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.

CENTER FOR HUMANISTIC CHANGE, Allentown is seeking reliable, friendly volunteers to act as receptionist on weekdays.  Volunteers can set their own schedule during M-F 8am-4:30pm.  Responsibilities include greeting guests/visitors, answering phones, transferring calls, taking thorough messages, signing for packages, and light data entry, etc. as time/talent permits.  Training and guidance will be provided along with coffee and tea!  Call Angie Heiland, 610-443-1595, aheiland@thechc.org.

CENTER FOR VISION LOSS, Allentown is looking for volunteers to be “Annie’s Angels” to do home visits, read mail, and provide companionship.  Volunteers to drive customers to doctor appointments, shopping, or center activities are also needed.  Hours are flexible and are determined by need.  Training will be provided.  Call Rita Lang, 610-433-6018, rita.lang@centerforvisionloss.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 6-8pm one night a week for 12 weeks.  No experience necessary.  Training provided.  Call Dave Edinger, 610-434-1140, dedinger@communitybikeworks.org.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY OF SERVICE, Lehigh Valley – Make It A Day On, Not A Day Off!  Several volunteer opportunities are available for Monday, January 16, 2017.  Please visit the Volunteer Center website www.volunteerlv.org  for details and registration instructions.

PINEBROOK-COMPEER OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY needs volunteers for one-on-one friendship matches.  Compeer matches volunteers from the community with members who are in stable, mental health recovery.  Volunteers spend time with the member doing things like talking over a cup of coffee, taking a walk, going to a free concert, and many more.  Hours are flexible and available in both Northampton and Lehigh Counties.  Call 610-774-1450 or email compeer@pbfalv.org.

SHARECARE FAITH IN ACTION, Bethlehem is looking for volunteer drivers (18+ years) to help safely transport people who are elderly and/or disabled to and from doctor appointments and with grocery shopping in the Lehigh Valley.  Volunteers are also needed to help others who can’t get out on their own through visitation, socializing, and taking them out of their home environment.  All volunteers are asked to attend a 2 hour orientation/training.  Call Cheryl Wilson, 610-867-2177, sharecare8@aol.com.

THE GRESS MOUNTAIN RANCH, Orefield, is an animal sanctuary for 70+ pets and farm animals rescued from abuse or neglect.  Volunteers are desperately needed to feed/water their ranch animals, perform environmental clean-up, and do ground maintenance including winterizing pens and wiring roof for turkey pens.  Animals need tending every day of the year.  Call Kathryn Gress, 610-398-2122, gressranch@gmail.com.

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.

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.