Northwest suburban volunteer calendar
You can make a difference and help benefit the community where you live and work. The Volunteer Center has hundreds of opportunities; listed here is a sampling. Call the Center at (847) 228-1320 or visit volunteerinfo.net. The code at the end of each item is used to match volunteers with agencies; have the code ready when you call. If you are 55 or older, call the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program at (847) 228-1006.
Blood Drive and Related Services
• Help harness and direct the outpouring and concern of donors who are eager to help patients in need of a bone-marrow transplant. Monthly blood drives are held throughout the Northwest Suburbs and the Chicago area. Flexible dates and times. Age 18 and over #2065
Board of Directors
• For human service organization serving children and adults who are developmentally disabled. Expertise in fundraising, public relations, marketing, legal areas, strategic planning, management skills or real estate. 3rd Wednesdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Age 21 and over #880
Bulk Mailers
• Help with the Christmas appeal mailing on Nov. 4 and 5, and on Nov. 20 and 21 Christmas postcards and end of year appeal. This bulk mailing requires affixing labels and stuffing envelopes. Easy project, flexible, two to four hours. Age 16 and over #2186
Child Care
• Plan and implement structured program and activities, such as games, crafts and educational lessons for children, first and third Fridays in the morning. Materials and training provided. Must have associate or bachelor's degree. Bilingual a plus. Age 55 and over #1596
Citizenship Program
• Conduct detailed interviews with immigrants who have already been scheduled for their citizenship interviews. Provide feedback for improvement and help build client's self- confidence. Flexible schedule. Training provided. Age 55 and over #1917
Clerical/Office Help
• Assist community mental health center with your general office skills. Weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Must be able to type, file and have good communication skills and data entry. Will train. Age 18 and over #2048
Computer/Data Entry
• Computer assistance needed for agency that supports the homeless. Must have expert knowledge of Access and Excel. Flexible weekday hours, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Age 18 and over #1859
Conservation/Nature Centers
• Volunteer at an 1880s historic farm in Schaumburg. Greet visitors, take part in farm chores and interpret historic farming activities and lifestyles. Commitment is seven hours per month April through October. Training provided quarterly. Age 18 and over #741
Disaster Relief
• Join the Mass Care Response Team and respond to disasters by providing shelter operations, mass feeding and bulk distribution of supplies. Four to eight hours per month required. Training provided. Community disaster responders also needed. Age 21 and over #518
Food Pantry
• "Harvest for Hope" non perishable 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 and over #1802
Fundraising Projects
• Youth and Family Service agency is looking for volunteers to develop and help with special events by serving on a planning committee or volunteer on-site at annual gala, golf Outing, Casino Night and other events. Age 21 and over #2178
• Support MADD at various NW Suburban locations for car "Cruise Nights" by distributing informational materials and ribbons, sell fundraiser wristbands and magnetic bumper stickers and collect donations, weekday and weekends. Mileage reimbursement provided. Age 20 and over #2119
Holiday Food Donations
• Thanksgiving food baskets or bags are needed for 45 needy families in the Chicago area. Canned and packaged goods, gift certificates to food stores are needed by Nov 20. Groups and individuals welcome. Open to all ages, children must be accompanied by adults. All ages #2187
Holiday activities
• Wonderland of Lights, 5:30 to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; 5:30 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Saturday, Nov. 28 through Jan. 1. Help needed at heated admissions booth featuring a 1.6 mile spectacular holiday display of lights and animated scenes. Age 16 and over #1591
Mentoring adults
• Parent Aid Program offers opportunity for adults to make a difference in the lives of a family. You're matched with parents who need support with personal and family difficulties by being a positive role model and working toward established goals. Age 21 and over #1742
One Time Events
• Trip the light fantastic at the Fall Formal for the special needs teen club (ages 12 to 21) from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, in Addison Age 14 and over #2012
Special Skills Volunteer
• Agency serving seniors is looking for a director of volunteers that will coordinate all volunteer management activities including planning, recruiting, training, retaining and evaluating volunteers. Work closely with both staff and volunteers. Flexible hours. Age 25 and over #2184