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

Animals

• Riley, Hunter and Harley, be a volunteer with your master! We are looking for a certified, trained therapy dog to visit with developmentally disabled adults, Monday or Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., one to two hours. Age 25 & over #1510

Blood drive and related services

• Help with one-day blood drives held a area places of business or schools -- greet and register donors, serve refreshments, watch for adverse reactions, etc. Great opportunity for small groups. Age 18 & over #1462

Board of directors

• For agency serving developmentally disabled adults with interest in fundraising, public relations, marketing, human resources or legal areas. Age 21 & over #404

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

Children's activities

• Interact, answer questions, explain exhibit, keep area tidy at this children's museum. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday noon to 5 p.m.; Mondays during school year 9:30 a.m. to noon. Flexible. Age 14 & over #32

Citizenship program

• Help an elderly immigrant prepare for citizenship exam on U.S. history and government. Practice for in-person interview with and immigration officer. One-on-one tutoring for 15 weeks. Tutors must be bilingual; Russian/Polish/Spanish and English. Age 55 & over #1916

• Help community members become citizens as an application assistant. Volunteer at monthly workshop with registration, greeter, traffic control. Next rally will be held on Dec. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon. Call for locations. Age 55 & over #1915

Clerical/office help

• If you are organized, fun and friendly, your help is needed at an area agency that supports clients with HIV/AIDS. Volunteer must have good administrative skills, computer knowledge and organizational skills. Last Friday and Monday each month, flex hours. Age 21 & over #1907

• Help social benefits office with work load by photocopying of files, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. Age 55 & over #1514

Computer/data entry

• Local social service agency needs assistance with data entry and office filing. Must be computer literate and have general clerical skills. Flexible schedule, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Training provided. Age 18 & over #581

Disaster relief

• Are you ready to respond in a disaster? Community Emergency Response Training. Free 20-hour course, available to Palatine residents (space allows, surrounding Communities) will start in January, March and May. Age 18 & over #1705

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

Fund-raising projects

• Development assistant needed to assist in fund-raising and volunteer efforts in a fast paced-highly visible department for self help agency. Must have basic knowledge of Word, Excel, Publisher, good organization, public relations and marketing skills. Age 21 & over #448

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

Mentally and/or physically challenged

• Share your cooking skills with special needs adults assisting with their meal preparation on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Times vary each day, beginning around 3 p.m. and running for 2½ hours. Age 16 & over #2060

• P.F. Chang's Bistro lunch and shopping at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg. Join the fun and assist the staff with special needs adults, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., March 5. Volunteers pay for their own meal. Age 14 & over #1397

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

One-time events

• Parents Night Out, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., March 7 in Schaumburg. Assist staff in fun activities such as crafts, fun videos and sports with special needs children and their siblings to give parents an evening out. Age 14 & over #1226

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

Schools/mentors

• Reading tutors needed for local elementary school children during the school year. Meaningful assignments working one on one with children under the direction of the teacher. Training provided. Age 55 & over #1413

Senior centers

• Seeking new Senior Health Insurance Program to serve Niles residents. Training is scheduled by AARP and five days in length. Age 55 & over #782

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

Tutoring

• Tutor a young child who needs help developing reading and language skills. Tutors receive 12 hours of initial training and continuing support where they can share experiences, solve problems, and build friendships. Age 55 & over #1873

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