THIS WEEK’S VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE LEHIGH VALLEY

ALLENTOWN RESCUE MISSION, Allentown will hold its Annual “Thanks for Giving” food drive to stock their pantry. Volunteer groups of 8-10 fun people are needed to request donations from patrons at area food stores. Necessary materials and shirts for all volunteers will be provided. Volunteer groups may chose location and date of either 4-7pm Nov. 20 or 10am-3pm Nov. 21. Call Deirdre Federico, 610-740-5500 x22, dfederico@armpa.org.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, Greater Lehigh Valley is recruiting volunteers to serve as Coordinators for their Road to Recovery program. Duties include organizing volunteer drivers who provide transportation assistance to/from appointments. Good communication skills, strong organizational skills, time management and computer skills are needed. Must have internet access, email, and a cell phone or phone. A short orientation and training session will be provided. Call Jennifer Washney, 570-562-9749, Jennifer.washney@cancer.org

BETHLEHEM SPECIAL OLYMPICS needs volunteers (age 15+) to help with their Aquatics team. Several athletes only practice swimming, and need one-on-one help; others travel locally to compete. No teaching experience is necessary, but being a good swimmer is required. Certified Lifeguards would be greatly appreciated to serve as coach/assistant, coach/volunteer, or as a life guard during practice. Call Dana Lindsey, 267-221-7740, bso.dana@gmail.com.

HOLIDAY HOPE CHESTS needs volunteers to donate shoeboxes filled with age appropriate items for Lehigh Valley’s less fortunate children. This a great project for large or small groups, clubs, classes, families, and individuals coordinated by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley. To participate, go to www.volunteerlv.org and fill out a Holiday Hope Chest Donation Registration form.   Filled shoeboxes may be dropped off at 2121 City Line Road, Bethlehem from 12 noon-7pm Tues.12/1, Wed. 12/2, Thurs., 12/3, or Fri. 12/4 from 10am-3pm ONLY.

LEHIGH VALLEY SCORE, LCCC-Schnecksville is recruiting a volunteer to serve as their marketing chairperson. This webmaster will manage their website, improve SEO, make minor modifications, and provide some updates. CKEditor is the software. Call Tracy Damiani, 610-266-3000, tracy.damiani@scorevolunteer.org.

MEALS ON WHEELS OF LEHIGH COUNTY, Allentown is looking for volunteers (18+ years) to do grocery shopping for homebound seniors and adults with disabilities. Choose the area of Lehigh County that works best for you. Flexible scheduling based on client’s needs (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly). Background checks at our expense.   A 40 minute orientation required. Please choose from dates Wed. 10/14@10:30 am, Thurs. 10/22@10:30am, or call to schedule a one-on-one that fits your schedule. Call Lindsay Fly, 610-841-7132, lfly@mealsonwheelslc.org.

SACRED HEART HOSPITAL, Allentown needs an organist for Mass Sat. 4pm and Sun. 10am. If you love to play the piano or organ, we would love to have you use your gift whenever you are able. Call Beth Fogel, 610-776-5413, bfogel@shh.org.

THE GRESS MOUNTAIN RANCH, Orefield is hosting an Open Gate Farm Tour 1-5pm Oct. 18. Volunteers are needed to help with set up/take down, parking, run bake sale and raffle, and handle the animals. Horse volunteers must be experienced. Live music, educational talks, Petting Zoo, and horse/pony/donkey cart rides will provide entertainment for all. 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.

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.