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New
Volunteer Opportunities for 2010
For more information,
please call 327.0807.
Volunteer Opportunities of the Week (January 18)
Project
Lace Up
Project Lace Up is an academic and enrichment program at Lee Middle
School with 140 student participants. The idea of Project Lace Up is to prepare
junior high students for the transition from middle school to high school.
This is the time students begin falling behind their classmates and dropping
out becomes a more appealing option. Preparing the students for high school
and improving their academics provides them a better chance of going to college.
The program also serves as a networking tool allowing community members to
volunteer, introduce themselves to the students, and share their success stories.
The networking idea of the program teaches students interpersonal skills,
networking skills, and how to interact with other community members on both
a personal and professional level. Finally, students are exposed to regional
areas of interest such as the state capitol, Jackson State University, and
the University of Alabama.
How can the community help? Volunteers are needed to provide community support in several ways. Volunteers are needed to provide academic tutoring to students that need help getting back on track; to improve their grades; and, to prepare them for the next level (eighth grade or high school). Volunteers are needed to serve as mentors. Volunteer mentors will guide a student for the remainder of the year and provide them tutoring, life skills, share life stories, encouragement to succeed, and help improve their interpersonal skills. Volunteers are needed to for networking purposes-to introduce themselves to the students and share their story; talk about their lives; and, open up a world of possibilities to the students by sharing their success.
Project Lace Up takes place Monday through Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and on Thursday from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Volunteers may attend Project Lace Up on a one-time basis to introduce themselves and aid the students in networking; they may pair up with a student and mentor him or her during the entire process; or they may volunteer once or twice a week tutoring or assisting various students with the program. Ideally, each student would have their own mentor to follow them through this process. But, volunteers may help however it is convenient to them. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old or more.
To volunteer, please contact the Community Volunteer Center at 327-0807 or email to volunteercenter@cableone.net.
Columbus
Family Fire Victims
Lisa Lang’s home burned to the ground on Friday, January 8. According
to her co-workers, Lisa is always the first one to help someone whenever someone
needs it-SHE needs our help now. I know times are tough for a lot of us but
think if you lost everything in a fire how tough it would be. Please try to
donate something for Lisa and her family. They were not able to save any personal
items or property. The two girls have no school uniforms and they also lost
all their Christmas presents they had just received. We are, however, very
grateful she, nor her family was hurt. Anything you can do, will be appreciated.
She did not have fire insurance on her home (only flood). Here is a list of
current needs for right now. When the family gets into a new place, they will
need help with household items then.
Money is the primary need for this family. Gift cards to Wal-Mart, grocery stores, and clothing departments are also needed. To donate, please take your contributions to the Columbus Police Department and drop them off at the right front window for Sheila Elder. For more information, please call Sheila Elder at 244.3528.
Volunteers Needed with
Roofing Skills
The volunteer center needs two volunteers to help a local contractor replace
a roof on a doublewide trailer. Here is the story…a woman came into the
CVC about a year ago needing help replacing her leaking roof. Her husband
recently divorced her and she hadn’t worked in years and, therefore,
unable to afford the repair. The CVC let her know that if she could provide
the materials, we could provide volunteers to do the work. One year later,
she called the CVC and said she saved up the money to replace the entire roof.
The roof had gotten so bad that she moved in with her mother.
A local independent contractor offered to look at the roof. He did, and he went to New Home Building Supply and priced the materials. He said he would volunteer to replace the roof and oversee the project. He needs two volunteers to help him. Would you be interested in helping? We would like to do the project on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day which is Monday, January 18 or that Saturday or Sunday before weather permitting in order to celebrate the national day of service.
Share One (Utility
Assistance Program)
If you are a Columbus Light & Water customer, please consider joining
our Share One program. Please read here for details. http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=4366
Tutoring
21 Century Volunteer
Volunteer at Stokes-Beard Technology & Communication Magnet School as
a 21st Century Volunteer assisting teachers and working with the students
on their homework. The volunteer opportunity takes place on Mondays, Tuesdays,
and Thursdays from 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Volunteers must be 18 years of age,
complete a volunteer application and background check through the CVC, and
have their own transportation. You may volunteer during the times that are
convenient for you!
Tutor
at Cook Elementary
Do you like to work with kids? Cook Elementary needs your help! Volunteer
during the school day 7:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. listening to the children read,
call out spelling words, and more. Or, they really need your help in their
after school program Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 2:40 p.m. to 4:15
p.m. tutoring students. Many of the students have parents that are unable
to help at home for various reasons and Cook Elementary counts on their volunteers
to help give that "little extra" some of them need.
Have a Heart for Tutoring
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.
Project Southside
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.
Boys and Girls Club
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.
Working with Special Needs
The Arc of Lowndes
CountyT
he Arc of Lowndes County is our local chapter of the Arc of Mississippi. The
Arc is an organization of volunteers, parents, professionals, and others concerned
with the well-being of children and adults with developmental disabilities.
