THIS WEEK’S VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE LEHIGH VALLEY

AMERICA ON WHEELS, Allentown needs volunteers for Gift Shop/Admission Assistants (handling register required) on Saturdays 10am-1pm or 1pm-4pm and Sundays noon-4pm. Help customers with merchandise and take admissions. Training provided. Call Liz Hahn, 610-432-4200 x10, fund_development@americaonwheels.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 2, 3, & 4 or 10am-3pm ONLY on Friday, 12/5.

MILLER-KEYSTONE BLOOD CENTER, Bethlehem has volunteer opportunities available for Canteen Attendants (age 18+) in our Bethlehem or Allentown locations.  Canteen Attendants monitor blood donors after their donation, ensure donors are feeling well before leaving our site, and serve drinks and snacks to our donors.  Times are Bethlehem – Monday 5:30-8:30pm and Saturday 10am-1pm; for Allentown – Thursday 5:30-8:30pm and Saturday 7am-10am.  Orientation and training provided as needed based on volunteer’s schedule.  Call Janice Brown, 610-691-5850, jbrown@giveapint.org.

MORAVIAN HALL SQUARE, Nazareth has a daytime volunteer opportunity for those who enjoy the outdoors, working with their hands, and making the community beautiful. Volunteers (age 16+) are needed to assist with gardening and grounds. Duties include weed pulling and mulching. We will work around your schedule; weekdays preferred. Call Laurie Brunstetter, 610-746-1334, laurieb@moravian.com.

NORTHEAST MINISTRY, Bethlehem is looking for volunteers to assist with a Flag Football program that meets one-day a week in the Fall for children from the surrounding low-income neighborhood. This is an opportunity for children to gather, in a supervised environment and enjoy learning and playing football. Volunteers should be available one-day per week from 5:00 – 6:30 pm to assist the Director of Community Outreach. A background check is required. Contact Ann Gibson, (610) 691-3355, gibsona@northeastministry.org

SACRED HEART HOSPITAL, Allentown is seeking volunteers for their busy volunteer department. Tasks include delivering flowers and mail to patients and assisting patients and staff. This is a great way to contribute while making new friends. Training is provided, all shifts available. Call Beth Fogel, 610-776-5413, bfogel@shh.org.

ST. LUKE’S UNIVERSITY HEALTH NETWORK, Bethlehem Campus – Want to make a difference for our patients, visitors, and staff? Join the Volunteer Escort Service or become a Greeter! Not only do you have the opportunity to make a difference, but get exercise while walking throughout our hospital! Not able to do much walking? Join our Gift Shop team or help staff with various projects! To learn how you can make a difference, call Jeanne Ramirez, 484-526-4600, Jeanne.Ramirez@sluhn.org.

THE MORAVIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Nazareth is looking for volunteers (age 16+) for our “Second Saturday” clean-up program! Help us with basic landscaping work: prune bushes, pick up sticks, plant flowers, etc., on the historic Ephrata Tract in downtown Nazareth, PA. Time & Date-: 8-11am on October 11. Call Megan vanRavenswaay, 610-759-5070, info@moravianhistoricalsociety.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.