Results tagged “kids” from Volunteer Now

I am happy to announce that our volunteer presentations, which have only been given to middle and high school students, are now being offered to elementary school students. Our volunteer requirements, through our volunteer center at the United Way of York, mostly consists of agencies looking for volunteers who are 13 years or older. However, there are many activities that younger children can participate in to help others in need. When conducting our National Family Volunteer Day and MLK Service Day events, we had many children participate by decorating and writing "Get Well" cards for children at local hospitals as well as creating arts and crafts. Some also helped create care packets for the homeless. I noticed that the children seemed very pleased to know that the cards they were decorating were going to help "cheer up" other children. Therefore, it occurred to me that our presentations could also be conducted at the elementary school level and that it is never too early to encourage the importance and benefits of volunteering.

As I mentioned above, they may not be able to volunteer with certain local agencies, due to certain guidelines and, most of all, age requirements, but I can give them many ideas of what they can do on their own, as a family, or as a community to help others in need. Other ideas could include activities to raise money for charities such as a car wash, bake sale or participate in a neighborhood clean-up day. Again, the presentation would include a very basic, brief explanation defining volunteering, it's importance and benefits. At the end of the presentation I would have the children participate in a fun activity such as coloring or decorating cards or other arts and crafts for children at local hospitals or for seniors at local nursing and/or retirement homes.

I think these presentations would make a positive impact on children and a chance to instill a life-long interest in helping others. Our volunteer presentations are available to all schools, local agencies/organizations and/or church groups. If interested, please contact Kim Goff at the United Way of York County, 717-771-3822 or email goffk@unitedway-york.org.

On January 19, 2009 tens of thousands of volunteers throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware will serve in the 14th annual Greater Philadelphia King Day of Service. Since 1996, some 400,000 volunteers across the region have celebrated Dr. King's legacy by turning community concerns into volunteer service and citizen action on King Day and throughout the year. Each year, the annual Greater Philadelphia King Day of Service has been the largest King Day event in the nation.

United Way of York will be participating in this event by making care packets for homeless shelter recipients at the Hanover Area Council of Churches and the Bell Family Shelter. On Monday, January 19th, 2009 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, at the United Way of York (in the community room) volunteers will put together care packets of toiletries; shampoo, combs, chapstick, toothbrushes, toothpaste and wash cloths. That same day, from 3:00 to 6:30 pm, our second event will take place at the South Hanover YMCA. We are seeking volunteers from local schools and communities to participate in these events. Volunteers may also participate by donating travel-size toiletries, please contact Kim Goff for details.

On a personal note, I am a parent of a special-needs child and would like to also incorporate the help of all special-needs kids/adults to participate. This event would give the special-needs community a chance to show that they, too, can help others in need; that they do not have to only be on the "receiving end" of volunteer efforts. Participants do not have to stay the entire time of the event, any amount of time anyone can contribute; 5, 10 or 30 minutes would be greatly appreciated.

Contact Kim at goffk@unitedway-york.org to participate or donate

Volunteer opportunities consists of many different activities that I think surprise people. Did you know that we have volunteer opportunities for Wii challengers? Yes, that's right; I have senior centers who are looking for Wii challengers for their elder residents. Wii is not just a "young" activity; it is an activity for all ages. I also have retirement homes that our looking for musicians to come and play for their residents, and I also have requests for "friendly visitors" - people just to come in and talk to their residents.

Many of the students I speak to are so surprised to hear about these volunteer opportunities. Our other volunteer opportunities include: teaching others how to read or learn a skill, taking care of pets, create and update websites for local charities and assisting special-needs children and adults. It is important to enjoy your volunteering experience and that is something I strongly encourage in my volunteer presentations. I try to encourage students to utilize their skills and/or talents for the purpose of benefiting others. We all have skills and/or talents that can help or bring happiness to someone who really needs it - and it can be fun! If you are going to volunteer your time you might as well have some fun!

To view Volunteer Opportunities in your community please visit:
http://www.unitedway-york.org/volunteerctr_main.html