THIS WEEK’S VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE LEHIGH VALLEY

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY, Bethlehem is looking for a volunteer with an outgoing personality to help with planning several fund-raising events throughout the year. We have monthly planning meetings. Setting up the event, running the event, and cleaning up are all a huge part of this position. Computer skills, planning skills, and organizational skills would all be helpful. Contact Deborah Post, 610-861-7555, 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. We also need Volunteer Drivers to drive customers to doctor appointments, shopping, or center activities. Hours are flexible and are determined by need. Training provided. Call Rita Lang, 610-433-6018, rita.lang@centerforvisionloss.org.

COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY (CACLV), Bethlehem is seeking community members to become certified tax preparation volunteers through the IRS supported Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), as well as other volunteers to assist with hospitality functions at free tax sites in Lehigh County. This is an on-going opportunity from 1/2014 to 4/2014 at 5 locations with evening and weekend times available. Contact Nicole Folino, 610-417-8956, nfolino@caclv.org.

GOOD SHEPHERD REHABILITATION NETWORK, Allentown needs volunteers to provide clerical support to requesting departments. Tasks may include filing, data entry, copying, and making phone calls. Varying shifts during 8AM – 4Pm Monday through Friday. Minimum age 14. Contact JoAnn Frey, 610-776-3125, jfrey@gsrh.org.

GRACEDALE NURSING HOME, Nazareth needs volunteers to brighten our residents’ days by helping with activities (card games, bingo, field trips, concerts, and seasonal parties). Help is also needed in getting residents to appointments within the facility. Share your warm personality with our residents with one-to-one visitations. Hours vary morning, afternoon, and evening seven days a week. Call Michael Colon, 610-746-5248, mcolon@northamtoncounty.org.

SACRED HEART HOSPITAL, Allentown is looking for friendly, outgoing volunteers for their Gift Shop. Volunteers work flexible 4 hour shifts available 7 days a week. Must be 18 or older, responsible, and customer service oriented. Training will be provided. Call Beth Fogel, 610-776-5413, bfogel@shh.org.

SHARE CARE FAITH IN ACTION, Bethlehem needs volunteers to assist clients in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Volunteers improve the quality of life and promote independence by helping their elderly and disabled clients with various caregiving services that include transportation, grocery shopping, chores, light housekeeping, etc. If you can spare just two hours a month, you can make a difference in the life of a member of our community. We offer mileage reimbursement and flexible schedules. To learn how you can help, call Lynn Marie Heiney, 610-867-2177, ShareCare8@aol.com.

VOLUNTEER CENTER OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY, Bethlehem is looking for volunteers to join our Board of Directors and various committees. An information session will be held 8am to 9:30am on January 30th at our office on City Line Road, Bethlehem.  Contact Sandie Kelly, 610-807-0336, skelly@volunteerlv.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.