Get involved!
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 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.
Blood drive
bull; Transport blood products to area hospitals using company vehicle. Monday-Saturday, day or evening hours, four hours per week. Must be able to lift 50 pounds and have clean driving record. Age 18 over #184
bull; Assist at blood drives. Greet donors, serve refreshments or provide educational materials. Age 18 over #133
Bulk mailers
bull; Help child welfare agency send out bulk mailings. Be on a call list to help on occasional basis. Age 16 over #1364
Cancer societies
bull; Assemble mailers for organization providing support to siblings of children with cancer. Assemble welcome kits, fold T-shirts and bandanas, trophy mailings, etc. Ongoing basis from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 6-9 p.m. third Wednesday of the month. Age 12 over #1744
Child care
bull; Spend four hours weekly providing care for children with disabilities (age birth-4), and respite relief for family members. Required training includes CPR/first aid certification and additional training individualized to the child you are matched with. Age 18 over #275
bull; Kitchen aid to help prepare food, deliver to classroom, clean and sanitize area for Head Start program. T.B. test and health form necessary. Mornings Monday-Thursday Age 55 over #1851
Children's activities
bull; Young children would enjoy your time in play circle activities, or help prepare their food trays. Light office clerical assistance also needed. Monday-Thursday mornings or afternoons. Opportunities during the school year. Age 55 over #1901
bull; Lets play with special needs Early Childhood Program Playgroup and have some fun with various activities 3:30 p.m.-5:15 p.m. every Wednesday, located in Elk Grove. Program runs through November. Age 14 over #2006
Citizenship program
bull; Conduct detailed interviews with immigrants who have already been scheduled for citizenship interviews. Provide feedback for improvement and help build client's self-confidence. Flexible schedule. Training provided. Age 55 over #1917
Clerical/office help
bull; Assist volunteer coordinator at hospital with mailings, stuffing of staff mailboxes, filing and various office functions. Weekdays 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Age 55 over #626
Computer/data entry
bull; Data entry operator needed half-day between 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesdays or Fridays, mornings or afternoons. Willing to train. Age 18 over #2050
bull; IT professional needed to complete the conversion of a computer system from a peer-to-peer to a server-based network for youth and family service organization. Flexible schedule to be arranged with staff. Age 25 over #1584
Disaster relief
bull; Community Emergency Response Training free 20-hour course, available to Palatine residents (as space allows, surrounding communities) will be starting in January, March and May. Age 18 over #1705
Food pantry
bull; "Harvest for Hope" nonperishable 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 over #1802
Fundraising projects
bull; Special events coordinators needed to benefit counseling center for pregnant women. Assist with fall fashion show, spring gala and/or golf outing. Assist with making calls for auction donations. Age 18 over #1211
Homeless
bull; Shelter sites are open one night per week, October-April. Trained volunteers needed to set up, check in guests, serve dinner, oversee site, etc. Second- and third-shift workers needed in Northwest suburbs. Age 16 over #808
Maintenance
bull; Looking for a few "Snow Angels" to shovel sidewalks of seniors and person with disabilities in the Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates area. Age 16 over #2040
Meals on Wheels
bull; Elk Grove and Schaumburg townships in need of drivers during the noon hour to deliver meals to elderly shut-ins and the disabled. Substitute drivers on all routes also needed. Age 21 over #1273
Mentally/physically challenged
bull; Become a companion to mentally and/or physically challenged men and women. Social activities include golf, tennis, dinner and movies, etc. Commitment of two-four hours per month, evening or weekend hours available. Age 21 over #818
Nursing home
bull; Chaperones for weekday outings for senior residents for shopping, lunch/dinner events and field trips, or chaperone residents going to doctor's office. All transportation is provided by facility. bus. Age 55 over #1508
bull; Relief receptionist needed at local nursing home, one hour per day, suggested hours, 11 a.m.-noon or noon-1 p.m., flexible days. Duties include answer phone, greet visitors, sign for packages, call emergency codes. Age 16 over #130
Senior centers
bull; Assist seniors every Wednesday or Friday at the deli bar from 10-11 a.m. or noon setting up bar and assisting with trays. Also help with cleaning the deli bar and kitchen area after lunch is served. Age 15 over #1830
Senior assistance
bull; Red tape cutters and money management volunteers to help with applying for benefits or help with household finances -- writing checks, paying bills, budgeting, etc. in client's home or agency office. Training provided by AARP. Flexible schedule. Age 21 over #290
Friendly visitors
bull; Be a friendly visitor to a senior shut-in by providing companionship. Good listening and conversation skills desired, male visitors especially needed. Age 18 over #811
Shelters for women and children
bull; House advocate volunteer to answer the telephone, provide information and referrals related to family violence, set up counseling appointments, complete intake forms and orient new residents to the Safe House. 40-hour domestic violence training required. Age 18 over #1758
Shoppers for shut-ins
bull; Shop for groceries and other necessities or pick up a list and money and do the shopping for them. Age 18 over #1279
Special skills
bull; Product coordinator is needed to assist manager, assemble cards and gift products for sale to benefit agency that provides services for individuals with development disabilities. Must be able to develop, research and market materials. Flexible schedule. Age 18 over #2057
Thrift/gift/resale shops
bull; Help sort, assist customers, price donations at local thrift shop in Schaumburg and Elgin, seven days a week, especially Wednesday and Thursday evening and Saturday and Sunday. Age 16 over #1429
Transportation service
bull; 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 7-7:30 p.m. Must have valid driver's license. Flexible schedule. Age 21 over #2055
Tutoring
bull; Provide homework assistance, K-12 from 4-7 p.m., Monday-Thursday. Bilingual volunteers needed, but not required. Various locations and time slots. Age 18 over #807