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.

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 Training Coordinator is needed for sports training for coaches and athletes. A Competition Coordinator is needed to plan, organize program competitions, and offer statewide opportunities. 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 LEHIGH COUNTY, Allentown needs volunteers (18+ years) to deliver meals to homebound clients. Drive a route or take meals in to clients. Openings are available Monday through Friday on a weekly, monthly, or substitute basis. Start time is 11am and routes take an hour to two hours to complete. Trainings scheduled Thur. 2/11 @ 10:30 am, Mon. 2/22 @1:30 pm, and Wed. 2/24 @10:30 am. Call Dawn Stillwagen, 610-398-2563, dstillwagen@mealsonwheelslc.org.

MILLER-KEYSTONE BLOOD CENTER needs Canteen Attendants (age 18+) at Bethlehem location. Canteen attendants monitor blood donors after their donations, ensure donors are feeling well before leaving the site, and serve drinks/snacks to our donors. Orientations will be held
Wed. Feb. 17 @10-12 and Wed. Mar. 23 @10-12. Call Janice Brown, 610-691-5850, jbrown@giveapint.org.

NORTHEAST MINISTRY, Bethlehem is in great need of tutors for their After School Homework Club held Monday through Thursday from 3-5:30pm during the school year. Tutors assist with homework, provide reading support, and work on basic math skills. Tutors are needed daily, and can participate as often as the program meets. Call Paula Johnson, 610-691-3355, johnsonp@northeastministry.com.

PHOEBE ALLENTOWN HEALTH CENTER, Allentown has several upcoming events for which volunteers’ assistance is needed. On February 9 a Men’s Fat Tuesday Brunch is scheduled and volunteers are needed between 10am to 4pm. Mark your calendar for these other events: March 26 – Easter Egg Hunt; May 19 – Garden Party; May 27 – Health & Fitness Fair; June 3 – Kick off to Summer at the Rose Gardens; June 9 – Kidsfest. Call Donna Henry, 610-794-5362, dhenry@phoebe.org.

THE SANCTUARY AT HAAFSVILLE, Fogelsville has cat care and dog care volunteer positions available. Cat Care duties include feeding, watering, cleaning, playing, cuddling, and loving. Dog care duties include feeding, watering, cleaning, playing, walking, grooming, petting and loving.   Training will be provided. Call Linda Green, 484-788-8062, lgreen@thesancurarypa.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.