Community Volunteer Center

Last revised on August 15, 2008 - New Opportunities!!!

Volunteer with United Way of Lowndes County

Allocations Committee
Following the annual campaign, United Way recruits volunteers from the community to determine funding levels for United Way agencies. Volunteers serve on panels that are chaired by experienced allocations volunteers. The panels are responsible for reviewing agency proposals, interviewing agency directors, and touring the agencies to determine funding levels. Serving on the allocations committee allows you to serve as a steward for United Way contributors and utilize your leadership skills in making sound decisions with their contributions.

Campaign Coordinator
Take a leadership role within your business or organization and organize a United Way employee campaign. The campaign coordinator plans, coordinate, and implement a campaign within their company encouraging coworkers to get involved and support the United Way endeavor. Learn more about coordinating a United Way campaign at your workplace today!

Day to Care
Get your company involved in the most well known community volunteer effort-Day to Care. Day to Care is an annual United Way event that engages hundreds of volunteers in service projects with United Way agencies and other community organizations. Recruit a volunteer team from your workplace and enjoy a half day of volunteer efforts followed by a celebration luncheon and the United Way campaign kick off.

United Way Food Drive to Benefit Helping Hands and The Salvation Army
Extreme gas prices, increased cost in food, and higher electric bills leads to less money in the bank. Lowndes County is seeing an influx for the need of food at our local emergency agencies Helping Hands and the Salvation Army. Collect nonperishable food items and deliver to United Way of Lowndes County August 25 August 29 through Friday between 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The United Way office is located at 501 Seventh Street North in Suite 5 in the Plaza Building. Please bring canned vegetables (no green beans, please!), canned meats, powdered milk, pastas, rice, can canned fruit. Click here for printable flyer.

Volunteer with the Community Volunteer Center

Home Repair Initiative
Did you know that home repair is in dire need in Lowndes County for elderly residents and low income families? Did you know that you can help?

The CVC seeks a passionate and committed individual to organize a volunteer home repair program in Lowndes County.

The goal: To organize a coalition of community members to implement a volunteer home repair program in Lowndes County to address the urgent need of home repair for elderly persons and low income persons.

Objectives: Prepare a written document that conveys the specific need of the community and the purpose of the proposed coalition; devise a written document that explains the logistics of the coalition such as services provided (what will the program do), eligibilities to receive services (who will the program serve), key players (who will do what), and liability issues; and, coordinate a meeting with prospective coalition members to educate the need, propose the coalition, and secure coalition members.

What is required of the volunteer: The volunteer will be responsible for working towards the goal by implementing the three objectives stated above. The volunteer is expected to be committed to the project. The volunteer must be dependable, ability to work well with others, organized, and demonstrate excellent writing and communication skills. The bulk of the project may be worked on from home, but will require meetings at the volunteer center.

Volunteer Opportunity Coordinator
Are you organized? Do you like to gather information and piece it together in one final document? Then, this is for you!

The Volunteer Opportunity Coordinator will assist the Community Volunteer Center with collecting volunteer opportunities from local agencies, updating volunteer opportunities, and maintaining volunteer opportunities documents using Microsoft Applications and Web based programs. The Volunteer Opportunity Coordinator (VOC) will obtain a list of all the local organizations and agencies that utilize volunteers in Lowndes County and surrounding areas. The VOC the will obtain all of the volunteer opportunities from these organizations by meeting with the volunteer coordinators/directors. The VOC will prepare the opportunities in word document form as well as post on select Internet sites such as 1800volunteer.org. The VOC will keep current with volunteer opportunities in the area and maintain a current list.

Requirements: 21 years of age, dependable, available two to four hours per week, enjoy organizing and writing, proficient with computers and the Internet, work well with others, volunteer experience or volunteer management experience a plus.

Recycle Inkjet Cartridges and Used Cell Phones
The CVC partnered with Planet Green in a fundraising effort to collect empty cartridges and used cell phones. It's a great way to raise money while helping our environment!

How you can help
Just bring your empty inkjet cartridges and used cell phones to the CVC office located at 501 Seventh Street North, Suite 5, in the Plaza Building Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your cartridges from home and work. It's that easy. Start collecting today!

Special Events

We call on special events volunteers to help during special events in the community. Some events include Market Street Festival, Columbus Pilgrimage, United Way Blood Drive, Discover Columbus, and the Columbus Jazz and Blues Fest. Volunteering at these events allows you to see the true charm of Columbus, meet new people, and have a lot of fun! So, how does it work? We will notify you in as much advance as possible about the event and ask you to volunteer via phone or email. We ask that you either accept or decline the invitation.

Stuff the Bus for Us
Columbus Lowndes Humane Society
Saturday, August 23, 2008
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Assist the Columbus Lowndes Humane Society in collecting items needed for the shelter by passing out flyers at Wal-Mart.

