Volunteer opportunities
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on February 8, 2004 2:02 AM
Volunteer Wayne offers opportunities to serve Wayne County for all ages. This service is provided by Volunteer Wayne and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at Wayne Community College. Contact Joy Pearce at 735-5151, extension 336, for more information.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Give the gift of life -- Blood supplies across the nation are at a one-day's supply. Let's help the Red Cross make sure it does not become that critical in Wayne County by donating now.
You can help promote literacy with Wayne County Reads -- While all of Wayne county is reading "To Kill A Mockingbird," you can go a step further to promote literacy. Wayne County Reads suggests that organizations purchase and donate books to organizations that work with low-income youth or literacy. Others could provide large print books or books on tape to the visually impaired. Individuals could read to the elderly at their local senior center or retirement home. Experts on issues in the books could offer to speak about those issues and lead discussions at club or civic group meetings. If you choose to DO something more than read, please contact Volunteer Wayne to register your project. We would like to help document all the organizations and their contributions to this community wide campaign from January through March.
Be a valentine! -- Bring joy to rest home residents during their Valentines Dance on Feb. 13 from 6:30 until 8 p.m. Both male and female partners of all ages can participate. Individuals or groups can join in the fun. Why not include this as an intergenerational activity for a youth group?
Embrace the miracle -- Help prepare mothers for their role as a parent with this ongoing project. Each newborn in Wayne County will receive a basket of a variety of educational items and samples. Volunteers are needed to assist in assembling the baskets and delivering them to the maternity ward at Wayne Memorial Hospital. Volunteers will be needed one to two days per month and must be able to follow directions. Some light lifting -- under 30 pounds -- may be involved. Individuals or a group of volunteers can participate.
Ensure humane treatment of animals -- Are you a good at motivating others? Your leadership is needed by an animal welfare agency. The search is on for a board member to develop its volunteer base. Can you set up a tracking system? You may be the one to join this dedicated group that advocates for our furry friends.
Race for literacy -- You can become a certified tutor in PAL, the Partnership Approach to Literacy, by completing their volunteer tutor orientation and training program. Make a difference in literacy in Wayne County. Call now to register for 4 training sessions. Jan. 12, 14, 26 and 28 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Home construction for low income families -- Skills of all levels are needed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can work alongside a family while they earn "sweat equity" to achieve home ownership. Will train.
Health agency assistance -- Ensure patients are on the road to improved health by assisting with their medications. Some clerical work and patient interaction is required. The agency can work with your schedule, however a regular time each week is preferred. Training provided.
Clerical/clinical help on mobile health unit -- Receptionist/clerical volunteer needed to answer phones, have patients fill out forms, schedule appointments, just as in a doctor's office. A clinical person can assist with patient work-ups, such as taking temperatures, vital signs, finger sticks, blood pressure, and listing initial complaints.
Tax help -- You can play an exciting role in assisting families and individuals through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. (VITA). All you need is the ability to read and have basic math skills. Volunteers will be trained in this IRS sponsored program to prepare basic tax returns for taxpayers with special needs, including persons with disabilities, those with low income, non-English speaking persons and elderly taxpayers, and a variety of other activities. Call now to register for training.
ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES
Transport disabled veterans -- Drivers will receive a free physical and training before transporting disabled veterans to and from hospital appointments in Greenville, Durham, and Fayetteville. Even one day or more per month would help. You can return the favor to veterans for their service to our nation.
Calling potential mentors -- There are currently 25 children waiting for a mentor. You can play an important role in the success of a child as a mentor or by assisting with bi-monthly sessions to provide activities for those children waiting for mentors. The first hour will be educational and will be followed by fun activities.
Be a part of history -- Museum needs you to answer phones and take messages to allow staff time to perform their other duties preserving and telling the story of Wayne County's history.
Visit Volunteer Wayne on line! You can now find your volunteer niche on line at www.volunteersolutions.org
/uwwc/volunteer or www.unitedwaywaynecountync.org. United Way has generously provided this service to encourage more people to become involved in our community.
Seniors can also see us at www.joinseniorservice.org provided by the Corporation for National Service.
Volunteer Wayne is funded by United Way of Wayne County.
RSVP is primarily funded by the Corporation for National Service through Senior Corps.