AUGUST 2010 OPPORTUNITIES

Alexandria Literacy Project will be sponsoring a Volunteer Orientation Session for new and prospective adult literacy volunteers on Sept. 21st from 6:30-9:30 PM at the ATCC Interior Design Center, Room 907.  A 10-hour tutor training workshop will be held at the same location from 4:30-9:30 PM on Oct. 5th and Oct. 12th.  Attendance at the Volunteer Orientation Session is a prerequisite for attending the Tutor Training Workshop.

Central MN Foster Grandparent Program - Gear up for fall- What will you do when the gardening, the golfing and fishing, the weddings and reunions, and your other summer activities end again???  If you love children, this is absolutely the most fun and rewarding thing you will ever do! Call Pat at 320-293-0682, if you are interested we need more grandmas and grandpas in the Alexandria area!

District #206 - With the beginning of school only a month away, start thinking how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities are available in puppetry, hearing/vision screening, one-on-one time with students, plus many more areas that allow you to share your experience or special skills.  Contact Ruth Turner, Volunteer Coordinator, at 320-762-3310 X4272.

Elder Network needs volunteers in the following areas:

• Peer Support - Trained volunteers meet with older adults in their homes weekly to provide support due to life changes, loss, loneliness, or emotional concern. Program training will be held each Tuesday and Thursday starting September 7 through September 23. Classes are from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm.

• Respite Program - Allow a caregiver to take a short break from their duties by spending 1-4 hours per week providing companionship and conversation to a care receiver. Help support family caregivers and care receivers by becoming a respite volunteer.

• Care Team Volunteers are needed to provide occasional rides to those who can no longer drive.

Training is required for all volunteers; please call the Elder Network office at 320-763-9084 for more information.

Minnewaska Lutheran Home, Starbuck is looking for an individual to sit outside daily (preferably in the afternoon) with a resident(s) for approximately ˝ hour.  Please call Susan Moe or Julie Amundson 320-239-2217. 

Salvation Army needs volunteers to help in the kitchen during the upcoming Project Community Connect Event on August 26 from 11:00 am - 3 pm.  If you are interested, please contact Peggy Kill at 320.287.0480 cell, or at 800.484.9579 access code 2245.

Someplace Safe needs volunteers to assist at their new Thrift Store located at 619 Broadway, Alexandria. Please contact JoAnn at Someplace Safe for more information at 762-1995.  The tasks include:

•  Sorting donations

• Cleaning donations

• Pricing merchandise

• Putting merchandise on shelves

• Having fun and meeting new people

United Way needs volunteers to help with Project Community Connect on August 26.  We will need people to help with intake, the mobile food drop at this event and back packs for school will be given out.  If you’d like to help contact United Way at 763-4840.

Windmill Project needs volunteers to help at the Beetles Birthday Party for Windmill Families.  The event is August 3 from 1 – 2 pm.  Volunteers are needed to help with games and activities for Windmill Project members.  Contact Gail Kulp 320-763-9228 to volunteer.

EXISTING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

ALEXANDRIA AREA ARTS ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY THEATRE Contact Mary Risner at 320-762-8300, email at aaaa@rea-alp.com or stop at the theatre box office at 618 Broadway. 

Mailing Volunteers

Office work - help with general mailings.

If you enjoy meeting and greeting people, call to help out as volunteer ushers during performances.

ALEXANDRIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Contact Coni McKay at the Chamber 320-763-3161 or cmckay@alexandriamn.org

Need approximately 30+ volunteers to help with the Awake the Lakes Memorial Day.

Volunteers needed for the Band Festival Parade which is held the last Sunday in June.

ALEXANDRIA LITERACY PROJECT Contact Sandy Schroepfer at 320-762-0627 or sschroep@alexandria.k12.mn.us

Basic Literacy/ESL Tutor

Tutor adults who want to learn English or a second language or improve their basic literacy skills.  Average 2-4 hours per week. Volunteers must attend a 3 hour orientation session.

ALEXANDRIA SENIOR CENTER Contact Delores at 320-763-5561 or

senior@rea-alp.com

If you love to quilt come and help the quilters on Tuesdays from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Alexandria Senior Center

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY Contact Katie Kluver at 320-763-7430 or katie.kluver@cancer.org

Committee members needed for the American Cancer society Relay For Life of Douglas County.  The July event is scheduled and event organizing is starting now.  New volunteers receive training from staff and are mentored by experienced volunteers.  Committee meets monthly and works independently between meetings.  Several key positions are available.  Join in the fight against cancer!

