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VOLUNTEER OUTREACH
Domestic Violence Shelters
Deodorant and soap are luxuries to women and girls running from domestic abuse. Leaving when the time is right, they often do not pack belongings and other needed items. Domestic shelters are short supply of these toiletries.
Make a Difference
When shopping, purchase extra deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap and lotion or grab a few in the dollar section. Put together a small gift bag of these items. Encourage neighbors and friends to do the same.
To locate a woman's shelter on-line, contact your state at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' web-site, or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
For more information about domestic violence, visit the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and the Family Violence Prevention Fund.
Food Shelves
Emergency food assistance plays a vital role in the lives of low-income families, according to America’s Second Harvest, provinding more than 25 million families with aid in the form of food. With 42% of clients living in rural areas, the need for replenishing food banks is a nationwide concern.
Make a Difference
America’s Second Harvest figures 96 billion pounds of food is wasted every year! Some of it easily recovered. Begin by taking part in the annual “Stamp Out Hunger” nationwide event on the second Saturday in May. Simply leave nonperishable foods inside the mailbox. Otherwise contact your local chapter of America’s Second Harvest to schedule a drop off or obtain a list of their needs which can easily be purchased. Dropping off items for the poor or going to events where canned food is accepted in lieu of a ticket is a great way to involve the entire family, especially those with children.
Foster Newborn Kitties
Love kittens, but can’t commit to owning a cat for several years. Try Kitten foster programs to help with the mass number of newborn kittens dropped of at shelters during seasonal peaks. Every spring, shelters are swamped with newborn kittens two young to adopt. It is often up to shelter staff to provide homes and special care during the first few weeks of their lives.
Make a Difference
Become a temporary foster parent to kittens for a few weeks to reduce the millions euthanized each year. Many programs offer training for foster care parents new to working with animals. Contact the local shelter or rescue group for guidelines. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal, Petfinder, Pets 911 or Kitten Care Rescue can all help with this process.
Mentoring Local Students
Similar to on-line mentoring, but with the extra personal visit and interest involved, MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership believes that with the help and guidance of volunteers, every child can learn to his or her full potential. Working with state and local mentoring partnerships, there are resources and support available for mentors.
Make a Difference
Contact National Mentoring Partnership to find a local connection to help in providing a relationship to one of the near 17.5 million young Americans who need mentoring.
Also in demand are youth group mentors to homeless teens. More information about coaching teens and getting them off the harsh, unforgiving streets can be found online at the Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development, Stand Up for Kids Club or National Homeless website.
Nursing Homes: Create Memories
Time spent with an elderly friend in a nursing home is dear to them. At a time in their life when human contact is critical, a few minutes of your time is a wonderful gift.
Make a Difference
Nursing home volunteers can play cards, create a scrapbook, take a walk, share a meal, create a personalized bulletin board, write cards to loved ones or read a story. Knowing you may be the only visitor they have is dear to them. Schedule another meeting before you leave to give them something to look forward to. Contact local assisted living facilities and nursing homes for additional information.
On-line Mentoring
The Achievement Advocate Online Mentoring Community is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students maximize their potential. It is staffed by educators experienced in on-line learning and curriculum development
Make a Difference
From the convenience of your home, Volunteer Advocates act as on-line mentors for students in 4th-6th grades who desire to be important. Advocates act as coaches and role models for the child and coordinate with teachers and parents. They provide the extra leadership and guidance needed to help students to begin to see themselves as flourishing students with a future. See Student Achievement and Advocacy Services for more information.
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