VCLV LogoThe 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.

Want to help and be a volunteer?

Below is the latest volunteer opportunities in which you can make a difference.
Updates will be available weekly.

THIS WEEK’S VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

CATHOLIC CHARITIES DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWN is looking for volunteers with a professional image and demeanor to man our front desk. Should have exceptional interpersonal skills with a diverse population, ability to multitask and prioritize, experience operating a multi-line phone system, and have a strong commitment to making a difference in the community. Must be able to commit to a schedule of 4 hours at least once a week. Contact Patricia Holtz, 610- 435-1541 ext.342, pholtz@allentowndiocese.org.

HISTORIC BETHLEHEM MUSEUMS AND SITES is accepting applications for Docents for both the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts and the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem for the fall season. Information on the exciting events and program taking place can be found on our website www. historicbethlehem.org. Contact Jill Caggiano, 610-882-0450 x20, jcaggiano@historicbethlehem.org.

PHOEBE MINISTRIES, Allentown has volunteer opportunities available in our Gift Shop. Responsibilities include: learn the cash register, make coffee, stock pastry case, and help customers. Qualifications: friendly disposition, enjoy conversation, interact well with others. Training provided; time commitment of 1-2 evenings per week or weekends. Contact Donna Henry, 610-794-5362, dhenry@phoebe.org.

SHARE CARE FAITH IN ACTION, Bethlehem is looking forvolunteers to assist clients in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Volunteers help elderly/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. Call Lynn Marie Heiney, 610-867-2177, ShareCare@aol.com.

THE COCO FOUNDATION, Bethlehem needs volunteers for its annual Tee Time for Coco Golf Tournament on Friday, September 27, for set up, registration, to watch competitive holes, and for clean-up. Volunteers are needed throughout the day to work flexible shifts between 8am-8pm. Help us create awareness and raise funds for pediatric cancer. Call Lisa Walker, 570-954-8024, lisa@thecocofoundation.org.

THE EASTERN PA DOWN SYNDROME CENTER, Trexlertown is holding the 14th Annual LV Buddy Walk at Valley Preferred Cycling Center. Volunteers will assist with set up, registration, kids’ activities and clean up. 4-hour shifts 10 AM to 7 PM, Saturday, September 28. Minimum age 13. Sign up on-line at www.lvbuddywalk.kintera.org or contact Kathi Eichman, 610-443-1414, kde@eichman.net.

THE LITERACY CENTER, Allentown needs tutors to work with students who have learning difficulties. These are highly motivated individuals who want help with reading, writing and math, so they can get a GED or improve their work skills. They are ready to learn with help from the right person. We are looking for someone who has experience with learning differences. We provide free training for all tutors that focus on working with adults and reading. Contact Karen Ennis, 610- 435-0680 x123, kennis@theliteracycenter-lv.org.

TURNING POINT OF LEHIGH VALLEY, INC., Allentown is looking for runners, walkers, teams to participate in our Step Out 2013 – 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, October 5 from 8am-1pm in the Lehigh Parkway. We also need volunteers to help on the morning of the event with many different types of activities. Training will be given on-site the morning of the event for registration and course monitors. Minimum age is 16 or younger with a parent. Call Kerry Magliane, 610-797-0530 x227, kerrym@turningpointlv.org.

AMERICA ON WHEELS, Allentown needs volunteers for Admission/Museum Store Assistant 10am-1pm or 1-4pm Sat. or noon-4pm Sun., and for a Soda Jerk in1950’s Soda Fountain 11:30am-3pm Thurs, Fri., or Sat. or noon-3:30pm Sun.; and tour guides. Both positions involve operating a cash register and training will be provided. Soda Fountain person will also make milkshakes, floats, and more. Minimum age is 16. Call Liz Hahn, 610-432-4200 x10, fund_development@americaonwheels.org.

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. Contact James Williams, 610-434-1140, james@communitybikeworks.org.

EQUI-LIBRIUM, INC., Sciota is in need of volunteers to help with riders and horses in our Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies Program for people with disabilities. Must assist with additional barn chores. Program runs six days a week, with lessons throughout the week, mostly in the evenings. Training given every first Saturday of the month from 12:30-4:30pm. Minimum age is 14. Contact Yvonne Darlington, 570-992-7722, elvolunteer@epix.net.

HOLIDAY HOPE CHESTS, Bethlehem, coordinated by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley, needs volunteers to fill shoeboxes with age appropriate items for Lehigh Valley’s less fortunate children. To participate, go to www.volunteerlv.org and fill out a Holiday Hope Chest Donation Registration form. Our goal is to fill 4,000 Holiday Hope Chests this Year! This is a great project for large or small groups, clubs, classes, families, and individuals. 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. Call Sandie at 610-807-0336, skelly@volunteer.org.

SACRED HEART HOSPITAL, Allentown is looking for volunteers for light clerical duty at their busy Cancer Center. Hours are flexible between 8am-4pm Monday-Friday. Contact Beth Fogel, 610-776-5413, bfogel@shh.org.

THE GRESS MOUNTAIN RANCH, Orefield is having an Open Gate Farm Tour, Sunday, October 20 from 1-5pm. We need volunteers to help with our petting zoo, pony and donkey cart rides, raffle, food stands, etc. Don’t miss the fun at our ranch where animals help people and people help animals. Call Kathryn Gress, 610-398-2122, gressranch@gmail.com.

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.