United Way of Greater Lafayette
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Current Volunteer Needs

 

Volunteer Needs Column

November 11, 2011

 

What's New This Week?

Put Your Walking Shoes On 

Crisis Center is looking for individuals or groups to put up posters in area businesses, churches or meetings to help promote the upcoming Soup and Bread fundraiser on December 2nd. If interested in getting the word out, contact Jane or call 765-742-0247. 

 

Do you Like Reading and Children? 

Cole Elementary is asking for library helpers on Tuesdays between 9am - 3pm. Don't let a child go without books because there is no librarian. If you have an hour a week to give, contact Mike Pinto today! 

  

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

www.uwlafayettevolunteer.org  


Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls. 
 
~David Thomas


*Still Needed*

 

Turkey Day is Almost Here! 

Hanna Center is looking for volunteers to help with their annual Thanksgiving Dinner on the 20th of November. They are looking for cleaning and set up for Saturday, November 19th from 1 - 4pm then servers & seaters for the day of from 12 - 4pm and cleaners from 4:30 - 6:30pm. If you are thankful for having family to spend with, give of your time to those who may not! To sign up, contact Arianne or call 765-742-0191.

 

Ring, Ring, Ring....Ring the Bell 

The Salvation Army is scheduling volunteer bell ringers to help raise funds throughout the holiday season! Mulitple red kettle locations are available throughout the greater Lafayette area and individuals, families, groups and organizations are welcome to sign up. Bell ringing begins on November 18 and continues through December 24 (no ringing done on Sundays). to schedule, contact Audrey or call 765-742-0006 x 4.

 

Trains, Trains and more Trains

Linden Depot Museum is gearing up for their Christmas Season. Remember what is was like to play with trains as a child? Go back in time at the museum and volunteer to help keep the trains running, greet and welcome visitors or maybe run a cash register. The museum is open December 10 - 21st from 1 - 7pm. This is the time of year that earns the money to keep the Depot open all year long when over 1000 visitors come to learn about the history of trains and shop for that unique gift. If you would like to volunteer, email Gary or call 765-427-3630.

 

Everyone deserves a hot , nutritious meal 

Meals on Wheels deliver hot, nutritious meals to home bound individuals and are in need of volunteer drivers to deliver just one day a week from 10:45-12:30. If you have a couple hours to give a week, contact Nichole or call her at 429-6325.

 

Be Apart of the Team

Families and Schools Together (FAST) is looking for one more volunteer to join the team. FAST is a dynamic process to empower and involve all parents and to foster family development and cohesion. Its ultimate purpose is to help all children succeed at home, in elementary school, and in the community. Must attend a two day training to become FAST certified. More more information, email Amy or call 742-9077 x 222.

 

Betty Crockers Needed 

Bakers here the call.....Lafayette Adult Resource Academy are in need of holiday cookies for 300+. You can bake them now and freeze them and take to LARA. Great family or group project! For more information contact Beth or Joanne at 765-476-2920.

 

Shhh....you're in the library! 

Librarian helpers are needed in several of our Lafayette Schools. If interested in helping by shelving books and checking in/out books for 1 hour a week or more, email Karen Combs or call 771-6036. No experience needed....they will train! Help raise a generation of great readers starting today!  

 

Are you good on the Phone? 

Big Brothers Big Sisters are looking for individuals to answer the telephone and welcome agency guests. Days and hours are flexible. If interested, email or call 765-446-2227.

 

Did you say Euchre?

Bickford Cottage is looking for volunteer companions for the residents. Join them in a game of cards, read to them or just visit and unlock the wealth of knowledge and experience they have to offer! To find out how you can get involved email Rachel or call 490-6290.

Did you say Chair Zumba?

Bickford Cottage is looking for volunteers who love helping people exercise. Fitness leaders are needed to help the seniors get and stay mobile! 1/2 hour classes run at 9:30am Monday-Friday. If you would like to run a class or two then e-mail Rachel or call 490-6290.

 

B-I-N-G-O is the NameO

Bickford Cottage is looking for volunteers who love calling Bingo and visiting with their seniors! They have bingo on Thursdays at 1pm and Saturdays at 2:30pm. If you have an hour to have fun then contact Rachel or call 490-6290.


Happy Veterans' Day! 

salute flag


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vita

Now accepting applications for United Way's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Last tax season we were able to assist in over $205,500 in returns to low income families. Now we need your help to ensure this program is a success again. VITA is your opportunity to help low income families in our community. We will provide free training and certification to prepare taxes beginning in January 2012. VITA is a WIN WIN WIN program. Our community wins because tax dollars that are saved can be spent locally to boost the economy. The client wins because taxes are prepared accurately and for free saving an average of $200. As a volunteer you win because this is a great opportunity to give back while also learning how to prepare your own return. To volunteer or for more information about VITA contact Jennifer Million at (756) 742-9077 ext. 227, text (765) 237-2344 or visit our website.

   

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Community Dinners
11/20 - Community Thanksgiving Dinner / Hanna Community Center

11/21 - Soup Kitchen / Matthew 25 Care & Share Kitchen

11/22 - Senior Center of Tippecanoe County / The Center @ Jenks Rest

11/24 - Community Thanksgiving Dinner / Lafayette Urban Ministry

11/24 - Thanksgiving Dinner / HuHott Mongolian Grill

For more information, contact the Volunteer Center at 742-9077 ext 222 or Crisis Center 211 at 423-2255




7 Ways to Honor Your Local Military Families
parents with soldier

 

Today is Veterans Day, a national holiday where Americans remember the soldiers who dedicated their lives to serving their country. While it is very important to honor the memory of our soldiers, it is also important to remember the families who supported these soldiers.

 

Every day spouses, children, and parents are forced to say goodbye to their loved ones when they are deployed. These families must try to maintain life as usual. They may even have to settle into new communities where they do not receive critical familiar and local support during this difficult time. Although these families experience high levels of stress while their loved ones are deployed, life can be just as difficult when they return due to injury or mental illness.

 

November 11th is not only a great opportunity for your community or organization to honor those citizens who dedicated their lives to serving their communities, but also to those family members who dedicated their lives to supporting their veterans. Military families may find difficulty finding childcare, locating good schools, scheduling doctor's appointments, and maintaining a home.

 

These families need support while their loved ones are away and even when they return. These needs can easily be met through the work of communities, organizations, and volunteers. Volunteers can be both a resource for help but also as a source of support for these families. The following are a few suggestions to get your community involved in assisting these families during not only Veterans Day, but also year round.

  • Complete a Create The Good project where you can help military families with handy work around the house, babysitting, or preparing a meal.
  • Host card signing parties during holidays such as Christmas or Valentines Day where every guest can make a card thanking a family for all they do.
  • You can organize a recurring sports game for military families. Meetup.com is a great resource to spread the word about your event.
  • Organize a moms day away from kids event where you can offer babysitting services to military moms who need to run errands and spend time away from the kids.
  • You can find all sorts of service projects to help out military families such as doing yard work through Joining Forces.
  • Encourage your local representatives to honor military families on Veterans Days as well
  • Contact your local newspaper's editor about spotlighting local families and outreach events

President Obama has stated that all military will return before the year is over. Military families need support during this emotional time. You can help them at all levels. It is important to honor their presence in your community and all the dedication they offer to their loved ones.

 

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