AMERICAN RED CROSS  Contact Ken at 320-763-3800 or kvoigt@rea-alp.com

Volunteer needed to communicate between Armed Forces families and National Red Cross

BETHANY COMMUNITY Contact Eden, Volunteer Coordinator, at 320-763-1127 or edenhalbleib@ecumen.org

We are in need of Resident Companions.  Men to help with a men's group and ladies to start a book club.

Would like someone to help with our gardens and landscaping such as trimming shrubs and tending the gardens.

Need a volunteer to work with residents that enjoy learning, studying current events. 

Need someone that likes being with people, is good with money, willing to learn how to use and work the ice cream machine and help with clean-up for a few hours a week.

Need a volunteer that likes to work with wood to sand down outdoor benches and then re-stain, varnish or paint them to improve their appearance. 

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, NORTHERN LIGHT COUNCIL Contact Jim Stratton at jstratton@nlcbsa.org

Work with youth and adult leaders in a positive manner.  Prepare young boys to make ethical choices & achieve their full potential.  

CATHOLIC CHARITIES CARITAS FAMILY FOSTER GRANDPARENTS PROGRAM Contact Pat Scherf at

320-293-0682 or pnewell@gw.stcdio.org  

Looking for volunteers over age 60 who can commit 15 hours per week during the school year.   read to children, help them learn the alphabet, colors, and numbers. Schools and sites located in Alexandria, Brandon, Carlos, Starbuck, and Osakis areas. 

DISTRICT 206 MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS Contact Kathy Haug at 320-762-3310 ext. 4274 or khaug@alexandria.k12.mn.us

Be a lunch buddy to one elementary student, meeting twice a month over your lunch hour throughout the school year.

Be a one-to-one mentor to an adolescent (grades 5 –9) spending four to six hours a month together on evenings, weekends, and even during the summer.

Ninth grade youth mentors and an adult facilitate Girls Rule After School Social (G.R.A.S.S.) - an after school program for seventh and eighth grade girls.

High School mentors are matched with elementary students. They spend approximately five hours a month from September through May doing activities together outside of school time. Contact Lynn Ransom at  762-5287 or lransom@alexandria.k12.mn.us

DISTRICT 206 PUBLIC SCHOOLS  Contact Ruth Turner at  320-762-5397 or rturner@alexandria.k12.mn.us

Assist early childhood workers with child care of infant & toddler children, while parents attend parenting classes.  Sept-May 2-3 hrs per week.

Assist teacher with individual students or small group.  Also includes clerical such as assembling/preparing materials, typing, bulletin boards, typing/computer, etc.  Sept-May.  

Keyboarding skills recommended along with ability to follow instructions.

Guide a team of students with selecting & solving a problem, establish goals, find materials for props, costumes, etc.  Locally trained.  Winter & spring.

Present lessons/activities demonstrating how business/economics affects people’s lives using Jr. Achievement curriculum & materials.  Elementary level. Feb-Apr. 1 hr per week. 

Conduct discussion to groups using materials from the Jr. Great Book Foundation.  Each group consists of up to 12 elementary students from grades 3-6. Jan-Mar.

Present art reproductions to 4 & 5th grade students using provided lesson plans & materials.  Jan-May.  1-1˝ hrs for 5 times.

Coach/assist students grade 5/6 with problem solving; competition in the spring.

          Shelf and repair books.  Lexile scoring - use the

          computer to code/label books according to

          reading level; training provided.  Sept-May.

Join a puppetry team providing information to elementary children about child  abuse prevention and disability awareness. Training provided.  Present scripts about child abuse prevention & awareness to K-3 students, working with puppets/learning techniques.  Oct, Nov, Feb & Mar.

Prepare & perform readings as a group to elementary students.  Presenters are made up of retired individuals. 

Present information to students in the area of your talent, expertise, or experiences.  Share career information.  Sept-May.

Share sewing experience by assisting in sewing classes at Discover Middle School 1 - 2 hours/week.  Sewing experience & knowledge required.  Students age 13-15.

Help with a special event on a one time commitment basis.  Need to be able to follow directions and enjoy children.  Sept-May.

