THIS WEEK’S VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE LEHIGH VALLEY

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY, Bethlehem – Boutique at the Rink is right around the corner.  This well attended annual event raises funds by selling new and gently used clothing, household goods, antiques, collectibles, vintage clothes, accessories, toys, and much more.  To learn more about available volunteer opportunities, attend a volunteer meeting on Wednesday, April 6 at 2:30-3:30pm or 6:30-7:30 pm.  Cal l Deb Post, 610-861-7555 x39, dpost@cancersupportglv.org.

EASTERN PA DOWN SYNDROME CENTER, Allentown needs volunteers (15+ years) for their Third Annual 3.21 Run for Down Syndrome at the Lehigh Parkway on Saturday, April 16 from 7:30am-12pm.  Sign up to assist with registration, start, refreshments, and course guides.  No special training is required to volunteer.  Call Michael Carney, 610-402-0184, michaelbcarney@hotmail.com.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF THE LEHIGH COUNTY, Whitehall invites volunteers (16+ years) to come ReMix some latex paint and create a new recolor latex paint product for sale at the ReStore.  Volunteers will assist with sorting colors, opening paint cans, mixing paint, dispensing the new paint, and labeling new cans.  Wear comfortable shoes, dress warm, and wear clothes that are okay to get paint on.  Call Camille Urbano, 610-776-7737, Camille@habitatlv.org.

HISTORIC BETHLEHEM MUSEUMS & SITES presents an opportunity to make folded paper Moravian stars.  These stars are packaged in their “Moravian Traditions” packages every year.  These folded stars will also be a token of appreciation for those that donate to their 275^th Heritage Campaign.  Training and paper will be provided.  Call Michelle Stern, 610-691-6055, mstern@historicbethlehem.org.

LEHIGH COUNTY SPECIAL OLYMPICS, Allentown needs a DJ for a Track and Field Event on Friday, May 13 at Whitehall High School from 9am-2pm so athletes have the opportunity to enjoy music and also dance between scheduled events.  Call Harry Schwartz, 814-574-4924, lehighcountyso@hotmail.com.

MEALS ON WHEELS OF LEHIGH COUNTY, Allentown is looking for volunteers (17+ years) to deliver meals as a driver or visitor.   A delivery partner will be provided for you, or you can bring a friend or family member to accompany you.  Help on a regular basis or as a substitute Monday through Friday from 11am-1pm; most routes are done in a little over an hour.  Trainings are scheduled for Mon. 4/4@1:30pm; Wed. 4/13@10:30am; Fri. 4/15@10:30am.  Call Dawn Stillwagon, 610-398-2563, dstillwagen@mealsonwheelslc.org.

LUKE’S UNIVERSITY HEALTH NETWORK, Bethlehem needs volunteers! Help support patients, family, and staff by volunteering in the Gift Shop, Volunteer Escort Service, or Patient Information Center. Each of these areas provides a valuable service by being a kind ear to listen, assist people in selecting gifts for their loved ones, helps patients or visitors find their way, transport items throughout the hospital, and much more!  Contact 484-526-4600 or visit website www.slhn.org/volunteerNOW.

THE SALVATION ARMY CHILDREN’S SERVICES, Allentown is looking for volunteers to help with their 5^th Annual Rock N Run 4Kids 10k, 5k, and Kids Fun Run at Coca-Cola Park on Saturday, May 21 from 7:30am-11:30am.  Positions include marshals, cheer zones, photography, face painting, musicians, dance teams, registration assistants, hospitality helpers, and much more!  No training or special requirements.  Call Jan Musser Geier, 610-821-7706, jan.mussergeier@use.salvationarmy.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.