wellness Center and Personal Care Neighborhoods. Delivery takes approximately 1-1 ½ hours daily starting at 8:30am. Make new friends and help keep our residents informed. Training available after application process, interview and background check. Contact Laurie Brunstetter, 610-746-1334, laurieb@moravian.com.

SACRED HEART HOSPITAL, Allentown is looking for friendly, outgoing volunteers for their Gift Shop.  Volunteers work flexible 4 hour shifts available 7 days a week.  Must be 18 or older, responsible, and customer service oriented.  Training will be provided.  Call Beth Fogel, 610-776-5413, bfogel@shh.org.

THE SALVATION ARMY CHILDREN’S SERVICES, Allentown is seeking an energetic individual to become an active member of the Children’s Services Committee. Teamwork, brainstorming, event planning, collaborating, and fulfilling tasks are all involved in this position. Members are expected to attend monthly committee meetings. A lot of flexibility is involved and much of the work may be done on your own time. Call Florence Rhue, 610-821-7706, Florence_rhue@use.salvationarmy.org.

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.