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.
PHONATHON – Peace & Justice Center is looking for volunteers to join their annual Phonathon. Volunteers connect with past member and share information about supporting the Center. Refreshments provided. February 19-28th. Contact Alex Rose at 863-2345, Ext. 7, or email volunteer@pjcvt.org.
BINGO!! – Our Lady of Providence is seeking a dynamic volunteer to call Bingo twice a week from 2-3:30 p.m. Fun is the order of the day, and you will be warmly welcomed by an enthusiastic group of Bingo players. Contact Kristie Daigneault at 655-2395, Ext. 2017.
A HEARTY MEAL – Burlington Dismas House is searching for volunteer cooks to prepare an evening meal once a month (for example, the first Monday of the month). Cooks prepare dinner for up to 10 residents plus one staff person and the volunteers themselves. Meals may be brought already prepared or volunteers may bring groceries and use the Dismas fully stocked kitchen. A wonderful individual, family, or small group opportunity! Contact Zoe Bishop at 658-0381 or email zoe@dismasofvt.org.
A BRIGHTER DAY – Cathedral Square invites volunteers to spend some time with residents of a Burlington Senior Community. One resident is an avid Wii fishing and bowling enthusiast; another would love an indoor walking companion. Share some time, and brighten someone’s day! Contact Beth Alpert at 859-8819 or email alpert@cathedralsquare.org.
SHELTER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – Community Health Centers of Burlington needs volunteers for their Low-Barrier Shelter. Volunteers help guests have access to relationships with the larger community, help new guests get settled in the shelter space, get snacks/beverages out, become active listeners, help with meal service, share interests in music, storytelling, and more. Contact Anne Leaver at aleaver@chcb.org.
A BLANK CANVAS – Cathedral Square is seeking creative, self-motivated volunteers to work with residents, age 35-55, with limited mobility on art projects. Supplies provided. Mondays or Fridays preferred but flexible. Contact Beth Alpert at 859-8819 or email alpert@cathedralsquare.org.
JUSTICE FOR ALL – Franklin Grand Isle Restorative Justice Center is looking for passionate and committed volunteers who want 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 through positive connections and encouragement. Trained volunteers work in teams to meet weekly with the core member to support him/her in returning to the community and managing everyday living. References, background check interview and a one year commitment required. Training provided. Contact Chloe Viner Collins at 752-2094 or email chloe@fgirjc.org.
BEHIND THE COUNTER – Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity has need of volunteers to help out in their ReStore in Milton. Volunteers provide customer service, donations processing, pricing of goods, and more. Contact Allison DeVoe at 318-7533 or email adevoe@vermonthabitat.org.
Megan Bridges, 861-7822 or megan@unitedwaynwvt.org