United Way

United Way of Central Minnesota
Local Volunteer Opportunities
October 22, 2007

United Way Volunteer Central is a service that connects people with local volunteer opportunities. To help promote volunteerism, United Way of Central Minnesota highlights a few area opportunities each week. If you would like to receive this column or would like information on additional opportunities contact United Way Office at 252-0227 or visit the easy to use website at www.unitedwayhelps.org

YMCA Halloween Bash!
The St. Cloud Area Family YMCA is having a Halloween party from 1:30-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 24.  They are looking for volunteers 18 years and older to help with children’s activities, arts and crafts, and games.
Contact Michelle Dick at (320) 253-2664

100 Kids in 100 Days!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN is trying to match up 100 kids on their waiting list with 100 new mentors—either Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Big Couple, or Big Family. The kids are between the ages of 7 and 14 and mentors set the schedule! The most important thing that you can offer a child are support, quality time, and to be there as a friend. Volunteers must be able to commit a minimum of one year to a relationship with the child.
Contact Bethany Theisen at (320) 253-1616

Volunteer Resource Guides
United Way of Central Minnesota has the Volunteer Resource Guides available for the public. The guides are a quick way to reference year-round local volunteer opportunities in the area. There are over 100 agencies and 300 opportunities highlighted in the guide! Pick up your free copy, or multiple copies, for your family, friends, churches, and businesses at United Way today!
Contact Linda Hatten at (320) 229-3515

Perfect Volunteer Opportunity
RSVP is a volunteer program for men and women age 55 and better offering a variety of one-time and on-going volunteer opportunities within 160 local organizations. RSVP assists in finding a volunteer match that meets the needs of both the individual and the community. Volunteers create their own flexible schedule and can utilize optional mileage reimbursement through RSVP.
Contact Jennifer Wucherer at (320) 255-7295

Special Events Volunteer
Tri-County Humane Society is looking for people who love to volunteer, but do not have a lot of time available to do so. They have a variety of special events that take place throughout the year; such as the Companion Walk, Gift Wrappers, and Wines, Kibbles and Bids. No training required other than a willingness to help the animals! There are a variety of duties for each event so they can find a great fit with something you will enjoy!
Contact Vicki Davis at (320) 252-1325

Gift Gallery
The St. Cloud Hospital Gift Gallery is looking for friendly, helpful people to volunteer in their gift shop.  Volunteer’s help customers find items, stock the gift shop, and run the cash register. They may also help deliver gifts or flowers to patients.  They have multiple openings and shifts are flexible.
Contact Volunteer Services (320) 255-5638

Holiday Carolers
Barnes & Noble is hosting a second annual Imagination Library event at their St. Cloud store location on December 7th & 8th. A portion of individual purchases made during these days will go directly to the United Way Imagination Library program. United Way of Central Minnesota’s Success By 6 program is looking for volunteers to help out with some special activities planned for December 8th. Small groups of carolers are needed to help make the event festive and fun.
Contact Katie Pickett at (320) 229-3513

Play Cards and Games
Do you like cribbage, checkers, or other games? Country Manor is looking for volunteers to sit with residents
and play games. Volunteers can play a game with one person or in a group of three other residents.  Volunteers should have patience and a willingness to learn new games if necessary.
Contact Darla Dittus at (320) 253-1920

Shopping Assistants
Bridging Inc. extends community resources to people in transition by distributing beds, furniture, and household goods. Bridging is looking for volunteers to help individuals on a one-on-one basis taking them through the warehouse to help them make selections of furniture and household goods. Volunteers can make a world of difference by helping clients establish a new home and a better life. Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of one 2-4 hour shift. Shifts are available Monday & Tuesday 9am – 6 pm. Orientation and training is available on-site.
Contact Kara Good (320) 229-7636

Compiled by Molly A. Ludwig, United Way of Central Minnesota