THIS WEEK’S VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE LEHIGH VALLEY

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY, Allentown is recruiting for Special Events Volunteers to help plan several fund-raising events that take place throughout the year. Should be able to attend monthly meetings in the evening, have computer skills, planning skills, and organizational skills. Helping to implement all phases of the plan, setting the event, running the event, and clean up are all a huge part of this position. Call Deb Post, 610-861-7555 x39, dpost@cancersupportglv.org.

CENTER FOR VISION LOSS, Allentown is looking for volunteers to be “Annie’s Angels” to do home visits, read mail, and provide companionship. Volunteers to drive customers to doctor appointments, shopping, or center activities are also needed. Hours are flexible and are determined by need. Training will be provided. Call Rita Lang, 610-433-6018, rita.lang@centerforvisionloss.org.

LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO, Schnecksville is looking for individuals (14+ years) or groups to volunteer in Education, Administration, Guest Services, Horticulture, and Maintenance. Flexible scheduling allows for volunteering at your pace. They ask for a commitment of time, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude. In return they offer a really wild time with the benefits of expanding your knowledge while providing a rewarding experience in a warm and sometimes fuzzy environment.   Call Timmi Fiske, 610-799-4171, tfiske@lvzoo.org.

MEALS ON WHEELS OF LEHIGH COUNTY, Allentown is looking for volunteers (18+ years) to do grocery shopping for homebound seniors and adults with disabilities. Choose the area of Lehigh County that works best for you. Flexible scheduling based on client’s needs. A 40 minute orientation required. Choose from upcoming dates Wed. 2/10 @1pm; Mon. 2/15 @1pm; Fri. 2/26 @10:30 am or schedule one convenient to you. Call Lindsay Fly, 610-841-7132, lfly@mealsonwheelslc.org.

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

TEACH RWANDA, Easton needs a videographer to organize their photos and video clips into a short video that can be used to promote their organization. If you enjoy piecing together photos and editing long videos into short promo pieces, this is an ideal opportunity. Call Shauna Hamilton, 610-417-1993, smhill814@gmail.com.

THE GRESS MOUNTAIN RANCH, INC., Orefield needs hardy winter volunteers to care for the animals and help with grounds maintenance. Hands on training will be provided along with an orientation to be scheduled at your convenience. Call Kathryn Gress, 610-398-2122, gressranch@gmail.com.

THE PERFECT FIT, Allentown is looking for fashion-savvy volunteers to help low-income women choose appropriate and professional outfits. Should love working with people; have patience, enthusiasm, and a love of fashion and how it can positively impact and empower women. Other duties include sorting, tagging clothing donations, and keeping boutique organized and appealing. Light lifting required, must be able to stand for approx. 3 hours, and be knowledgeable about current style and business casual clothing trends. Call Heidi Lennick, 610-871-5060, manager@theperfectfit.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.