Family Saturdays @ the Farmer's Market
May - October 2008

The Farmer's Market is where you will want to be this year! The market features the best local produce, plant swaps, and entertainment. This opportunity is fun and just for you!

Volunteer during the fun-filled Farmer's Market on Family Saturdays! Volunteers assist with the set up and clean up, man the information table, and sponsor children's activities. Volunteers are needed on Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Volunteer every Saturday or once a month! Wonderful family volunteering opportunity!

Working with Youth

Tutor
Tutor elementary or high school students at the Palmer Home for Children during a time that works for the student and the volunteer.

Music/Skill/Hobby Instructor
Do you know how to play a musical instrument such as the guitar or piano. Do you have woodworking skills or know how to sew or scrapbook? Do you enjoy working with children? The Palmer Home for Children is looking for volunteers to teach children how to play a musical instrument or a new skill or hobby.

Child Sponsorship Program
The Palmer Home for Children is seeking volunteers to get involved with their child sponsorship program. The program allows families to get involved with children on a long term basis providing a place for children to become part of a family. The program allows children to have one on one time with a family.

Tutor
Cook Elementary School - kindergarten through the fourth grade. The mission is to educate and have a strong character education emphasis. Volunteers will read with and read to children, helping with math facts/flash cards, being a mentor/big brother big sister. Volunteers are needed at least one hour every couple of weeks. Volunteers must be dependable and dedicated.

Tutor
Hearts After School Program is a community-wide after school tutoring ministry for students between kindergarten and the fourth grade who are at risk for falling behind in academic pursuits. Students are referred to Hearts based upon grades, teacher recommendations, and standardized testing.

Hearts is looking for tutors who are willing to be dependable, positive, supportive, encouraging, and effective learning coaches.

Tutor
Project Southside, Inc. is an affiliate of Southside Missionary Baptist Church that offers an after school program to students in kindergarten through twelfth grade in a Christian setting.Tutor children with homework based on a time convenient for the you and the child.

Tutor
The Boys and Girls Club assists youth ages five through 18 of all backgrounds to develop the moral and ethical qualities needed to become responsible citizens and leaders. After-school educational programs enhance classroom achievement. Tutoring, especially Algebra and Geometry 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tutor
Columbus Air Force Base Youth Center
386 C Street Building 348
After School Program 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Assistant Troop Leader
Assist the Troop Leader in providing a complete Girl Scout experience for registered girl members in the Girl Scout program. Previous Girl Scout experience not required.

Troop Leader
A Troop Leader is responsible to provide a complete Girl Scout experience for registered girl members in the Girl Scout program. Previous Girl Scout experience (girl or adult) is NOT required.

Volunteering with Animals

Columbus Lowndes Humane Society
Volunteer Opportunities:

Foster Care - Fostering dogs or cats with special needs. Special needs includes expectant mothers for dogs, underweight dogs or cats, dogs or cats that need extra socialization, dogs or cats that lived at the shelter for at least two months. Fosters will assist in finding homes for these animals.

Homeward Bound Foster Care - This program is set up to take dogs to other Humane Societies in other states. These dogs selected for this program will already have homes set up for them. They just need to be fostered until the trip.

Adoption Outreach Assistant - Assist in the development of the "Adoption Outreach Program" in the community. Encourage people to adopt shelter animals, teach responsible pet ownership, and adoption follow-ups are some of the tasks involved.

Animal Exercise Escort - Assist with the care and well being of the animals by providing exercise and human companionship.

Bather / Groomer - Assist in bathing and grooming shelter animals to increase their chances for adoption.

Office/Newsletter Assistant - Volunteers with writing and photography skills, as well as label stickers and mail sorters are needed quarterly.

Special Events Staff - Help at fund raisers and other special events within the community with set up, clean up, and volunteering during the event.

FUNDRAISING Opportunities

Grant Writer
Research and write a grant for the Community Volunteer Center to secure future funding. Volunteer must be dependable and have the time to commit to the project. Excellent writing skills required and grant writing experience a plus.

Recycle Inkjet Cartridges and Used Cell Phones
The CVC partnered with Planet Green in a fundraising effort to collect empty cartridges and used cell phones. It's a great way to raise money while helping our environment!

ADMINISTRATIVE Opportunities

Library Assistant - West Point, MS
Eastside Elementary
West Point, MS

Volunteer in a laid back atmosphere helping the librarian shelve, dust, and organize in the library. Volunteer Monday afternoons from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. or Friday mornings from 8:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. You must be at least 21 years of age and be able to commit to the opportunity. No child involvement.

Front Desk Assistant
Baptist Center for Cancer Care

Assist admissions manager by greeting patients and answering telephone OR file charts (volunteer's preference) Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.at the Baptist Center for Cancer Care at the Baptist Memorial Hospital Golden Triangle.

The Friends of the Library
Columbus Lowndes Public Library

I f you love books, love to read, and love the library, we invite you to volunteer
for the Friends of the Library. Look over the list below and see which committee(s)) you would like to serve on.

