Get involved!

For more opportunities, see the Volunteer Center Web site, www.volunteerinfo.net.

You can make a difference and help the community in which you live and work. The Volunteer Center has hundreds of opportunities; listed here is a sampling. Call the Center's Agency/School Volunteer Program at (847) 228-1320 or if you are age 55 or over, call Retired & Senior Volunteer Program at (847) 228-1006. The code at the end of each item is used to match volunteers with agencies; have the code ready when you call.

Child care

• Spend four hours weekly providing care for children with disabilities (age birth-4), and respite relief for family members. Required training includes CPR/first aid certification and additional training individualized to the child you are matched with. Age 18 & over #275

• Kitchen aid to help prepare food, deliver to classroom, clean and sanitize area for Head Start program. T.B. test and health form necessary. Mornings Monday-Thursday Age 55 & over #1851

Clerical/office help

• Assist volunteer coordinator at hospital with mailings, stuffing of staff mailboxes, filing and various office functions. Weekdays 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Age 55 & over #626

Computer/data entry

• Data entry operator needed half-day between 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesdays or Fridays, mornings or afternoons. Willing to train. Age 18 & over #2050

• IT professional needed to complete the conversion of a computer system from a peer-to-peer to a server-based network for youth and family service organization. Flexible schedule to be arranged with staff. Age 25 & over #1584

Disaster relief

• Community Emergency Response Training free 20-hour course, available to Palatine residents (as space allows, surrounding communities) will be starting in January, March and May. Age 18 & over #1705

Food pantry

• "Harvest for Hope" nonperishable food drive and personal care items to help low-income people impacted by HIV/AIDS. Great project for groups. Donations can be picked up or drop off at site. Age 10 &over #1802

Homeless

• Shelter sites are open one night per week, October-April. Trained volunteers needed to set up, check in guests, serve dinner, oversee site, etc. Second- and third-shift workers needed in Northwest suburbs. Age 16 & over #808

Mentally/physically challenged

• Become a companion to mentally and/or physically challenged men and women. Social activities include golf, tennis, dinner and movies, etc. Commitment of two-four hours per month, evening or weekend hours available. Age 21 & over #818

Nursing home

• Chaperones for weekday outings for senior residents for shopping, lunch/dinner events and field trips, or chaperone residents going to doctor's office. All transportation is provided by facility. bus. Age 55 & over #1508

• Relief receptionist needed at local nursing home, one hour per day, suggested hours, 11 a.m.-noon or noon-1 p.m., flexible days. Duties include answer phone, greet visitors, sign for packages, call emergency codes. Age 16 & over #130

Senior centers

• Assist seniors every Wednesday or Friday at the deli bar from 10-11 a.m. or noon setting up bar and assisting with trays. Also help with cleaning the deli bar and kitchen area after lunch is served. Age 15 & over #1830

Senior assistance

• Red tape cutters and money management volunteers to help with applying for benefits or help with household finances -- writing checks, paying bills, budgeting, etc. in client's home or agency office. Training provided by AARP. Flexible schedule. Age 21 & over #290

Friendly visitors

• Be a friendly visitor to a senior shut-in by providing companionship. Good listening and conversation skills desired, male visitors especially needed. Age 18 & over #811

Shelters for women and children

• House advocate volunteer to answer the telephone, provide information and referrals related to family violence, set up counseling appointments, complete intake forms and orient new residents to the Safe House. 40-hour domestic violence training required. Age 18 & over #1758

Shoppers for shut-ins

• Shop for groceries and other necessities or pick up a list and money and do the shopping for them. Age 18 & over #1279

Transportation service

• In need of drivers one or two days a week to pick up dialysis patients in Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows or Glenview and return them to their homes in the Northwest suburbs. Pick up at 7-7:30 p.m. Must have valid driver's license. Flexible schedule. Age 21 & over #2055

Tutoring

• Provide homework assistance, K-12 from 4-7 p.m., Monday-Thursday. Bilingual volunteers needed, but not required. Various locations and time slots. Age 18 & over #807