Merrimack Valley

Volunteer opportunities


Published: July 27, 2008

MASSACHUSETTS

The Samaritans of Merrimack Valley rely on volunteers who, through the goodness of their hearts, reach out to help those in crisis. People from all walks of life are trained by Samaritans to offer support and caring for those who are lonely, despairing or suicidal. The next training will be on Mondays, Aug. 18 and 25, and Wednesdays, Aug. 20 and 27, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Participants must attend all sessions. For more information, call Debbie at 978-688-0030.

Volunteers are needed at the Charles Ward Reservation, a Trustees of Reservations property in Andover. Old Chestnut Street, which runs through the heart of the reservation, was abandoned in the 1920s. Help restore its historic character while improving access for future stewardship projects. A series of volunteer work days will be held throughout the summer on the last Saturday of each month, through September, 9 a.m. to noon. Meet in the parking lot on Prospect Road. Bring gloves. For more information, call 978-886-5297.

The Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, Mass., is in need of volunteers. All times are available, but volunteers are most needed for day shifts. Available positions include: greeters, receptionists, guides, room monitors, animal care givers, cleaning/laundry, office workers, Web site photography, and foster care givers. The shelter has moved into a new facility 10 times larger than the old one and needs help to give the homeless animals the best care possible. Download an application at www.northeastanimalshelter.org or contact the volunteer coordinator at 978-745-9888 or e-mail volunteer@northeastanimalshelter.org.

The Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society needs volunteers to help at their adoption centers in Salisbury and Danvers, and at their feral cat sanctuary in Danville, N.H. MRFRS is looking for individuals to perform various duties including cleaning and feeding, foster homes, feral cat feeders, feral cat trappers, administrative volunteers, medical care volunteers, adoption counselors, donation can collectors, and transportation volunteers for the numerous cats and kittens in the organization's care. All ages are welcome, including students and retirees. To sign up as a volunteer or for more information, call 978-462-0760 or visit www.mrfrs.org.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is looking for volunteers to help staff the information desk at its new Visitor Center, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. The Visitor Center is open seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekends have a higher visitation potential so there is a vital need for weekend volunteers to staff the desk. Set, regular weekend hours are possible and desirable. These positions would be perfect for those who enjoy meeting new people. In addition, people who may be physically challenged would find this an ideal job as it is indoors and requires little physical stamina. The work is rewarding. The volunteer provides a valuable service to the refuge visitors. Training and supervision would be provided by the refuge staff. Anyone interested in this opportunity or other types of volunteer positions for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Parker River is encouraged to call the refuge at 978-465-5753, ext. 208.

Essex County Greenbelt is looking for garden volunteers at Cox Reservation, 82 Eastern Ave., Essex. The construction of Greenbelt's new "green" headquarters is complete, and now the focus has shifted to the landscaping and perennial gardens around the Cox house. Volunteers are needed to help in the following capacities: experienced gardeners to help plan and execute a simple landscape and garden design. This will require attendance at meetings and regular correspondence with Greenbelt and other garden volunteers. Anyone who is interested in volunteering some amount of time (weekly/biweekly) to maintain the perennial gardens at the Cox Reservation. Volunteers should be physically fit for some strenuous activity and lifting. For more information or to volunteer, contact Kate Walton at 978-768-7241, ext. 15, or e-mail kwalton@ecga.org.

Methuen's Department of Emergency Management is seeking volunteers for their Community Emergency Response Team and Shelter Management Team. CERT volunteers are responsible for assisting the city of Methuen's Department of Emergency Management in times of disaster and emergencies. SMT volunteers assist with setting up emergency shelters throughout the city. All volunteers will go through a thorough screening process including, but not limited to, a criminal background check, and must be 18 or older. Contact Emergency Management Director John J. Santoro, at 978-983-8579 or e-mail EMDirector@ci.methuen.ma.us.

A tea party for mothers, daughters and collectible dolls is being planned for a fundraiser by the Old Home Days Committee of Merrimac. All area residents are invited to participate. The date and venue are now being selected. Volunteers are planning the menu and activities now. Any residents or businesses interested in volunteering time or goods for planning, food preparation, decorating, serving or setup and cleanup should e-mail oldhomedays@gmail.com. The next committee meeting date will be posted on the town Web site at www.merrimac01860.info under "Committees."

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VNA Care Network and Hospice, a nonprofit visiting nurse association, needs volunteers to provide practical and emotional support to terminally ill patients and their families in the North Shore, Cape Ann, Merrimack Valley and other areas in eastern and central Massachusetts. Volunteers receive training and ongoing supervision and support. Call Susan Smith, volunteer coordinator, at 888-663-3688, ext. 1402. Information about becoming a hospice volunteer is also available at www.vnacarenetwork.org.

