Week of February 5, 2018

By Sue Alenick, United Way Volunteer Columnist

LEND A HAND. VOLUNTEER – United Way of Northwest Vermont’s mobile-friendly Volunteer Connection connects you to hundreds of local volunteer needs. Search by age, date, county, interests or causes that are important to you. Stay connected to community needs. Go to www.unitedwaynwvt.galaxydigital.com or contact us at volctr@unitedwaynwvt.org or 860-1677.

ON THE SHELF – Fletcher Free Library is looking for volunteers, age 16 and older, with good literacy and numerical skills to shelve books in their Youth Area. No experience needed. Contact Rebecca Goldberg at 865-7216 or email rgoldberg@Burlingtonvt.gov.

A FRIENDLY GREETING – American Red Cross Blood Services needs Canteen volunteers to welcome donors, serve refreshments, and chat with donors. Volunteers should be alert, and if a donor is not feeling well, call for assistance. Training provided. Flexible 2-4 hour shifts during Center hours. Contact Alice Drislane at 497-6807 or email Alice.Drislane@redcross.org.

FAMILY ROOM – Ronald McDonald House Charities of Burlington invites volunteers to serve in their Family Room to greet and offer compassionate support to visitors. Volunteers also assist with the daily operation of the Room, provide assistance with resources available to families, answer phones and advise staff when food and supplies run low. Three-hour shifts available between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. seven days a week. Contact Deanna Cameron at 862-4943 or email deanna@rmhcvt.org.

ON THE ROAD – Age Well is looking for volunteer drivers in Chittenden, Grand Isle, Franklin and Addison Counties to deliver hot, nutritious meals to home bound elders. Drivers pick up food at central locations and deliver to elders along a route. Volunteers also chat with elders and report any changes and/or concerns to staff. Flexible time commitments from 1 weekday a week to 1 weekday a month from about 10:45 to 11:45 a.m.. Background, license and insurance check required. Contact Erica Marks at 865-0360 or email emarks@agewellvt.org.

WEEKDAY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is offering interns and volunteers the opportunity to create a video highlighting their Open Door program, weigh and feed many species of turtles and frogs, guide children in exploring the center, support events staff in coordinating weddings and parties, teach children to program miniature robots, and much, much more. Share the joy of scientific discovery and the care of Lake Champlain! Weekdays 9:30 – 1:30 p.m. or 1-5- p.m. Contact Phoebe Townsend at 864-1848, Ext. 116 or email volunteer@echovermont.org.

CIRCLE OF SUPPORT – Franklin Grand Isle Restorative Justice Center is looking for volunteers to make a difference in the lives of individuals who have been convicted of a wide range of offenses. Volunteers help support a core member who has been released from prison to successfully re-enter the community and help end the cycle of crime. Volunteers work in teams and meet weekly with the core member to help him/her manage everyday living. A one-year commitment is needed. Training provided. Background check required.Contact Chloe Viner Collins at 752-2094 or email chloe@fgirjc.org.

FAIR TRADE – Peace & Justice Center is looking for volunteers to assist their store manager at the fair trade retail store. Volunteers help customers with products and provide information about Fair Trade. Training provided. Contact Kristen Conners at 863-2345, Ext. 7, or email volunteer@pjcvt.org.

Megan Bridges, 861-7822 or megan@unitedwaynwvt.org