THIS WEEK’S VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE LEHIGH VALLEY

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, Greater Lehigh Valley needs volunteers (age 21+) to step up to the “wheel” and drive cancer patients to scheduled treatments. “Road to Recovery” drivers must have a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, a reliable vehicle and proof of insurance, complete a background check and driver check, and attend a brief orientation.  Call Jennifer Washney,  570-562-9749 x320, Jennifer.washney@cancer.org.

ARTSQUEST, BETHLEHEM – Join us for “PEEPSFEST,” a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration at SteelStacks! Volunteer opportunities include taking tickets at the Disco Lounge, greeting guests, selling s’mores kits, and registering runners for the PEEPSFEST 5K, among others. Dates/Times: December 30th from 10am to 4pm and December 31st from 10am to 6pm. Volunteers will be provided with an ArtsQuest Volunteer t-shirt and given on-site training. Minimum Age: 15 without a parent, 12 with a parent. Call Hillary Harper, 610-332-1370, hharper@artsquest.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.

GOOD SHEPHERD REHABILITATION NETWORK, Allentown is recruiting volunteers for the hospital gift shop, Volunteer Ambassadors, inpatient pediatric, and personal assistants for residents. Dates and times are flexible between 8am-5pm; some weekends available. Background checks for adults and 2 step TB test required. Call JoAnn Frey, 610-776-3125, jfrey@gsrh.org.

LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO, Schnecksville has several volunteer opportunities available with their first annual Winter Light Spectacular 5:30-10pm Wednesdays through Sundays till January 10. Volunteers are needed Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day; we are closed Christmas Day. All volunteers receive a free one day Winter Light Spectacular ticket for each time of volunteering. For more info, call Alan Raisman, 610-799-4171 x224, araisman@lvzoo.org.

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.

SHARECARE FAITH IN ACTION needs volunteers to assist clients in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Volunteers improve the quality of life and promote independence by helping elderly and disabled clients with various caregiving services that include transportation, grocery shopping, chores, light housekeeping, etc. If you can spare just 2 hours a month, you can make a difference. We offer mileage reimbursement and flexible schedules. To learn how you can help, call Lynn Marie Heiney, 610-867-2177, ShareCare8@aol.com.

ST. LUKE’S UNIVERSITY HEALTH NETWORK, Allentown & Bethlehem is looking for people interested in making an impact and helping brighten the day of our patients, staff, and visitors! Make a difference by volunteering in our Allentown Campus Gift Shop and the Information Desk or at the Bethlehem Campus at the Information Desk, OR Waiting Rooms, Volunteer Escort Service or as a Patient Advocate! Call 484-256-4600 or visit www.slhn.org/volunteerNOW to learn more!

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.