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Ruth's House seeks volunteers. For anyone with some free time and a pickup truck, van or SUV, Ruth's House in Haverhill could use some help. To volunteer, call Ida at Ruth's House at 978-521-5575. The nonprofit, nondenominational thrift store is also accepting donations of pots, pans, dishes, bedding and towels. Items can be dropped off Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Ruth's House is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Ruth's House is located at 26-30 Lafayette Square.

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Citizens for Adequate Housing Inc., a not-for-profit organization, seeks meal preparation volunteers for families in need. CAH, located in Peabody, provides shelter and affordable housing for families, who might otherwise be homeless, at its two shelters — the Inn Transition and the Inn Between. CAH is asking for help preparing meals for families living at Inn Transition or Inn Between. It is not necessary to be a chef. A willingness to help others live a healthy lifestyle is all that is required. For more information, contact the CAH Development Department Assistant at 978-531-9775, ext. 11.

The Fresh Air Fund's Andover area committee wants to ensure that summer 2008 is special for New York City children. Each summer, close to 5,000 children, ages 6-18, enjoy two-week vacations with volunteer host families in suburban and small town communities across 13 Northeastern states and Ontario, Canada. Local Fresh Air Fund committee members recruit host families, reach out to the community and coordinate fun activities for families and children. For information on volunteering with a local Fresh Air volunteer team, call Mary Carroll at 978-975-4182 or the Fresh Air Fund at 1-800-367-0003, or visit www.freshair.org.

Delamano is seeking volunteers to answer a domestic violence Spanish/English help line serving victims of domestic violence in the Greater Lawrence community. Volunteers must be fluent in spoken English and Spanish and be over 21. Volunteers are required to attend 24 hours of training covering a variety of topics relating to domestic violence. For more information, call Wendy Luzon at 978-530-7058.

Allegiance Hospice is seeking caring individuals to provide companionship to patients residing in local nursing homes, including those in the Merrimack Valley. As part of an interdisciplinary team, volunteers will receive training and ongoing support. Weekly commitment of one to two hours. For information, contact Amy Cirigliano at 877-255-4623 or acirigliano@allegiancehospice.com.

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West River Care is seeking volunteers to work with individuals in skilled nursing facilities who have life-limiting illnesses. There are opportunities in Andover, Reading, Haverhill and Lowell facilities. For information about orientation schedules, call Rebecca Murphy at 781-707-9580.

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Andover Historical Society needs volunteers to help as tour guides, with special events and for data entry. Call 978-475-2236.

VNA Care Network and Hospice, a nonprofit visiting nurse association, needs volunteers to provide practical and emotional support to terminally ill patients and their families in the North Shore, Cape Ann, Merrimack Valley and other areas in eastern and central Massachusetts. Volunteers receive training and ongoing supervision and support. Call Susan Smith, volunteer coordinator, at 888-663-3688, ext. 1402. Information about becoming a hospice volunteer is also available at www.vnacarenetwork.org.

Veasey Memorial Park is looking for instructors who need a home to teach their talents and trades to the community. The "host a class" program that kicked off earlier this year still has slots available and is open to new ideas. Contact Megan Whithed-Lecuyer, the event's manager for the park at 978-521-9345 or visit www.veaseypark.org.

Volunteer drivers are needed by the Groveland Council on Aging for seniors who travel around the Merrimack Valley for medical appointments or to do grocery shopping or errands. The COA, along with Northern Essex Elder Transport program, is seeking people to volunteer a few hours a month or more. NEET program reimburses the driver 40.5 cents a mile for gas. Insurance is also covered by the NEET program. For information, call Nisha Burke at 978-372-1101.

Penacook Place, a nonprofit nursing and rehab facility, is looking for community service volunteers. Volunteer opportunities include holiday crafting and decorating. The facility is located at 150 Water St. in Haverhill. For information, call Debbie Dube at 978-374-0707.

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Children's Friend and Family Services needs adult mentors for children in need in the Haverhill area. Call Kerry Fitzgerald at 978-372-8516, ext. 458.

Emmaus House needs volunteers to provide meals for homeless guests. Call Paula Eliopoulus at 978-241-3500.

Northern Essex Elder Transport is recruiting drivers to transport seniors from their homes to out-of-town medical appointments. All of the seniors requesting rides are independent and ambulatory. Drivers are provided with supplemental insurance for their vehicle and are reimbursed at 40 cents per mile. Call the Citizens Center at 978-374-2449 or the NEET office at 978-388-7474.

The Home Health Partners Volunteer Program at Home Health VNA is recruiting volunteers to join its team. Volunteers can assist the not-for-profit agency in a variety of ways. Contact Beth Dimitruk at 978-552-4186.

Volunteer drivers are needed by Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Lawrence, a coalition of faith communities, social service agencies and health organizations, to drive elders to medical and "quality of life" appointments. Volunteers serve through the Friends in Deed program at Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley. Elder Services provides training and additional liability insurance for its drivers. Volunteers decide when they drive. To help, call Eileen at Elder Services at 1-800-892-0890, ext. 463, or Jerry, ext. 445.