Reading aloud and recording text books, novels and stories onto cassette tapes.  May be done at home or school. 

Vision/Hearing Screening

Check students' vision and hearing in September and October.  Training provided. 

DOUGLAS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Contact Rachel Barduson or Kim Dillon at  320-762-0382 or kim.dillon@dchsmn.org

Do you love to share the history of Douglas County?  We need volunteers to act as host and hostess for special events.

Various opportunities which include filing, updating records, researching, conducting interviews and writing.

Summer flower planting, watering & general landscape upkeep (does not include lawn mowing)  2-3 hours per week May thru Oct.

DOUGLAS COUNTY HOSPITAL Contact Vicki Olmshenk at  320-762-6024 or 320-762-1511.  Days & weekends with an average of 4 hours per week. 

Serving coffee & light lunches. Selling gifts, cards & magazines.

Greeting people as they come into the hospital.  Delivering flowers & mail.

Delivering noon meals to people within the city limits who are on special diets.  Presently there are 12 clients. 

Serving coffee & light conversations with people who bring patients for treatment.

DOUGLAS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH HOSPICE Contact Lynn Johnson at 320-763-6018 or lynn.johnson@mail.co.douglas.mn.us

Stay with hospice patient in their home so primary caregiver has a chance to rest or run errands. Initial training of 13 hours provided with ongoing support.  Volunteer must be willing to stay with terminally ill patient. 

DOUGLAS COUNTY SENIOR CITIZEN PROGRAM Contact Debra Shea at 320-762-2974 or deb.shea@mail.co.douglas.mn.us

The Senior Companion Program offers seniors, age 60 or older, an opportunity to serve others in their community who need assistance with the tasks of daily living.  They become friends with those who are lonely  and isolated.  Senior Companions may assist with grocery shopping, appointments to the doctor, errands, going out for coffee or just playing games or cards.   Volunteers are reimbursed for travel costs, covered by insurance and can receive a small tax-free stipend.

ELDER NETWORK Contact Gwyn Goodwin-Dalum at 320-763-9084 or eldernet@embarqmail.com

The Care Team Program – Care Team volunteers provide light chore & transportation services to seniors (persons 55+) in Douglas County.   The goal of the program is to help people continue living safely and independently in their homes.  Prospective volunteers must attend a two hour training session.  Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.   Transportation is within Douglas County and common requests are to medical appointments, social gatherings, hair appointments, groceries and other errands.  Chores may consist of occasional light housekeeping, occasional light lawn work or other light chores on a special needs basis.

Peer Counseling Program - Volunteers meet with older adults in their homes weekly to provide support due to life changes, loss, loneliness, or emotional concerns.  Prospective peer volunteers receive training in communication and active listening skills, aging, health care and mental health issues.  Volunteers must be 55+ years of age.

Respite Care & The Gathering Programs - Volunteers must be 55+ years of age and attend a six hour training session. The Respite Program provides a trained volunteer from 1-4 hours on a weekly or biweekly basis, and is designed to relive caregiver responsibility, provide socialization for the care receiver and ultimately help provide an environment to allow care receivers to remain in their own homes as long as possible.

The Gathering Program provides respite care in a community setting with more than one individual being served.  Volunteers may assist with games, entertainment, socialization, crafts, gentle exercise, puzzles, and mind enhancing verbal activities.  The Gathering meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from noon to 4:00 p.m.  Volunteers are needed for four hours sessions.

FRIENDSHIP VENTURES Contact Samantha Vokaty, Program Specialist of Volunteer Services at 952-852-0101 or volunteers@friendshipventures.org  To learn more visit http://www.friendshipventures.org

Youth volunteers (age 14+) at three camp locations: Camp Friendship, Camp Eden Wood and Camp New Hope.  Camps run from June thru August.  Volunteers usually come out for a week - Sunday thru Friday. 

GIRL SCOUTS OF MINNESOTA AND WISCONSIN LAKES AND PINES Contact Linda Bear at 320-759-1196 or lbear@gslakesandpines.org  For further info visit http://www.gslakesandpines.org

Be a mentor and leader for girls! Age groups vary from Kindergarten to 12th grade. Troops meet once a month and are looking for someone who can provide them the guidance to be the best they can be! Training is provided. 

Help girls develop to their fullest potential, increase self-esteem, develop a code of ethics and create a lifelong habit of service.

