Volunteer opportunities
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.
Disaster Relief
• Volunteer health professionals are needed on Palatine's Medical Reserve Corps. Volunteers will be assisting local first responders during a disaster and be available resource to help the community with public health needs. Various committees are available. Age 18 and over #2061
• Community emergency response training free 20-hour course, available to Palatine residents (if space allows, surrounding communities) will be in January. Age 18 and over #1705
• Instructors needed to give community disaster education presentations to a variety of audiences-youth, elderly, community groups. Instructors may need to travel around the city, but it's not a requirement. Training required. Age 18 and over #514
Literacy Programs
• Share your knowledge of the English language and your ability to read with foreign or American born adults on two mornings, afternoons or evenings a week or on Saturday mornings. Program runs approximately 10 weeks. Training provided. Age 18 and over #97
Maintenance
• An agency which serves adults with development disabilities are in the need for groups of all sizes to help with maintenance, landscaping, painting and a wide variety of other special projects. We can customize to meet your needs and availabilities. Age 18 and over. #2080
Mentally and/or Physically Challenged
• Volunteers needed for a variety of recreation programs throughout the year including bowling, swimming lessons, crafts, cooking, team sports, piano lessons, Special Olympics training, social clubs, special events trips, dances, etc. Age 14 and over #1485
Nursing Homes
• Distribute nourishment (juice and snacks) to residents in health care center and socialize with the residents. Document acceptance or decline of snacks. Flexible times. Age 15 and over #1809
Receptionist/Hospitality
• Assist at blood drives by greeting donors, serving refreshments and provide educational materials. Age 18 and over #133
Senior Centers
• Coach in a computer room is needed at an area senior center. Experience and working knowledge of computer programs including Microsoft Word and Internet is required. Volunteers to commit weekly either morning or afternoon, will work with your schedule. Age 50 and over #1775
Senior Citizens Assistance
• Tax-Aides needed to provide free tax preparation to low and 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 and over #1948
Senior Friendly Visitors
• Trivia and word gamers to lead assisted living residents in this after dinner activity. Play 6:45 p.m.-7:45 p.m. any day Sunday through Saturday. Age 55 and over #1692
Special Skills Volunteer
• Join the REALITY theater, High School students needed to develop and present original material that is relevant to other youth. Then perform at area elementary though high schools. Must audition in May, ages 14 through 18 only. #2180
• Female Spanish translators needed, four hours per week, for counseling center for pregnant women, to assist adults in a confidential environment. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Mondays and 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesdays. Willing to work with your schedule. Age 18 and over #1222
Thrift Shops/Gift Shops/Resale Shops
• Help organize and set up area thrift shop for the holidays. Six individuals are needed to come in each day the week of Thanksgiving to get it ready to open the Friday after. It's open until the Wednesday before Christmas. Flexible shifts daily. Age 14 and over #2188
Transportation Services
• 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 approximately 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Must have valid drivers license. Flexible schedule. Age 21 and over #2055