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 your 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's/ related disorders
• Patient, compassionate person to work with memory-loss clients in a social group setting. Assist with arts and crafts, play games, have lunch and interact with clients. Fun and fulfilling. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Age 18 & over #452
Cancer societies
• Wanted: people with heart who are willing to alphabetize and file information for an agency that provides support to siblings of children with cancer; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Commit to four hours per day or one full day. Age 14 & over #1746
Child care
• Early child care program for infants to age five needs classroom activity assistants. T. B. test and health form necessary. Morning or afternoon, Monday-Thursday. Age 55 & over #1852
Food pantry
• Sort and pack food donations in a warehouse in Elk Grove Village for HIV/AIDS clients from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m., 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. Help is also needed to clean and organize facility two days a month. Age 15 & over #1753
Hospice/respite
• Volunteers needed in assisted living facilities, in private homes and nursing homes. Provide friendly visiting to terminally ill patients and their families. Training is available. Commit two to four days a month, two to four hours per day. Age 21 & over #817
Hospital volunteers
• Library on wheels, flower or mailroom, cancer care unit receptionists, outpatient pharmacy, gift shop, information desk, physical therapy department, same day surgery waiting area reception, greeter in ER, plus many more opportunities at this hospital. Age 55 & over #1956
• Children's hospital information desk volunteers are often the first point of contact for our patients. We are looking for a warm and friendly volunteer to welcome and assist patients as they enter and move through the hospital. Monday-Thursday, four hours. Age 55 & over #1709
Meals on Wheels
• Park Ridge and unincorporated Des Plaines drivers needed during the noon hours to deliver meals to elderly shut-ins. Weekdays only 1 to 1½ hours. Age 55 & over #1267
Nursing homes
• Wheelchair transporters for the following departments: physical therapy, pastoral care, beauty shop, bingo and Saturday evening Mass. Monday-Sunday, flexible times. Age 55 & over #125
• Assist the activity director at this nursing and rehab center to create, update and post a calendar of activities, and more. Task will vary. Flexible weekday and weekends. Age 55 & over #1914
Receptionist/ hospitality
• Greet and direct incoming clients at this busy social benefits office. Help needed Monday, Wednesday or Thursday, 8:45 to 11:45 a.m., also Tuesday and Wednesday 1 to 4 p.m. Background check and fingerprinting are required and will be administered by staff. Age 55 & over #1212
Rehabilitative services
• Give the gift of your company and enjoy lunch in conversation with individuals recovering from mental illness. Flexible weekdays during the noontime hour. Age 18 & over #2047
Senior friendly visitors
• Elderly male client in Schaumburg needs dependable and caring man to visit weekly in his home to relieve isolation and have some interesting conversation. Willing to work with your schedule. Age 50 & over #1708
• Here is an opportunity to both give and receive friendship. Provide companionship by being a friendly visitor to a shut-in (good listening and conversation skills desirable). May also pick up groceries and medications. Age 16 & over #1285
Shelters for women and children
• Like to organize? Assist the Domestic Violence Coordinator relocate, check and organize donated items for the Safe House. Items include clothing, food items, paper and cleaning products, etc. Volunteers may need to pick up items at other sites. Age 18 & over #1759
Telephone hotlines
• Provide telephone hotline crisis counseling and information/referrals for sexual assault/abuse survivors and families. Six-hour shifts. 40-hour training required. Age 18 & over #1992
Transportation services
• "Helping Hands" drivers needed to escort seniors to doctors' appointments for check-ups tests, etc. Flexible, volunteers select the days that they will be available. Must have valid drivers license. Age 25 & over #1230
Youth mentoring
• Youth in Action. Be part of this leadership development team. Help plan and supervise youth activities ranging from community service projects to outward-bound trips to pizza parties. Commit to three hours a month for six months. Age 21 & over #280