Advise a group of young women on contemporary issues by arranging area professionals to speak on issues affecting youth.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 911 State Hwy 29 N, Suite 200, Alexandria - Contact Lori Anderson at 320-762-4255, email at info@hfhdouglascounty.org check out their website at http://www.hfhdouglascounty.org

If you are willing to handle a hammer or help in any way in the construction of a new home this summer you are needed.  We can use volunteers for a day, a week or longer.

If you have office skills you would be willing to share we can use your volunteer help. 

We need people that are dedicated to Habitat for Humanity who are friendly and love to interact with people to help with promotion events.

Volunteer needed for website maintenance.

Lakes area humane society Stop in at 3811 Nevada St SW or call Sara at 320-759-2260. Visit http://www.lakesareahumanesociety.org

Volunteers are need to help clean kennels, pet socialization and yard work.

Kids Against Hunger Call Jim Schoeberl at 320-763-6698. Visit http://www.feedingchildrenstewart.org

KNUTE NELSON/NELSON GABLES Contact Judy Thielke at 320-763-1162 or jthielke@knutenelson.org  You can also visit http://www.knutenelson.org

Wash and set residents hair twice a month on Mondays. 

Help set up for bingo, transport residents to and from their rooms, assist residents while numbers are being call out and help collect bingo cards and chips at the end of the bingo session. 

Want to play a board game, a game of cards, or the Wii?  Many of our residents enjoy this type of activity but need assistance from a volunteer.

Pop corn on Tuesday mornings 1-1 ˝ hours per week.

Volunteers are needed to work in coffee/gift shop.  Help is needed Monday-Friday in four hour shifts.  Volunteers will work from 8:30-12:30 or 12:30-4:30 on a day that scheduling permits.

To visit with residents and accompany them out to the Courtyard so they can enjoy the fresh air, sunshine and flowers.

Do you love to work in the garden?  Volunteer needed to help plant and nurture flowers in the courtyard.

Clip & file fingernails of residents and put on fingernail polish.  1–1 ˝ hours per week.

Volunteers are needed for simple repairs to resident clothing.  Sewing is done at volunteer's convenience and in their own home.

There are many special events that volunteers can help with.  Some of these events include bake sales, Fall Festival (bazaar), decorating for Christmas, and more!

We always need volunteers to transport wheelchair residents around within the building.  If you like to walk and would be willing to transport (push) wheelchairs we need YOU!

LET'S GO FISHING with seniors Contact Jim Schoeberl at 320-763-6698

Assist participants who are 55+ on fishing outings. Let's Go Fishing with Seniors provides all the equipment, including the pontoon.  Time commitment is 2 hours per outing.

Lutheran Social Services Contact Melody or Melissa at 320-762-5124

Volunteers are need to assist with child care during the Incredible Years Parenting Class on Tuesday evenings at the Alexandria HeadStart building from 5 pm to 7:30 pm.  Classes run for 12 consecutive weeks.

MIRACLE HORSE RIDERS, INC. Contact Candy Esterberg at 218-267-5216 or mhr@midwestinfo.com

Do you love to help with fundraisers or grant writing.  Volunteer today to help Miracle Horse Riders expand their program to help people with disabilities enjoy the benefits of riding horses.

Assist directors of program while rider is getting on or off horse and riding in the corral.  You will  walk alongside the horse or lead while others sidewalk. 

NELSON GABLES Contact Linda Namur at 320-762-4310 or lnamur@knutenelson.org

Call bingo for tenants on Saturday for about 1 hour.  This could be a great family volunteer experience.

Visit, play cards, chess or dominos, write letters and provide friendship.  Days and weekends approximately 1-2 hours per week.

Accompany tenants to special community events, Dr. appointments etc.  Good driving record required.  1-2 hours per week.

Any entertainment is welcome such as piano, vocal, etc.  May be an individual or a group  activity.  Please feel free to contribute anytime.

PATH, INC.  Contact Sara Larson at 651-642-5395 or slarson@pathinc.org

Finds and establishes opportunities for PATH to introduce itself to individuals.

Works with local staff and foster parents to identify local development priorities and potential donors of cash gifts or in kind gifts as well as presentation opportunities.

Works with community groups, churches, etc. to establish PATH presentations.

Works to identify local development priorities.

