United Way Volunteer Opportunities
by Sue Alenick, United Way Volunteer
June 17, 2010, page16.....

The listings below are a small sample of the more than 500 volunteer needs from more than 200 agencies. These can be found on-line at unitedwaycc.org. If you do not have computer access, or would like information about the volunteer opportunities below, call us at 860-1677, Mon.-Fri. from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Riverwalk – Winooski Community Partnership is preparing for its Winooski Riverwalk Festival to be held on Friday, June 25, and needs volunteers to help set up (1-4 p.m.), the raffle table (4-8 p.m.) and take down (8-10 p.m.).  Some tasks require physical strength and lifting.  A great opportunity for youth volunteers!
Jacks & Jills of All Trades- Champlain Valley Agency on Aging (CVAA) needs volunteers with a variety of “handyperson” skills to help elders maintain their homes. Tasks may include painting, building projects, minor household repairs, raking lawns, cleaning gutters, etc. Volunteers would be helping seniors who live in Chittenden, Addison, Franklin and Grand Isle counties. Materials are provided, but volunteers may need to provide their own tools. Scheduling is flexible.
Teaching the Language – Somali-Bantu Community Association is in need of volunteers to serve as co-teachers in their Adult Literacy Program for those who cannot access traditional ESL or ELL classes. Lesson planning support and “on-the-job” training provided. Saturday and Sunday scheduling.
Retail Sales – The Peace & Justice Center is looking for volunteers to help serve customers, clean, help with displays, etc. at their retail store in Burlington. Some retail experience preferred. Flexible weekday and weekend scheduling.
Senior Activities – Starr Farm Nursing Center needs volunteers to assist the activities staff with small and large group leisure activities including bingo, crafts, parties, outings and friendly visits.  Creative and musical ability a plus!  Flexible weekday and weekend scheduling, one hour or more a week.  Interview, references and background check required.
Grant Research – Vermont Children’s Aid has a great opportunity for a volunteer to help with fund-raising efforts by working with staff to update lists of grant and foundation funders. Tasks include verifying deadlines and contact information and gathering other essential information.  Flexible scheduling, five hours per week.  Proficiency with computers is required.

Opportunity for Kids:
Craft United Live United 

Looking for a fun and meaningful  summer activity for your kids?  Creative Habitat and United Way invite kids of all ages to join the “Craft United Live United Club.”  To help your child become an official member, visit Creative Habitat on Saturday, June 26, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. 
All children attending will decorate their own club T-shirt and sign up for a summer volunteer project. Then, each one will be encouraged to scrapbook their experience with a starter pack of scrapbooking supplies provided by Creative Habitat to all club members.
On August 7, Creative Habitat will showcase the finished scrapbooks and celebrate everyone’s success with an ice cream social.
For more details, visit Creative Habitat. Cost is $10 to join and all proceeds will be donated to United Way of Chittenden County.