BOOK SALES - This is our major fund raiser in March and October
at Leigh Mall. Enlist volunteers to load, set up, sell books for the event. The
proceeds benefit the library.

BOOK TALKS - These are the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the
Library from September to May. Review a book you have read or written;
participate on a book review panel; help solicit authors to review their books;
or assist with the refreshments at the close of the programs.

FOL SCRAPBOOK - This is an ongoing history with photos, clippings,
programs, accomplishments, and other activities and events of The Friends.

SPECIAL EVENTS / HOSPITALITY - Help plan and present special events sponsored by The Friends; assist with decorations and refreshments for
each event. The highlight each year is in February at The Friends Annual
Membership Meeting and Valentine Program.

PHONING / MAILING - Assist with phoning members of the Friends con-
cerning upcoming events, Board Meetings, book sale volunteers, etc., and assist
with mailing the Newsletters and other mailings for the Friends and the Library.

PUBLICITY - Assist with press releases, news stories, announcements
about the activities of the Friends; send information to the area print media
and public service announcements (PSA) to the area electronic media.

MEMBERSHIP - This committee maintains the membership rolls and records. Record all new and renewing memberships; report status of the
membership to the Friends Board of Directors; send membership cards with
notes to acknowledge receipt of membership dues and designate the member-
ship category; coordinate membership changes, additions, deletions with the
Library who prints the mailing labels for The Friends. Be familiar with the
Excel computer program or be willing to learn. We will teach you! It's easy.

INDIRECT HELP Opportunities

Operation Ukraine
Be a part of a major operation, Operation Ukraine. Operation Ukraine began about four years ago to collect and ship supplies needed in former Soviet Union countries for hospitals and trauma centers, orphanages, and families. Today, the operation has grown to shipping to Ukraine, Honduras and other countries. Items are also distributed locally to individuals and families in need of supplies.

The operation has grown so much that volunteers are needed on a consistent basis to help Kathy Cadden sort, count, and pack items to be shipped overseas. Kathy and her crew are in the warehouse Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. working diligently preparing and organizing items to be shipped.

Great for groups, families, churches, student organizations, civic clubs, and corporate group volunteers!

Comfort Kits
The American Red Cross distributes comfort kits to all fire families and have them on hand for disasters. Just putting these kits together will free up key staff persons. They can help you acquire the following items or you may purchase on your own:

Travel size toothpaste
Toothbrush
Travel size soap
Wash cloth
Small and large combs
Travel size deodorant
Travel size hand sanitizer
Travel size handiwipes
Travel size hand lotion
Travel size shaving cream
Disposable razors

This opportunity may be done on your own time that is convenient for you. Comfort kits may be dropped off to the volunteer center office located at 501 Seventh Street North, Suite 5 (in the L-shaped Plaza Building) anytime between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. You may want to call first to make sure someone is at the office, 327-0807.

DIRECT HELP Opportunities

Reassurance Caller
What would you do if you lived alone? Through their Reassurance program, CONTACT Helpline calls elderly and disabled persons living alone on a daily basis in an effort to assist them to continue living in their own homes safely and independently as long as possible. What are you going to gain out of this opportunity? New friends!

Direct Patient Care Volunteer
Provide support to Baptist Memorial Hospice patients and families by providing companionship for the patients, listening to the patients and caregivers, providing a link to the Hospice staff, providing bereavement support of families, light chores around the patient's home, running errands, and other duties.

Reassurance Gift Bags
Would you like to touch the heart of a senior citizen?
Reassurance Clients are: Seniors 60 yrs or older and/or disabled any age
Reassurance Clients live: In our 8 county service area that includes Choctaw, Clay,
Lowndes, Monroe, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster, and Winston
Approximate cost of each bag: $10 each or you may wish to give a monetary donation
How are the bags delivered? Volunteers are needed to help with the preparation & delivery in all 8 counties
Where can donated items be dropped off? Front desk of Community Counseling office at 1001 Main St. in Columbus OR Family First Resource Center at 1504 Louisville St. in Starkville

SUGGESTED CONTENTS:
* Kleenex * Wet Wipes * Ruler
* Toothbrush/ Toothpaste * Bar Soap * Scotch Tape
* Lotion * Cotton Balls * Envelopes
* Comb * Jar Opener * Rubber Bands
* Nail Brush/ Nail File * Washcloths/ Sponges * Candy Canes
* Band-Aids * Handkerchiefs * Note Pads
* First Aid Cream * Ink Pens * Chap Stick
* Socks * Calendar for the coming year
* Fresh Fruit purchased just before delivery * Individually Wrapped Candy

Prefer Travel Size Items. Ideally, enough of each item would be donated so that the contents of each bag would be nearly the same. No used items can be included. For more information call (662) 327 0807. Deadline to donate items is 11/03/08.
Please click here for printable flyer.

To volunteer, please contact the CVC at (662) 327-0807 or
email to volunteercenter@cableone.net.