Volunteer opportunities

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.

Alzheimer/related disorders

• Assist with activities such as bingo, board and active games or serve food to clients in early stages of dementia. Assistance also needed with filing and paper work, 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Age 55 & over #470

Bulk mailers

• Assist with special mailing project for area blood center. Attach FDA label to donor records, individuals and groups welcome. Flexible schedule 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Age 16 & over #2059

• Be on a call list for bulk mailing projects for a child welfare agency. As needed basis. Age 16 & over #1364

Cancer societies

• Media assistant needed to clip and organize newspaper and magazine articles or ads. Project can be done at the office or your home. Age 16 & over #1528

Clerical/office help

• Assist community mental health center with your general office skills. Weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Must be able to type, file and have good communication and data entry skills. Will train. Age 18 & over #2048

Computer/data entry

• Self-help closet and food pantry is in need of assistance 10-15 hours a week registering clients, preparing reports and record keeping. Must be good with numbers and statistics. Knowledge of and/or willingness to learn computer is preferred. Age 21 & over #1490

Fundraising

• Sales representative to market and sell the art work of persons with disabilities at craft shows, fundraising events, open houses. Set up displays, sell items, account for cash and inventory. Three hours per assignment. Age 21 & over #1872

• Agency that serves abused and neglected children is hosting a charity ball and golf outing and needs people who like to make things happen. Committee volunteers in the area of donations, sponsorships, marketing, fundraising, etc., are needed. Age 18 & over #674

Homeless

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

Hospice/respite

• Licensed beauticians needed to perform haircuts, wash, set or color for terminally ill patients in their Northwest suburban homes. Commit to one or two days a month. Age 18 & over #1206

Hospital volunteers

• Information desk volunteers to provide positive first impression by greeting, directing and escorting patients and visitors. Support guest services and patient transportation associates. Monday-Friday mornings or afternoons. Age 55 & over #1718

Law enforcement

• Senior advisory council welcomes new members to join forums. New Forum dates and topics to be announced. Meetings third Tuesday of the month. Call for details. Age 55 & over #95

Literacy programs

• Read to Learn for Brighter Future program. Work one-on-one with adults for 10 weeks to improve basic reading skills. Various site and time slots available. Training provided. Age 17 & over #378

Maintenance

• Supervise high school students who provide home maintenance to area elderly, after school and on Saturdays. October-November and April-May only. Knowledge of basic maintenance skills, possess basic home repair tools and must have own transportation. Training provided. Age 21 & over #1534

Meals on Wheels

• Des Plaines drivers needed during the noon hours to deliver meals to shut-ins and the disabled. Weekdays for one-two hours. Age 18 & over #1271

Mentally/physically challenged

• Looking for an energetic person to provide art therapy classes to small groups of persons with developmental disabilities. Mornings from 10 am.-noon, four-six hours per week. Age 18 & over #2054

• Assist supervising groups at this adult bowling program for special needs clients on Tuesdays from 3:15-5:30 p.m. Enjoy community outings on Fridays from 1:30-4 p.m. with the same fun group. Age 14 & over #1541

Reception/hospitality

• Volunteers needed for a community dinner, open to everyone at no charge, held 5:30-7 p.m. on Mondays. Help prepare and serve meals, seek out supplies, clean up, watch over the children. Monetary donations accepted for this outreach program. Age 14 & over #848

• Reception volunteer needed for social service agency one day a week for four-hour shift, either 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 12:30-4:30 p.m. Telephone and computer mouse skills desired. Flexible weekday schedule. Age 18 & over #2049

Senior assistance

• Computer skilled volunteers to work with Niles area seniors teaching and coaching on Word and Excel. Flexible days and hours. Age 55 & over #783

• Tax-aides needed to provide free tax preparation to low/middle income taxpayers with attention to those ages 60 and older. Electronic filings and online counseling services provided in accordance with IRS guidelines. Age 55 & over #1948

Serve food

• Share your cooking skills by planning, purchasing, preparing and serving Monday night community dinner for 60-80 people from 2-7 p.m. Cooks can commit to one Monday night a month, groups are welcome to participate. Age 21 & over #2020

Shoppers

• Shop for groceries and other necessities. Pick up a list and money and do the shopping for them or with the client. Age 16 & over #1280

Transportation

• Help transport seniors to doctor's appointments for tests, check-ups, hospital or other health related appointments. Valid driver's license and proof of auto insurance needed. Age 18 & over #1436