THIS WEEK’S VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE LEHIGH VALLEY

COMMUNITY BIKE WORKS, Allentown needs “Earn-a-Bike” instructors for children ages 9-17. Volunteers will mentor and assist children in repairing bicycles. Commitment is one weeknight 6-8pm for 12 weeks. No experience necessary. Training provided. Call James Williams, 610-434-1140, james@communitybikeworks.org.

FAMILIES FIRST, Pen Argyl needs Facilitators for high school students 9^th through 12^th grades. Facilitators meet with a group of students once a month (7:40am-9:20am at Pen Argyl High School) to encourage higher education or vocational careers by selecting guest speakers and/or sharing their own experiences. Limited training sessions provided. Call Frank Jones, 610-863-3688, jones.frank@penargylsd.org.

LEHIGH COUNTY SPECIAL OLYMPICS, Allentown has several volunteer opportunities available. A Volunteer Coordinator is needed; most work can be done by a computer from home. A Competition Coordinator is needed to plan, organize program competitions, and offer statewide opportunities. A Head Golf Coach is also needed. All must attend a monthly meeting from September to June. Call Harry Schwartz, 814-574-4924, lehighcountyso@hotmail.com.

LEHIGH VALLEY HEALTH NETWORK, Allentown is looking for Gift Shop Volunteers to join their happy and dynamic volunteer group. Make new friends, enjoy a 20% discount, and receive a complimentary meal when you volunteer. Volunteers interface with patients, guests, and staff. Volunteers are needed on a regular basis and substitutes are appreciated after training. Gift shops are open 7 days a week. Call Karla Bachl, 610-402-8897, karla_m.bachl@lvhn.org.

MEALS ON WHEELS OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, Bethlehem is seeking meal delivery volunteers (18+years) in the Easton area. Volunteer daily or as little as twice each month or daily, according to your availability. Volunteers must possess a valid driver’s license and have car insurance. Application process includes criminal background check, orientation, and on-the-road training. Call Janet Soos, 610-691-1030 x18, janets@mealsonwheelspa.org.

PEDIATRIC CANCER FOUNDATION OF THE LV, INC., Bethlehem has many volunteer opportunities and shifts available for their 7^th Annual Run/Walk to Live to Spread the Gold on Sat. April 2nd at the Ironton Rail Trail, Coplay from 6am to 1pm. Sign up at www.signupgenius.com/go/70a084fa5ac2da64-7thannual or call Lisa Kappes, 610-297-7292, lisa@pcflv.org.

PHOEBE ALLENTOWN HEALTH CENTER is recruiting volunteers to assist with their Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 26. Help is needed to set up the egg hunt for staff and children /grandchildren of residents. Weather permitting the egg hunt will be outside! We need volunteers who are able to take residents out to view the egg hunt. Clean up help after the egg hunt is over is also needed. Call Donna Henry, 610-794-5362, dhenry@phoebe.org.

THE GRESS MOUNTAIN RANCH, Orefield is looking for volunteers (18+ years) to coordinate their Ranch Camp 2016 and other interest areas. Camp counselors and Outreach Coordinators for marketing, public relations, and communications are needed, as well as volunteers to assist with the children we serve along with the 70 animal residents in our care. Call Kathryn Gress, 610-398-2122, gressranch@gmail.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.