Office administration assistance including data entry, phone calls, filing, collating, copying and mailings.

Mentor 16 to 20 year old youth in Bridge Builders Program.

RAINBOW RIDER Contact Harold Jennisen at 800-450-7770

Provide a ride to take people to appointments etc.  Drivers license, insurance and no moving violations required. 

RUNESTONE MUSEUM Contact Julie Blank, Volunteer Coordinator at 320-763-3160 or bigole@rea-alp.com

If anyone is interested in giving of their time and talent in the areas of developing new programs or special projects please give us a call. 

Need someone who could work in the gift shop with three hour shifts from 10:00 to 1:00 or from 1:00 to 4:00. 

Responsibilities include opening and closing the museum with hours from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, gift shop sales, greeting customers etc.

Need a volunteer seamstress to make children's Viking costumes to add to interactive exhibit. What great fun for kids to be able to dress up like a Viking. 

Start museum tours-sharing history with visitors.  Living history-wearing costumes and being part of living history display.   Average 4 hours per week.

Need volunteer to update website once or twice a month.

SALVATION ARMY  Contact Jennie Hevern at

320-304-4233

Volunteers needed to work on Kettle Campaign and to help coordinate volunteers.  Also need volunteers to serve as committee members.

SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM Contact Deb Shea at 320-762-2974 or deb.shea@mail.co.douglas.mn.us

The Senior Companion Program offers seniors, age 60 or older, an opportunity to serve others in their community who need assistance with the tasks of daily living.  They become friends with those who are lonely  and isolated.  Senior Companions may assist with grocery shopping, appointments to the doctor, errands, going out for coffee or just playing games or cards.   Volunteers are reimbursed for travel costs, covered by insurance and can receive a small tax-free stipend.

UNITED WAY OF DOUGLAS & POPE COUNTIES Contact Corliss Stark at 320-763-4840 or

united-3@rea-alp.com

Help decide how United Way donations will be distributed.  Volunteer to participate on the Citizen Review Panels. Training is provided. Dates for the panels are throughout the month of April.  

Volunteers are needed to help at the classic. Help with registration and prizes.

Chili Entrants needed to show their culinary skills and join in the fun by making two gallons of  chili for taste testing. 

 

Volunteers are needed to sell tickets, be chili judges or assistants, serve beverages and refill condiments bowls. This is a fun way to really make a difference. 

Volunteers will assist with arranging the donated items on tables before the bidding begins. Help is also needed afterwards to clear tables.

Day prior to event we need volunteers to help sort coats by size and gender.  Day of event we need volunteers to assist people to find their size and keep tables sorted and neat.  Babysitters are also need to help young mothers while they search for items for their children.

Contact Karen Alvstad at 1-800-492-4805 or rsvp@co.grant.mn.us   Application on line at www.wcmca.org

WCMCA is setting up their Tax Volunteer Clinic.  Positions available are: Host/Hostess, Screener, Tax Preparer, Reviewer and Site Assistant. Contact Robbie Stier at 1-800-492-4805 or 1-218-685-4485 ext 137 or robbie.stier@co.grant.mn.us  Volunteer Application also available on website. 

Unfinished Projects Crew:  In the event that a project is begun, but not completed during the workcamp, we need crews of people on call to finish up the jobs by the end of August.  These projects would be big jobs that are almost done (exterior painting) or small jobs that were just started (painting trim). 1-3 days of work max.

Contact Krista Clements Orlan at kristao@wmca.org if you are willing to volunteer in any capacity at the Group Workcamp. 

Assist in Headstart classroom activities-reading, playtime, and snack time. Flexible hours.  Sept-May.

Share your love of reading with children while enjoying minimum theatre.  Practice reading expressively from scripts and give group presentations at schools or other locations as requested.  No memorization required. 

WINGS FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES Contact Dori Twist at 320-763-6638

VIKINGLAND COMMUNITY SUPPORT Contact Heidi Corder at 320-763-6261 or corder@rea-alp.com

Tech support is needed for computer labs and staff computers.  Approximately 2 hours a month.  Located in the Marian Building at 700 Cedar St. 

YOUNG PEOPLE’S PLACE Contact Dawn Block at 320-763-7252 or visit our website at http://www.alexweb.net/youngpeoplesplace/

Volunteers needed to work with children in after school setting, lunch time, nap time and in arts and crafts time.