Tag Archives: Community Service

Get involved and make a difference… Local volunteer opportunities.

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- VOLUNTEER OPENINGS – The ACT Volunteer Center serves the greater Hampshire-Franklin region and is located at 21 Abbot St. in Greenfield. ACT is a program of DIAL/SELF Youth and Community Services. The phone for ACT is 313-774-7054 ext. 107, and the e-mail address is director@dialself.org. Further information about ACT is available at www.actcommunityservice.org

- FRIENDS OF THE HATFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY – Seeking volunteers for the Board. All welcome to attend meeting Wed., Feb. 10, 7 p.m., to learn more. 247-9097

- HISTORIC DEERFIELD – Seeking individuals who like working with people and who are interested in history, museums and the decorative arts to become museum guides. Flexible schedules, offering one or two days per week with some weekend and holiday work. Interviews for new guides held in early February. Nine-week training course begins in March. Amanda Rivera Lopez, 775-7216

- YOUTH R FUTURE OF HAMPSHIRE HEIGHTS – Seeking volunteers to help with February vacation camp Feb. 15-19, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Activities include field trips, arts and crafts, creative writing, more. Darey, 413-209-5326

- HOSPICE VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM OF VNA & HOSPICE OF COOLEY DICKINSON – Volunteers needed to provide companionship and support for patients and their families through such services as visiting with patients, helping with errands or transportation. Must have transportation for visiting patients within a 10-mile radius and be available to offer 2-4 hours a week. Next training runs March 8-25 on Monday and Thursday evenings, 6-9 p.m. Application deadline March1. Carol Rinehart at carol_rinehart@cooley-dickinson.org or 582-5354

- BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF HAMPSHIRE COUNTY – Seeks volunteers to become mentors to over 200 children on the waiting list. Training, support and lists of no cost/low cost activities are provided. Mentors spend three to fi e hours a week with a child. Call 253-2591 or e-mail bbbsvolcorps@chd.org

- DRIVERS – Disabled American Veterans transportation network is seeking volunteers in Hampshire, Franklin and berkshire counties to drive their vans. The program is designed to carry needy disabled veterans to and from medical appointments at the VA Medical Center in Leeds. Leo Vance, 582-3078 or Donna Hayes, 582-3042.

- ANIMAL CARE – The Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society welcomes volunteers for its Leverett and Springfield sites. Positions and available times vary. Call coordinator of volunteer services Emily Kolod at 413-781-4000, ext. 111, or e-mail ekolod@dpvhs.org. For more information on volunteering, go to www.dpvhs.org

- NORTHAMPTON SENIOR CENTER – Transportation assistance needed for seniors’ medical appointments and grocery shopping needs using personal vehicle and/or handicapped accessible van. Flexible hours. No special driver’s license necessary. Vehicle insurance covered under City of Northampton. Diana, 587-1232 or ddamon@northamptonma.gov

Help Needed: Western Massachusetts Labor Action

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A typical low-income family in Berkshire County falls $17,000 short of making ends meet every year.  The gap is growing this winter as families face unprecedented job losses as well as high heating costs.  But the holiday season need not be only about economic hardship and impossible expectations!

Western Massachusetts Labor Action’s (WLMA) Family Holiday Party is a time when WMLA members and volunteers can join in a demonstration of solidarity and progress through mutal self-help.  The party will include food, family entertainment and speakers.  WLMA members who sign up in advance through WMLA’s Benefit Plan II will receive presents to provide to their children for the holiday.  This toy distribution to parents is part of WMLA’s budget-savings Holiday Campaign, which also includes food distributions.

HOW TO HELP: Please contact WMLA for volunteering opportunities (413-443-9862)

The Holiday Party is Friday, December 18th @ 5pm

The Address: ITAM Sons of Italy #564 Lodge, Waubeek Road, Pittsfield

Volunteering Opportunities:

Help organize food, turkey, toy drive, food drive

Donate turkey, food, toys

Volunteer at the Family Holiday Party

Campaign in low-income neighborhoods

Make phone calls, organize mailouts/ posters

Community Service Opportunities (UPDATED 11/5)

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Retired and Senior Volunteer Program

This is a program to volunteer to help people 55 and older.  There are various activities you can engage in and genuinely keep these seniors company and even learn from their experiences!

Contact: Pat Sicard 413-584-1300, www.hampshirecog.org

Nami Iris Project

Volunteer to sell silk irises at churches, stores and other community location.  There are three hour shifts with all materials provided.  Proceeds benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness and its work with people living with Mental illness

Contact: Barbara Kirchner 413-586-6641

Northampton Senior Center

Transportation help is needed to transport Seniors to medical appointments and grocery shopping.  No special driver’s license necessary; and vehicle insurance is covered by the city of Northampton.

Contact: Diana 413-587-1232, ddamon@northamptonma.gov

Community Service Opportunities around Hampshire/Franklin County

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ACT VOLUNTEER CENTER:

At this center you can get involved in such organizations like DAIL and SELF Youth.  Work with children; help with homework and hangout with awesome kids who are looking for mentors and genuine people to learn from.

Contact: 413-774-7054, www.actcommunityservice.org

WESTFIELD RIVER WILD AND SCENIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE:

Help keep the scenic Western Massachusetts beautiful!  Work on trail maintenance, learn to read directions while hiking and learn about photo monitoring.  Free trainging!

Contact: Meredyth Babcock 413-623-2070, volunteer@westfieldriverwildscenic.org

LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMEN:

Want to work with senior citizens or at nursing homes doing various volunteering services? Volunteers needed to serve as advocates for residents of local nursing homes and rest homes.  Ombudsmen visit residents regularly and investigate concerns and complaints brought to their attention.  Training is provided.

Contact: Barbara Levy 413-773-5555, blevy@fchcc.org

AARP TAX COUNSLEORS:

They are seeking volunteers to help out their locations in Hampshire County.  Training is provided in early November.  You are asked to volunteer at least eight hours a week in February through April.

Contact: 888-687-2277, www.aarp.org/taxaid

HORIZONS FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN:

One of the best programs in Northampton and Greenfield.  Enjoy playing and spending time with children as you brighten their day by giving them outside interactions with people they might not get otherwise.  There is a 6 month commitment, with only two hours per week!

Contact: Jessica Netto 413-532-0526, jnetto@horizonsforhomelesschildren.org

PIONEER VALLEY THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCIATION:

Volunteers needed to assist with brushing horses and tacking them up, leading horses during lessons and side-walking with horses and riders.  Experience not needed.

Contact: mmesheau@aol.com

**Community Service**

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HELLO!  For those of you who are interested in getting involved in the Amherst community here is your chance!  The first event we are planning to work at is the Halloween Festivities at the Bang Community Center in town.  If you are looking to get involved please attend an important meeting on October 14th @ 7pm at the BCC.  At this meeting we will find out what tasks need to be done and then we will carry them out on the 30th of October (you will NOT miss your Halloween)!  There will be more opportunities to get involved….email us at advising@umass.edu!