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.

ALLENTOWN RESCUE MISSION needs post “Thanks for Giving” volunteers now through Dec. 16th.  Groceries and donations need to be weighed, packed, relocated to another area, then unpacked and placed in the pantry.  Be prepared to help where it may get a bit cold.  Help is needed 9am-5pm with lunch included Monday through Friday, or shifts of 9am-noon or 1pm-5pm.   Call Deirdre Federico, 610-740-5500 x22, dfederico@armpa.org.

AMERICA ON WHEELS, Allentown is seeking friendly volunteers to help at the Admissions Desk/Museum Store.  Cash register training is available.  Shift times are usually 10am-1pm or 1-4pm.  Feel free to pick one day per week or one day per month.  Call Liz Hahn, 610-432-4200 x10, fund_development@americaonwheels.org.

ARTSQUEST, Bethlehem needs many volunteers for Christkindlmarkt that runs Thursdays through Sundays now through 12/18. Opportunities include:  Admissions Assistant, Retail Assistant, Booth Attendant, Ticket Taker/Hand Stamper, and much more.  Times range from 10:30am-3:30pm and 3pm-either 6:30 on Thursdays and Sundays, or 8:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, with variance on specific opportunity.  Register on line at www.artsquest.volunteerhub.com or call Christ Stubbe, 610-332-1354, cstubbe@artsquest.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.

LIBERTY BELL SHRINE MUSEUM, Allentown needs volunteers (18+ years) in their Little Shoppers Village to assist children with their Christmas shopping from 8:30am-3:30pm on Saturday, Dec. 10.  Parents will fill out a form with buying info, and the volunteers will help them fulfill the requests.  Packaging of the items is done on site, so gifts are ready for Christmas morning.  Clearances are required for this opportunity.  Call Sara Brace, 610-435-4232, sarajane.brace@libertybellmuseum.org.

MEALS ON WHEELS OF LEHIGH COUNTY, Allentown is looking for volunteers (18+ years) to distribute meals to homebound individuals as a substitute volunteer.  No need to commit to a regular schedule.  Teams of 2 deliver on 33 routes throughout Lehigh County.  Drive a route or ride along as a visitor.  Bring a friend and form a team or let us provide a partner for you.   Delivery times are between 11am and 1pm Monday through Friday.  Next training scheduled for 10:30am Wednesday 12/7, or 1:30pm Tuesday 12/13, or 10:30am Wednesday, 12/21.  Call Dawn Stillwagen, 610-398-2563, dstillwagen@mealsonwheelslc.org.

THE GRESS MOUNTAIN RANCH, Orefield needs volunteers to winterize pens and wire roof for turkey pens.  Year round need for volunteers to feed and water their ranch animals, and perform   environmental clean-up and ground maintenance.  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.