United Way of Greater Lafayette
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Current Volunteer Needs

 

Volunteer Needs Column

November 18, 2011  

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will not be a column next week on November 25th. See you again on December 2nd. 

 

What's New This Week?

You be the Judge 

Quo Vadis Speech & Debate Club is looking for volunteers to judge the Lafayette Speech & Debate Tourney on December 2 & 3. Orientation/Training is provided to help you to be comfortable as a judge. 150 or so home schooled students from 6 states will compete in 3 age groups. If you would like more information or to sign up click on the judge registration by Monday, November 28th. Please consider helping students improve their public speaking skills.

 

Librarian Call Out  

Hershey Elementary is asking for library helpers on Thursday & Friday mornings, & Friday afternoons. Hershey Panthers are simply....READERS so the shelves are in need of restocking!  If you have an hour a week to give, contact Kris or call 765-269-8289.  

 

Spread the Word

Children's Literacy Coalition would like volunteers to pass out flyers at the Barnes & Noble Bookfair (see right). The more coupons we get in shoppers hands the more books we get into the hands of children. If interested, email Amy or call 765-742-9077 x 244.

 

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

Reading Buddies, a program of United Way, is looking for stuffed animals to replenish the supply for 2nd grade classrooms. If you would like to sponsor a drive or just supply a stuffed animal or two, email Amy or call 765-742-9077 x 222

 

All that Paperwork!

Bauer Family Resources Food Pantry is looking for volunteers to assist with completing intake and eligibility paperwork on Thursdays 12 - 2:30pm. For more information contact Cassie at 765-742-5046. 

   

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

www.uwlafayettevolunteer.org   


If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one. 
~Mother Teresa



*Still Needed*

 

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! 

 

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. If you would like to volunteer, email Gary or call 765-427-3630.

 

Everyone deserves a hot , nutritious meal 

Meals on Wheels delivers 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 Part 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. For more information, email Amy or call 742-9077 x 222.

Betty Crockers Needed 

Bakers hear 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.

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.


Children's Literacy Coalition

 Barnes & Noble Bookfairs

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Barnes & Noble, Lafayette

 

Special guests will be reading children's books and performing!

 

Our guests include:

12:00 Clayton Richard, San Diego Padres

1:30 WLHS Cheerleaders

2:00 Hershey Elementary Choir

2:30 Toy Story's Woody (aka Matt Bandelier)

3:00 JHS Cheerleaders

3:30 Santa Claus

4:30 Kids First Puppets

5:00 Josh Lindblom, Los Angeles Dodgers

 

Can't attend our bookfair at Barnes & Noble?

 

visit BN.COM/bookfairs to support us online from 12/04/11 to 12/09/11 by entering Bookfair ID 10583706 at checkout.

 

Or use your voucher in the store on Monday, December 5, 2011

 

A percentage of your Barnes & Noble purchases will benefit our organization.


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

11/24 - Community Thanksgiving Dinner / Lafayette Urban Ministry

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

Teaching Charity to Our Children

                                           by Laurie Neal

 

November 20th is National Family Volunteer Day. What better time to teach your children about charity and volunteering? Here are some ideas to put the whole family in the charitable spirit.

'Adopt a Grandparent' and visit a local nursing home. Newborns and toddlers can come along to provide company and lots of hugs. Older children can read with the residents and put on plays or skits.

Volunteer to water or start a garden at a senior center.

Organize a food drive in your neighborhood. Even small children can help deliver and collect bags.

Many charities request local residents to send pledge sheets to the neighbors. Let the kids stamp, label and deliver the sheets.  

 

Organize a toy, book or clothing drive. Have the kids chip in by donating some of their unused toys and outgrown clothing.

Help your children write letters and draw pictures to mail to the elderly or others in town who are not able to get out much.

Volunteer to read to the blind. Let older children read while the younger ones cuddle and turn pages.

Walk, brush, feed and clean pets at a rescue shelter.

Spend some time volunteering at a food kitchen. Let the kids help fix plates and clear the tables.

Work together to make baked goods as a donation to a church, community or charity fair.

Collect change and/or bottle return money to donate to charity.

Volunteer for Meals on Wheels and let the kids come along to help with deliveries.

Many shelters and food kitchens need drivers to pick up donations at markets and restaurants each day. Have the kids pitch in and help.

Teach a class together. Senior centers, YMCAs and women shelters are very receptive to the help. Computer and internet skills are always needed.

Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. Volunteers are need to build, paint, cook and serve food, watch children and much more.  

 

Encourage your children to donate one item off their Christmas or birthday wish list to a less fortunate child.

Help your child donate a portion of his allowance and birthday money to the charity of his choice.

Before all giving occasions (holidays, birthdays, etc) clean out the toy boxes and help your children donate the less popular toys to Goodwill.

Instead of exchanging duplicate gifts - donate one of the items to charity.

Spend all or part of your holiday helping a  charity make the day special for kids who wouldn't have a holiday celebration without them.