THIS WEEK’S VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE LEHIGH VALLEY

ALLENTOWN RESCUE MISSION, Allentown will hold its Annual “Thanks for Giving” food drive to stock the mission’s pantry. We are looking for volunteer groups of 8-10 fun people to request donations from patrons at area food stores. All necessary materials and shirts for all volunteers will be provided. Volunteer groups chose a date of either Nov. 20 from 4-7pm or Nov. 21 from 10am-3pm and location; then experience a wonderful service opportunity. Call Deirdre Federico, 610-740-5500 x22, dfederico@armpa.org.

HISTORIC BETHLEHEM MUSEUMS & SITES proudly announces its 13^th Annual Turkey Trot 5kRun, a competitive and fun walk, scheduled for Saturday, November 28.  Since this race has grown significantly, volunteers play a key role in assuring the success of the race.  Volunteers are needed Nov. 27 and 28.  Some of the roles include helping with registration, being a race marshal, handing out post-race refreshments, t-shirt handout and many more.  Call Melanie Depcinski, 610-882-0450 x13, mdepcinski@historicbethlehem.org.

MEALS ON WHEELS OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, Bethlehem is seeking meal delivery volunteers (18+years) in the Easton area. Volunteer as little as twice each month or daily, according to your availability. Volunteers must possess a valid driver’s license and have car insurance. Application process includes criminal background check, orientation, and ride along with our on-the-road trainer. Call Janet Soos, 610-691-1030 x18, janets@mealsonwheelspa.org.

NORTHAMPTON CO. HISTORICAL & GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY, Easton has several openings for volunteers at the Sigal Museum. Admission and Store Clerks are needed to greet and assist visitors paying admission and purchasing items from the museum store. Receptionist and Museum Assistants need to work in the lobby welcoming visitors and dealing with inquiries on the phone and face-to-face. Museum Shop Attendants and Cashiers are needed. Training will be provided for all volunteers. Call Kenneth Wildrick, 610-252-8080, volunteer.nchgs@gmail.com.

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.

SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK, 6969 Silver Crest Rd, Nazareth needs volunteers to pack Sunshine Boxes every first Tuesday of the month from 8:30am-1pm. We pack 1,995 boxes each month which are then distributed to 6 counties. Duties include packing boxes on an assembly line, loading pallets, making boxes, breaking down cardboard, and sweeping. Large groups are encouraged. Call Janet Meyer, 484-287-4015, jmeyer@caclv.org.

THE PERFECT FIT, Allentown is looking for fashion-savvy volunteers to help low-income women choose appropriate and professional outfits. Should love working with people; have patience, enthusiasm, and a love of fashion and how it can positively impact and empower women. Other duties include sorting, tagging clothing donations, and keeping boutique organized and appealing. Light lifting required, must be able to stand for approx. 3 hours, and be knowledgeable about current style and business casual clothing trends. Call Heidi Lennick, 610-871-5060, manager@theperfectfit.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.