THIS WEEK’S VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF ALLENTOWN needs sponsors to “adopt a family.” We also need “Wish List” items for less fortunate children. Deadlines are Fri., Dec. 6 for inquiries and Thurs., Dec. 19 for drop off. For more information, call Patricia Johnson, 610-432-9944, bgcallen@aol.com.

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY, Bethlehem needs volunteers to raise money by distributing donation cans to stores, businesses, coffee shops, etc. throughout the region. Develop a plan, canvass an area, and take the can to places you know. We welcome groups or individuals to do this in your spare time and from home or in our office. Volunteers should be well spoken, have some computer skills, time management skills, and be personable. Contact Deborah Post, 610-861-7555, dpost@cancersupportglv.org.

HOLIDAY HOPE CHESTS is a great project for large or small groups, clubs, classes, families, and individuals coordinated by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley. Volunteers are needed to donate shoeboxes filled with age appropriate items for Lehigh Valley’s less fortunate children. To participate, to www.volunteerlv.org and fill out a Holiday Hope Chest Donation Registration form. Filled shoeboxes may be dropped off at 2121 City Line Road, Bethlehem from 12 noon-7pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday December 3, 4, and 5 or 10am-3pm ONLY on Friday, 12/6.

NEW BETHANY MINISTRIES, Bethlehem needs items for Thanksgiving baskets (we provided 440 baskets last year): stuffing, gravy, yams/sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes (instant), white rice, corn, green beans, brown sugar, cranberry sauce, beverages, and of course, turkeys! Drop off non-perishables anytime, perishables Mon. Nov. 25, and Tues, Nov. 26. Contact Brandy Garofalo, 610-691-5602 x29, bgarofalo@newbethanyministries.org.

STRIVE, INC., Bethlehem is looking for presenters for our Multi-Cultural Holiday Celebration on Thurs., Dec. 12 at Lehigh University. We are looking volunteers who are affiliated with the following cultures (Jewish – Hanukkah, African American – Kwanzaa, Hispanic – Three Kings Day, Christian – Christmas) to present the history of their holidays and provide some cultural background information. Call Daralee Hamilton, 484-707-0883, dhamilton@striveyouth.com.

THE COCO FOUNDATION, Bethlehem is in need of toys and games for children ages 0 -18 years who are battling pediatric cancer. Our representatives distribute these gifts to children at 5 different local hospitals. Help us make a child’s holiday a bit brighter! Deadline for drop off is Fri., Dec. 13. Contact Tina Eichlin, 484-695-8923, tina@thecocofoundation.org.

VALLEY YOUTH HOUSE, Allentown seeks donations of personal hygiene items, hair accessories and kits, arts & crafts supplies, sports equipment and sports clothing, board games, scarves, and gloves for texting. Gift certificates to local stores and restaurants would also be appreciated. For more specific information, contact Silvia Custis-Henry or Mary Link, 610-820-0166, mlink@valleyyouthhouse.org.

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE of the LEHIGH VALLEY, Bethlehem in partnership with Broughal Middle School is in need of volunteers for our 2013 Christmas Party for children in the Bethlehem area on Sat., Dec. 7 from 3-8pm at Broughal Middle School. Catch the Holiday Spirit from these enthusiastic children! Call Enid Jackson, 610-570-0288, womenofexcellence1214@yahoo.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.