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.
Want to help and be a volunteer?
THIS WEEK’S VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
DELAWARE & LEHIGH NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR, INC, Easton is looking for volunteers to help make apple butter at historic Lock 44 in Freemansburg during the last week of September and first week of October. We have the necessary equipment, but need adults and youngsters 12 year or older to peel, cut, core apples, and make apple butter. For more info, call Dennis Scholl, 610-923-3548 x225, dennis@delawareandlehigh.org.
GOOD SHEPHERD REHABILITATION NETWORK, Allentown is recruiting volunteers for the hospital gift shop, grocery shopper for the Raker Center, volunteer Ambassadors, inpatient pediatric, and personal assistants for residents at our Bethlehem site. Dates and times are flexible between 8am-5pm; some weekends available. Orientation provided. Background checks for adults and 2 step TB test required. Minimum age is 14 years old. Contact JoAnn Frey, 610-776-3125, jfrey@gsrh.org.
LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO, Schnecksville needs volunteers for Run Wild at LV Zoo 10K and 5K Run on Sun. Aug. 18. We need people on the race course directing runners along the path, but also need help cutting up fruit, with registration, giving water out at water stations, helping to distribute food/drinks at finish line, and to cheer on runners on final lap around Zoo. Volunteers should be at the Zoo by 7:30am. Contact Alan Raisman, 610-799-4171 x224, araisman@lvzoo.org.
MEALS ON WHEELS OF LEHIGH COUNTY, Allentown needs a volunteer to answer phones, direct calls, and provide information to clients, volunteers, and the general public. Help with clerical support, including inputting info in the computer, and assist with miscellaneous office projects. Hours are Fridays, 9am-12:30pm. Training is required; arranged with applicant. Call Dawn Stillwagen, 610-398-2563, dstillwagen@mealsonwheelslc.org.
MIRACLE LEAGUE OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY, Schnecksville needs baseball fans to volunteer as “Baseball Angels.” Have fun with special needs players by being their “angel”(buddy) helping the players to bat, run bases, and have a catch while having a great time! Games continue throughout the summer. No training is required. Call Andy Squire, 610-984-5142, andy@miracleleaguelv.org.
SHARE CARE FAITH IN ACTION, Bethlehem is looking for volunteers 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. We need people 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 SALVATION ARMY CHILDREN’S SERVICES, Allentown has a fun opportunity for volunteers who enjoy helping with children’s activities and family fun events. Special events include upcoming 5K Run, Foster Parent Appreciation Banquet, Family Picnic, Fall Festival, Christmas Party, and events that raise awareness about foster care and adoption. Contact Florence Rhue, 610-821-7706, Florence_rhue@use.salvationarmy.org.
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.
Volunteer your time…it feels good! This week’s opportunities @VolunteerLV @lehighhappening http://t.co/FsLV219hAQ