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Adult Learning Center of Lawrence needs math tutors for morning and evening GED prep classes. All levels are available. Call Merri Newhall at 978-975-5917.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lawrence is seeking adult mentors. For information, call Leah or Mark at 978-687-1370.

Lawrence public schools are recruiting parent volunteers. Those interested may call Susan Santos at 978-975-5905, ext. 373, or visit the Parent Resource Center at 255 Essex St.

Volunteers are needed for the Lawrence Branch YMCA's ESL/GED program offered to the residents who live at the YMCA. What started out as a program to assist 20 to 30 adults has grown in less than a year to more than 100 participants. Volunteers would assist in teaching multiple levels of ESL/GED classes. Classes are held mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends. Call Kathy Walton at 978-686-6191.

Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence needs volunteers. Call Maureen Kelley at 978-683-2747, ext. 17, or e-mail www.lawrencebgc.com.

Lawrence History Center, Immigrant City Archives and Museum, 6 Essex St., Lawrence, has a variety of volunteer positions. Transcribers of oral history also needed. Call Pat Jayfane at 978-686-9230.

Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity is seeking volunteers of any skill level and expertise to help on a project site, serve on a committee, contribute a professional skill or lend a hand in their office. For information, visit www.MerrimackValleyHabitat.org, call Jodi Weeks at 978-681-8858 or e-mail Jodi@MerrimackValleyHabitat.org.

Bellesini Academy in Lawrence is seeking volunteer tutors for their Evening Study Program on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. All tutors would work one-on-one with a student. The Academy, sponsored by Merrimack College, is a private, independent Catholic middle school dedicated to providing a quality, scholarship education to boys from limited financial means living in Lawrence. Contact Cathie Maloney at 978-989-0004 or cmaloney@bellesiniacademy.org.

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Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Lawrence, a coalition of faith communities, social service agencies and health organizations, is looking for volunteers to drive elders to medical and "quality of life" appointments through the Friends in Deed program at Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley. Call Jerry Proulx, volunteer recruiter, at 800-892-0890, ext. 445, or Eileen Giordano, volunteer coordinator, at 800-892-0890, ext. 463.

SunBridge Care & Rehab — Woodmill — 800 Essex St., Lawrence, has opportunities available for individuals looking to make a difference in people's lives by volunteering their time. Call Lori King at 978-289-5047.

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Horizons for Homeless Children is looking for volunteers to play or two hours a week with children living in homeless shelters in Massachusetts. Many are located in the Merrimack Valley including Lawrence, Lowell, Haverhill and Tewksbury. A commitment of six months and attendance at a training session are required. For information about the program and the training schedule, visit www.horizonsforhomelesschildren.org, or call or write Sheila Carman at 978-557-2182 or scarman@horizonsforhomelesschildren.org.

Nevins/Methuen Adult Day Health Center is looking for volunteers who are flexible with one hour of free time to spend with clients. For information, call 978-794-0746.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

The Carriage Barn Equestrian Center is looking for volunteers to assist with therapeutic riding and hippotherapy. Volunteers are needed at various times Monday through Saturday..The greatest need is currently between 3 and 7 p.m. weekdays. The equestrian center is located at 6 Sarah's Way, Newton. The center's programs provide therapeutic riding and hippotherapy to people of all ages who have physical, mental or emotional disabilities. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old..Adults and retirees welcome..Experience and horse knowledge is a plus, but not required..For more information, call 603-378-0140, e-mail carriage-barn@comcast.net, or visit www.carriage-barn.com.

Greater Salem Caregivers provides transportation to medical appointments and essential errands, visitors and respite for elderly and homebound adults residing in Atkinson, Salem, Plaistow and Pelham. There is no charge, and donations and volunteers are welcome. For more information, call 603-898-2850.

The Cooperative Alliance for Regional Transportation, known as CART, is available to Hampstead residents. This is a curb-to-curb transportation system serving the communities of Chester, Danville, Derry, Londonderry, Plaistow, Salem and Windham from Hampstead for those needing a ride. Transportation can be used for medical visits, shopping or social visits. CART services are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $2 per one-way ride. Reservations can be made during regular business hours by calling 603-434-3569. Reservations must be made several days in advance, but no more than 14 days in advance.

Newborns in Need in Newton is seeking volunteers to sew or knit baby clothes, package items, deliver items to local hospitals and assist with laundry. The organization is a national nonprofit charity providing necessities to premature and newborn babies of families in need. Members meet the fourth Wednesday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon at First Congregational Church in Kingston. New volunteers and donations are always welcome. Call Suzanne Woulfe at 603-382-3405 or visit www.newbornsinneed.org/newhampshire.

First Congregational Church of Kingston seeks volunteers to help make quilts for the needy. Volunteer quilters meet at the church on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Call Linda Heminway at 603-382-2329.

Senior Volunteers are needed to participate in the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program for seniors 55 and older. The program offers meaningful roles through volunteer service with nonprofit agencies. Call 603-436-4310, ext. 130.