United Way of Greater Lafayette
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Current Volunteer Needs

 

Volunteer Needs Column

August 19, 2011

 

Passion into Action:

Deciding How to Serve 

Once you take the plunge into service, you may be surprised at how many ways you can help others. In fact, it might be a little overwhelming. There may be dozens of agencies in your neighborhood looking  for volunteers; you could find online service opportunities; or you may have a desire to help the people who live next door.

 

You know what issues you are passionate about. You want to do something to help. But how do you decide on a service activity?

 

Your service activity should be something you will enjoy doing. It's an opportunity to use your passion and skills to help others (or to develop your personal or professional skills), meet others, and make a difference in your community. Here are a few things to think about:

  • What do you most enjoy doing with/for others?
  • When you look back on this time in your life, what is something that will stick in your memory? Why?
  • What do you want to accomplish?
  • What kinds of service projects or activities would you like to do?
  • How much time do you have to devote to service?

Information provided by HandsOn Network  

 

What's New This Week?   

 

Back to Nature

Volunteer to help with the Wabash Sampling Blitz on September 16th. Join 250 volunteers to collect a snapshot of the water quality of the Wabash River, Wildcat Creek and their tributaries. For more information visit website or signup online. You may also email Sara with questions.


Stock the Pantry

Food Finders Food Bank are gearing up for the mobile pantry roll out event on September 9th and are looking for volunteers to help repackage and re-label food donations. To volunteer email Amy Gaulke or call 765-471-0062 today!  

 

Horsing Around

Therapeion Therapeutic Riding Center is in need of adult volunteers to work with riders with disabilities, abused & neglected children and youth at risk. No experience necessary/training provided. For more information visit

website or call 765-414-8066.

 

Bollywood Anyone?

Indian Women Association are in need of volunteers to help set up tables and chairs for the Celebration of India 2011 on September 10th from 11am - 3pm. For more information, email or call 765-463-0929.  

 

Old Time Country Fair

Historic Prophetstown are seeking volunteers to participate in their Tractor Pull and Country Fair on September 9,10 & 11th. They need assistance with concession stand, bake sale or set up and tear down. For more information, call Carol Thursday - Monday from 9am - 5pm at 765-567-4700.

 

Picture Perfect 

Lafayette Energy Improvement Program is looking for a volunteer to take pictures of 80 homes within the Vinton and Glen Acres neighborhoods that are enrolled in their program then document them into a database. Camera will be provided. For more information call Amy Jacobs at 765-807-1094.



If interested in learning about more volunteer opportunities, contact Amy at the United Way Volunteer Center or visit:

www.uwlafayettevolunteer.org  


  Week of Caring

2011

September 12 - 16

 

We still have several projects to be picked up. Remember you do have flexibility to do these outside of week of caring. Here is a sampling for what is left, contact Amy at the Volunteer Center today to get a complete list! 

  • Lafayette Transitional Housing Center - collect socks and underwear for homeless men, women & children.
  • Caregiver Companions - Help a blind woman wash windows, walls and possible yard work.
  • Salvation Army - Landscaping
  • Food Finders Food Bank - put together holiday backpacks for a local school for a children enrolled in the backpack program.
  • Dennis Burton Child Care - help with Parent/Child Carnival event. 
  • And Lots More..... 
Volunteer
It's easy to make a buck. 
It's a lot tougher to make a difference. 

~Tom Brokaw
 

Learn more about the United Way

Do you want to find out more about what the United Way of Greater Lafayette is all about? Visit the website

 


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National Volunteerism Week

 

Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.
 ~Elizabeth Andrew




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*On-Going Volunteer Needs*

 

Help Feed a Hungry Family

Bauer Family Resources is looking for a volunteer to assist families in receiving food assistance at their food pantry. Volunteer would be responsible for completing intake paperwork and determining eligibility. This position would be on Thursdays from 12 - 2:30pm.  If this is right for you, please email Cassie or call her at 765-742-5046. Great opportunity to give back to the community!

 

Volunteer Callout  

YWCA is having a volunteer callout on Wednesday, August 31st at 6:00pm. This will highlight volunteer needs for each YWCA Department: Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention Program, Women's Cancer Program, and Youth Programming along with various special events. If you cannot attend the callout, email Ericka or call 765-423-7029.

 

Dog Walking Fun

Almost Home Humane Society is looking for volunteers to help with its Tails-N-Trails 5, 15K and Dog Walk on Saturday, September 10th at the Tippecanoe Amphitheater. Volunteers may be individuals or small groups and should be available from 7 am - noon. Anyone interested email Stacy or call 765-474-5222 ext. 301.


Free T-shirts!  

Uptown Jazz and Blues Festival is August 27th and volunteers are needed to work later shifts at Admission Gates and Ticket Booths. Volunteers are also needed to assist with set up and tear down. All volunteers receive free admission and an Uptown Jazz & Blues t-shirt! Sign up online at www.GreaterLafayetteCommerce.com     

 

Night Owls Needed

Lafayette Urban Ministry Homeless Shelter are seeking volunteers to spend the night. Volunteers take turns staying awake but are able to get 6 hours of sleep in the volunteer room. Hours needed: 8:30pm - 7am. Please visit website for training dates: www.lafayetteurbanministry.org   

 

Traveling Librarian

Tippecanoe County Public Library are seeking Library Link Volunteers. You will be paired with a home bound patron where you deliver and pick up books for them. Must be at least 18 years olf with a valid drivers license. Fore more information or to sign up, contact Sherri or call 765-474-5222 ext. 301.

     

Be a Light in Someone's Life

Serenity Hospice are in need of volunteers to visit with patients. You can be the light in someone's life for their remaining days or visit with the nursing home residents to help pass the time in their day. Training is provided. If interested, email Linda or call her at 446-9100.

 

Book Cycle Seeks Volunteers 

This is your change to assist pre-school children in selecting and exchanging books at Head Start and the Tippecanoe County Childcare Centers. Volunteers must be able to commit to ONE time slot each week for approximately 2 hours. (Thursday is 9-11AM or 1:30-3:30PM and Friday is 9-10:30AM) Please contact Colleen Reader or call 765-567-4088 for more information.  


Delivery Service Needed!  

Meals on Wheels is in need of people who are willing to donate a couple hours of their time either on a weekly or fill-in basis. You will need your own car to deliver meals to elderly and disabled recipients of the program. To volunteer contact  Nichole

  

Clothes, Clothes Everywhere!

Trinity Mission Outlet Store are looking for volunteers to help sort through clothes that they have at the store. They would like 20 or so volunteers to help for 4 - 5 hours. If interested contact Todd at 765-742-1060.  

 

Have a couple hours to give?

Caregivers Companions needs volunteers to visit, drive and help the elderly or ill in Tippecanoe County. If you would enjoy helping someone with transportation, errands, light housework, laundry, etc. we have quite a few situations in the area for you to choose from. Volunteers can give as many or as few hours as your schedule will allow.