THIS WEEK’S VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE LEHIGH VALLEY

BETHLEHEM SPECIAL OLYMPICS is looking for a volunteer Public Relations Coordinator to be responsible for communications to establish and promote favorable internal and external relationships, as well as informing the media and the general population about special events and what the Bethlehem Special Olympics is all about. Should have excellent organization and communication skills, be familiar with local media organizations, and have the ability to work cooperatively with other volunteers. Call Dana Lindsey, 267-221-7740, bso.dana@gmail.com.

GRACEDALE NURSING HOME, Nazareth is in the process of beautifying its nursing units and is seeking creative individuals or groups to paint murals for the residents. Call Michael Colon, 610-746-5248, mcolon@northamptoncounty.org.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY is seeking committed volunteers to join the Special Event Committee for the 2015 Toast to Hope (our signature fundraiser). Volunteers will help with procurement of donations for the Silent Auction, process and run check-out, acquire restaurant sponsors, and process/run on-site fundraising (jewelry raffle and Lego Build contest). Must attend monthly meetings in person or via conference call on third Thurs. of month with additional meetings and projects scheduled for marketing/planning. Email Melissa Siegfried, Melissa@habitatlv.org.

LEHIGH VALLEY ACTIVE LIFE, Allentown needs volunteers (18+ years) to teach computer classes, especially iPod/iPad on an ongoing basis and also to help in the open computer lab on Wed. from 1-4pm. Computer classes are ongoing during day or evening hours. Call Diane Nolan, 610-437-3700, dndod@aol.com.

LEHIGH VALLEY HEALTH NETWORK MARATHON FOR VIA needs volunteers (12+ years) for race day on Sun. Sept. 13 between 6am-1:30pm. Shift times vary depending on location. Volunteers are needed to be course marshals, staff water stations, or distribute food to the runners at the finish line for this marathon that takes place through the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton.   Call Karen DeLuca, 484-239-4030, volunteers@vianet.org.

LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO, Schnecksville – Run Wild at the Zoo, an annual 10K and 5K run and a 1 Mile Family Fun Walk, will take place Sunday, August 16. Volunteers are needed to help with registration, direct runners on the course, and help distribute water after the runners cross the finish line. Call Timmi Fiske, 610-799-4171 x248, tfiske@lvzoo.org.

MEALS ON WHEELS OF LEHIGH COUNTY, Allentown is looking for volunteers (18+ years) to do grocery shopping for seniors who are homebound and adults with disabilities who can cook, but can’t get to the store themselves. Choose the area of Lehigh County that works best for you. Flexible scheduling based on client’s needs for grocery shopping (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly). Background checks at our expense.   A 40 minute orientation required. Please choose from upcoming dates Wed. 7/29-1pm, Fri. 8/7-1pm, Wed. 8/12-10:30am, or Tues. 8/25-1pm, or call to schedule a one-on-one that fits your schedule. Call Lindsay Fly, 610-841-7132, lfly@mealsonwheelslc.org.

THE COCO FOUNDATION, Bethlehem needs volunteers on Sat. Sept. 19 for its Annual Tee Time for Coco Golf Tournament at Willow Brook Golf Course, Catasauqua. Help with set-up and clean-up (multiple jobs), registration, food/beverage carts, and raffle/prize table. Volunteers are needed throughout the day to work flexible shifts between 8am-8pm. Sign up for specific time at www.thecocofoundation.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.