Allendale recruiting volunteers in Lake Villa
Allendale Association hosts an open meeting for new volunteers on Tuesday, Jan. 25, at its Lake Villa campus.
You’re invited to “Come in from the Cold,” and learn about volunteer opportunities at Allendale, a landmark, not-for-profit facility for troubled kids.
The meeting is set for 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Bradley Counseling Center in the Proops Development Center, 420 Grand Ave. Hot chocolate, apple cider and other treats will be served.
“There are a range of volunteer opportunities to choose from,” said Laura Craemer, Allendale’s Volunteer and Community Services manager. “And many don’t require a big time commitment.”
Volunteers can work directly with kids or behind the scenes. For example:
The Big Pals Program: Serve as a mentor to an Allendale child, getting together at least twice a month. Pals might go for a walk, shoot some hoops or go to a movie.
Group Mentors/Cottage Resources: Mentoring on a larger scale. A small team of adults meet monthly with 8 to 12 kids for recreational and learning activities. Ideal for church groups, corporations and alumni groups.
Educational Surrogates: Advocating for a child’s educational progress, without working directly with the student. Surrogates meet four times a year with their student’s therapeutic team to discuss his/her academic progress. (It’s popular with retired teachers, but you don’t have to be one to participate.)
Hidden Treasures Thrift Store: Located in Round Lake Beach, Allendale’s resale shop needs volunteer sales associates to accept donations, tag merchandise and wait on customers. You can commit for as little as four hours per month.
Foster Program: There is no greater gift you can give than to open your heart to a child who’s never had a secure, peaceful place to call home.
Other volunteer opportunities include working in Allendale’s well-equipped greenhouse or sharing a special talent such as cooking, crafts or a hobby. Allendale is open to new ideas.
For more information, contact Craemer at (847) 245-6483.