THIS WEEK’S VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE LEHIGH VALLEY

CEDARBROOK NURSING HOME, Fountain Hill & Allentown is looking for people who can play board games, and visit with our residents to brighten their days. We have Residents that would enjoy having you come in and spend some time just talking and keeping them company. Make a difference in their life, come and share some of your time with them. Any time will be greatly appreciated! Call Kerry Magliani, 610-336-5684, kerrymagliane@lehighcounty.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 one weeknight 6-8pm for 12 weeks. No experience necessary. Training provided. Call James Williams, 610-434-1140, james@communitybikeworks.org.

LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO, Schnecksville has several volunteer opportunities available. Help is needed with our ZOOrific Silent Auction on 10/18, 10/19, 10/25/10/26, 11/1, and 11/2. Duties include set up help from 8-10am, and from 10am-5pm welcome guests, answer questions, and break down Silent Auction. Call Alan Raisman, 610-799-4171-x224, araisman@lvzoo.org.

SACRED HEART HOSPICE, Allentown needs volunteers to call families of our deceased patients and check on their well-being on a periodic basis; particular need to call families in Berks County area. Training (usually is excess of 10 hours) and specific bereavement training is provided. Volunteer must have excellent listening skills and the ability to empathize. A phone script is provided. Volunteers to help with bereavement support in the office are needed also. Call Lynn Schiavone, 484-664-2704, lschiavone@LutheranHomeCare.org.

SACRED HEART HOSPITAL, Allentown is seeking volunteers for their busy volunteer department. Tasks include delivering flowers and mail to patients and assisting patients and staff. This is a great way to contribute while making new friends. Training is provided, all shifts available. Call Beth Fogel, 610-776-5413, bfogel@shh.org.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS, Bethlehem needs volunteers (age 16+) for Haunted Woods every Saturday in October from 6-10pm. Various opportunities available: directing traffic, dressing up to scare people, and leading people to the entrance. 100% of proceeds go towards Bethlehem Special Olympics. Call Dana Lindsey, 610-264-3616, volunteers@bethlehemsopa.org.

THE GRESS MOUNTAIN RANCH, Orefield needs volunteers on Sunday, October19^th from 1-5pm to help with an “Open House for the Animals” as part of The Open Gate Farm Tour.  People are needed to help with set up/take down, do parking, run bake sale and raffle, and handle the animals.  Horse volunteers must be experienced. Live music, educational talks, and donkey cart rides will provide entertainment for all.  Call Kathryn Gress, 610-398-2122, gressranch@gmail.com.

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.

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY OF THE GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY, Bethlehem is looking for a volunteer (age 18+) to deliver our Cancer Support Community calendars to locations in Allentown and Bethlehem. Our calendars are delivered every two months. Next delivery is the end of November. Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to lift 15-20 lbs. Call Alex, 610-861-7555, info@cancersupportglv.org.

EXECUTIVE SERVICE CORPS OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY (ESCLV) is looking for retired and career professional management consultants to volunteer their expertise to non-profits in the Lehigh Valley. Call Bill Cosgrove, 610-504-6199, esclv@ptd.net.

HOLIDAY HOPE CHESTS is a great project for large or small groups, clubs, classes, families, and individuals coordinated by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley. Volunteers are needed to donate shoeboxes filled with age appropriate items for Lehigh Valley’s less fortunate children. To participate, 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 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday December 2, 3, & 4 or 10am-3pm ONLY on Friday, 12/5.

INDEPENDENT TRANSPORTATION NETWORK LV (ITNLehighValley), Bethlehem needs volunteer drivers to transport seniors age 60 and older and visually impaired adults in the Lehigh Valley.  91% of our rides are to medical appointments.  You choose when, where, and how often you would like to drive.  Our greatest need is in the Bethlehem area.  Call us at 610-419-1645.

LEHIGH COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS, INC. DBA LEHIGH VALLEY ACTIVE LIFE, Allentown needs computer instructors (age 16+) to teach Windows 7 or 8 and iPad and iPhone classes weekdays during daytime hours. Classes are 1.5 hour sessions twice a week for 8 sessions. Instructors for an open computer lab to assist with software questions/problems on Windows 7/8 and iPad/iPhones weekly are also needed. Call Diane Nolan, 610-437-3700, dndod@aol.com.

RACE FOR ADAM FOUNDATION, Allentown is looking for volunteers (age 16+) to collect donations and sell merchandise at Melt – Level 3 at the Promenade shops on Thursday, October 16^th from 6-10pm for our Adam’s Family Benefit Concert with James Supra and Sarah Ayers Quartet to raise money for Childhood Alzheimers. One hour shifts may be scheduled. Call Matthew Tobias, 610-351-8118, info@raceforadam.org.

SHARECARE FAITH IN ACTION needs volunteers to assist clients in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Volunteers improve the quality of life and promote independence by helping elderly and disabled clients with various caregiving services that include transportation, grocery shopping, chores, light housekeeping, etc. If you can spare just 2 hours a month, you can make a difference. We offer mileage reimbursement and flexible schedules. To learn how you can help, call Lynn Marie Heiney, 610-867-2177, ShareCare8@aol.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.