The Arc is the nation’s oldest organization devoted to improving the
lives of persons with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities
and their families. The Arc focuses on improving areas such as community inclusion,
accessibility, and education. The organization needs volunteers to help with
the Gutter Busters Bowling League on Saturdays at 2 p.m. Bowling takes place
at Columbus Lanes in East Columbus and the league takes place until April.
The organization is asking your help just ONE Saturday a month. For more information
about the organization, please visit http://www.thearc.org.
To volunteer, please call Meagan Coughlin at 327.0807 or email to volunteercenter@cableone.net.
RIDES Program
Caledonia, MS
The RIDES Program provides
disabled riders ages four to 22 horseback rides for therapeutic benefit. Riders
range in physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities and special needs.
Volunteers will be trained to assist riders, handle horses safely, and experience
the benefits and rewards of volunteering.
Help the Homeless
Hygiene Kits
Donate (new) deodorant, single packaged toothbrushes, socks, and underwear
for adult males and females to the Community Resource Connection's hygiene
pantry.
It's an Emergency
The Community Resource Connection is need of emergency food bags for homeless
families and individuals. Food must be ready to eat and pop-top cans only.
The bags MUST ONLY contain the follow contents:
Adult
Styrofoam Cup
Hand Wipe
Instant Coffee Single
Sweetener Package
(2) Potted Meats
(2) Vienna Sausages
Pop Tarts
(1) Can Beans/Franks (pop-top)
Ramen Noodle Soup in Cup
Cracker Sleeve
6 Count Snack Crackers
Fruit Cereal Bar
Chewy Granola Bar
(1) Can Chef Boyardee Pasta (pop-top)
(1) Bottled Water
Child
Styrofoam Cup
Hand Wipe
Hot Cocoa Package
Juice Box
Raisins
(1) Can Beans/Franks (pop-top)
Pudding or Applesauce
Can Chef Boyardee Pasta (pop-top)
Fruit Cereal Bar
Pop Tarts
6 Count Snack Crackers
Fruit Roll Up
Lemonade Single
(1) Can Vienna Sausage
(1) Bottled Water
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.
Volunteers
Needed with Carpentry Skills
We are working on a home repair initiative in Lowndes County and need your
help! If you have carpentry skills, construction skills, or the know how to
determine damage in a home - we need you. Just give us a call to learn more
about the program and how you can start helping today!
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!
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 charitable golf tournaments.
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.
Working with Youth
21
Century Volunteer
Volunteer at Stokes-Beard Technology & Communication Magnet School as
a 21st Century Volunteer assisting teachers and working with the students
on their homework. The volunteer opportunity takes place January through April
on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 2:45 p.m. to 4:05 p.m. Volunteers
must be 18 years of age, complete a volunteer application and background check
through the CVC, and have their own transportation. You may volunteer during
the times that are convenient for you. Stokes-Beard Technology & Communication
Magnet School seeks about 10 volunteers and the volunteers are needed as soon
as possible.
Tutor
at Cook Elementary
Do you like to work with kids? Cook Elementary needs your help! Volunteer
during the school day 7:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. listening to the children read,
call out spelling words, and more. Or, they really need your help in their
after school program Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 2:40 p.m. to 4:15
p.m. tutoring students. Many of the students have parents that are unable
to help at home for various reasons and Cook Elementary counts on their volunteers
to help give that "little extra" some of them need.
Hall
Monitor
Volunteer as a Hall Monitor at the Columbus High School and earn season tickets!
Time slots are 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.; 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Fridays. After you complete five hours of service,
you will receive a season ticket for the sport of your choice!
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.
RIDES Program
Caledonia, MS
The RIDES Program provides disabled riders ages four to 22 horseback rides for therapeutic benefit. Riders range in physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities and special needs. Volunteers will be trained to assist riders, handle horses safely, and experience the benefits and rewards of volunteering.
FUNDRAISING
Opportunities
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!
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!
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.
FOAL 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-
caning 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 (GSA) 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 CAD 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!
Travel size toothpaste
Toothbrush
Travel size soap
Wash cloth
Small and large combs
Travel size deodorant
Travel size hand sanitize
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
CONTACT Listener
Train to become a CONTACT Listener. Classes are held Saturdays - February
21, 28, and March 7 - 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. with lunch provided. You must reserve
a seat. CONTACT Helpline is a volunteer driven, confidential, telephone listening
helpline that serves an eight county area 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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.
Heart
to Heart Hospice
Hospice volunteers find a great deal of satisfaction in helping others and
making an important difference in the lives of the patients and families they
meet through hospice. Volunteers become a friend and companion to patients
and their families offering a source of strength, encouragement and support.
Whatever your talents, interests or skills...hospice has a place for you.
Whether it be a couple of hours per week or a few days per month, we will
find a need you can fill.
Direct Help
Indirect Help
To volunteer, please contact the CVC at (662) 327-0807 or
email to volunteercenter@cableone.net.
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Community Volunteer
Center 501 Seventh Street North, Suite 5 Columbus,
MS 39701 (662) 327-0807 |
