2009 Holiday Volunteering Guide by Daniel Lovell

HOW TO LIVE UNITED: OPEN YOUR HEART LEND YOUR MUSCLE LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD

HELP ONE AND

INFLUENCE THE CONDITION OF ALL GIVE 10% GIVE 100%

GIVE 110% GIVE HOWEVER YOU CAN

2009 HOLIDAY VOLUNTEERING GUIDE GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.

LIVE UNITED

Welcome! We’ve created this guide for people who want to do something special for others during the holiday season. Here you’ll find volunteer and giving opportunities available in November and December. Please keep in mind that holiday-season opportunities are limited and fill up quickly, so call early. But since volunteers are needed year round, even if opportunities are filled, you can still make your holiday-season gift—as a pledge to be fulfilled in the coming year when your help may be needed even more. We’ve included a “Gift Certificate” at the back of this guide to make a future pledge of your time to any of the agencies listed below or another charity of your choice. Just fill it out and send it to United Way. We will make the connection with your chosen charity, let them know you have made this special gift, and help them work with you to set up the right opportunity to fulfill your pledge. From our United Way family to yours, we thank you for caring and wish you a very happy and healthy holiday season.

Frank J. Lazarski, President United Way of Central New York

United Way of Central New York • www.unitedway-cny.org

OPPORTUNITY GUIDE The following pages contain volunteering and giving opportunities during the holiday season and year-round. Please contact the agency you wish to assist to be sure that the need or volunteer opportunity is still current, and inform them of your interest in helping. Remember: most agencies need assistance prior to the holiday, not the “day of.”

AIDS COMMUNITY RESOURCES* AGENCY MISSION: The mission of AIDS Community Resources is three-fold: to prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases; to provide support services to those who are living with HIV/AIDS; and to promote sexual literacy and wise sexual decision making.

Holiday Season Opportunities Holiday Angel Gift Giving Promotion Join us as we brighten the holiday season for those affected by HIV and AIDS. We are asking support from individuals, families, churches, and businesses to welcome a client or family into their hearts by providing needed items during the holiday season. We ask that all gifts be wrapped and labeled. WHEN: Sign up by Friday, November 13 WHERE: 627 W. Genesee Street, Syracuse CONTACT: Wil Murtaugh, 800-475-2430 or events@aidscommunityresources.com

CAMP GOOD DAYS AND SPECIAL TIMES AGENCY MISSION: Camp Good Days and Special Times, Inc. is dedicated to improve the quality of life for children, adults and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges through summer camping experiences and year-round events and activities.

Holiday Season Opportunities Annual Kazoo Fest Once again this holiday season, Camp Good Days will host the traditional Kazoo Fest, with proceeds benefiting the many programs and services for children and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life-threatening challenges. Hundreds of volunteers are needed! Contact us at the information below or complete and submit the Kazoo Fest Volunteer Form online at www.campgooddays.org. WHEN: Friday, November 27 – Wednesday, December 23 WHERE: Best Buy, Carousel Center Mall, Syracuse CONTACT: Nancy Pfeiffer at npfeiffer@campgooddays.org, Jessica Mayer at jmayer@campgooddays.org, or 434-9477

ERIE CANAL MUSEUM AGENCY MISSION: The Erie Canal Museum serves the general public from broad geographic areas. It maintains and enhances the scope and appeal of its canal-related educational programs, exhibits and collections.

Holiday Season Opportunities Gingerbread Ambassadors Greet and collect admissions for the 24th Annual Gingerbread Gallery at the Erie Canal Museum. WHEN: Friday, November 27 – Thursday, December 21, 10:00am – 1:00pm or 1:00pm – 4:30pm daily WHERE: 318 Erie Blvd East, Syracuse CONTACT: Steve Caraccilo, 471-0593 x10 or steve@eriecanalmuseum.org

*Denotes a United Way funded agency.

United Way of Central New York • www.unitedway-cny.org

HOPE FOR BEREAVED, INC. AGENCY MISSION: Hope for Bereaved, Inc.’s mission is to provide support, resources and hope for grieving children, adults, and families as well as training, consultation and resources for those who wish to help the bereaved.

Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Wrapsody 2009 Help Hope for Bereaved, Inc. wrap gifts for holiday shoppers at the Carousel Mall. WHEN: Flexible shifts available November 27 – December 24 WHERE: Carousel Center, Syracuse CONTACT: Donna Kalb, 475-9675 or dkalb@cnymail.com

MEALS ON WHEELS OF SYRACUSE AGENCY MISSION: To organize, plan, and administer the service of delivering nutritious meals, nutrition education, and resource assistance to people living in our community unable to do so for themselves.

Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Driver / Server Deliver prepared meals to our clients. Car, valid drivers license and proof of insurance is required. WHEN: Shifts are 11:00am – 1:00pm on November 25 and 27; December 23, 24, 30 and 31 WHERE: 300 Burt Street, Syracuse CONTACT: Jeff Banta, 478-5948 x213 Kitchen Server Help in the preparation and assembly of meals for Meals on Wheels clients. WHEN: Shifts are November 25 and 27, December 23, 24, 30 and 31 from 8:00am – 11:00am and 11:00am – 1:00pm WHERE: 300 Burt Street, Syracuse CONTACT: Jennifer Stone, 478-5948 x210

Year-Round Opportunities Kitchen Help Meals on Wheels of Syracuse needs volunteers year-round to help with preparing meals for individuals in need throughout the community. WHEN: Meal prep shifts are Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 2:00pm WHERE: 300 Burt Street, Syracuse CONTACT: Jeff Banta, 478-5948 x213 Driver / Server Meals on Wheels of Syracuse needs volunteers year-round to help with delivering and serving meals to individuals in need throughout the community. WHEN: Delivery shifts are Monday – Friday, 11:00am – 1:00pm WHERE: 300 Burt Street, Syracuse CONTACT: Jeff Banta, 478-5948 x213

United Way of Central New York • www.unitedway-cny.org

P.E.A.C.E., INC.* AGENCY MISSION: P.E.A.C.E., Inc. offers programming and training to provide our families with the necessary tools and skills to move from poverty to self-sufficiency.

Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Adopt-A-Family for the Holidays Provide a family with holiday gifts. P.E.A.C.E., Inc. gives you a wishlist of modest items requested by a low income family; you shop for the items, wrap the gifts and drop the gifts back to our central location. P.E.A.C.E., Inc. then transfers the gifts to the family. WHEN: late November/early December WHERE: 401 South Midler Avenue, Syracuse CONTACT: Carolyn Dunphey Brown, 470-3300 or carolyn.brown@peace-caa.org

Year-Round Opportunities EITC: You’ve Earned It! Tax Filer Each year, P.E.A.C.E., Inc. and various local community partners come together to provide free tax filing for low-income taxpayers. Volunteer to file taxes with an easy-to-use computer system to help taxpayers receive the refund they deserve without having to pay a fee. WHEN: Training sessions in November, December and January; flexible shifts available throughout tax season. WHERE: Various locations throughout Syracuse CONTACT: Carolyn Dunphey Brown, 634-3737 or carolyn.brown@peace-caa.org Big Brother / Big Sister Volunteer to mentor a child between the ages of six to twelve years old through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Onondaga County. Volunteers are asked to commit to a year of mentoring and to spending 8-10 hours each month with their little. WHEN: Flexible depending on the schedule of the mentor WHERE: Onondaga County CONTACT: Cathy Griffin, 470-3369 or cgriffin@peace-caa.org

PERSON TO PERSON: CITIZEN ADVOCACY GROUP AGENCY MISSION: The mission of Citizen Advocacy is to promote the protection of, and advocacy for, people who are devalued, usually due to a mental or physical disability. Citizen Advocacy programs bring the needs and interests of an individual who is as risk of social isolation to the attention of a citizen who, with the support of the Citizen Advocacy office, will respond to those needs through a freely given, usually lasting, advocacy relationship.

Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Coat Check Volunteers Person to Person provides a coat check located in the food court of the Carousel Mall for holiday shoppers. Volunteers are asked to take coats and packages, tag them and give the shopper their ticket number. WHEN: Shifts available November 27 – December 31, 10:00am – 9:00pm Monday-Saturday and 11:00am – 6:00pm Sundays WHERE: Carousel Center, Syracuse CONTACT: Katie Ward, 472-9190 or oneadvocat4@aol.com

Year-Round Opportunities Citizen Advocates Form a one-to-one relationship with an individual with developmental disabilities; be their friend, mentor, neighbor or advisor. The Citizen Advocacy office supports the volunteer through orientation, training, follow-up visits and phone calls. WHEN: Schedule depends on the availability of the volunteer and individual being served WHERE: Throughout Syracuse CONTACT: Katie Ward, 472-9190 or oneadvocat4@aol.com

United Way of Central New York • www.unitedway-cny.org

RESCUE MISSION AGENCY MISSION: Our mission is to share Christ's love and provide biblically based services that meet the spiritual and practical needs of the poor.

Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Cookie Bake The Food Service Center of the Rescue Mission we will be making cookies that we will serve to our clients throughout the holiday season! Bring your family, friends, or co-workers to our facility. Bring ingredients and utensils to make at least 1 batch of cookies; we’ll supply a recipe if you need. This is a GREAT family volunteer opportunity! WHEN: Tuesday, November 3, 6:00 – 9:00pm WHERE: 155 Gifford Street, Syracuse CONTACT: Lisa DeAngelo, 701-3841 Holiday Donation Greeters Volunteers needed to greet the public, accept donations and write receipts. Some lifting required. WHEN: Shifts start Monday, November 2, Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm WHERE: 155 Gifford Street, Syracuse CONTACT: Holiday Phone Center, 701-3898 Holiday Meal Deliverers Volunteers are needed to deliver meals in their own vehicles to folks that are homebound and elderly. This is a great family volunteer opportunity! WHEN: Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 26, and Christmas Day, Friday December 25 WHERE: 155 Gifford Street, Syracuse CONTACT: Holiday Phone Center, 701-3898 Mail Room Volunteers Volunteers are needed to assist in preparing and stuffing holiday mailings. WHEN: Monday – Friday between 9:00am – 3:00pm WHERE: 155 Gifford Street, Syracuse CONTACT: Lisa DeAngelo, 701-3841

Year-Round Opportunities Thrifty Shopper Store Assistant Volunteers needed to help keep Rescue Mission Thrifty Shopper stores organized and welcoming to shoppers, help with unloading bins with new merchandise from the warehouse, and assist customers while they shop. WHEN: Flexible shifts available WHERE: Thrifty Shoppers throughout Onondaga County CONTACT: Lisa DeAngelo, 701-3841 Crossroads Meal Servers Help serve breakfast, lunch and dinner to Rescue Mission clients. Medical escorts needed in the mornings; musicians needed once a month at Coffeehouse evenings. WHEN: Flexible shifts available Monday – Sunday; breakfast: 6:45am, lunch: 11:45am, and dinner: 4:45pm WHERE: 155 Gifford Street, Syracuse CONTACT: Lisa DeAngelo, 701-3841

United Way of Central New York • www.unitedway-cny.org

THE SALVATION ARMY OF THE SYRACUSE AREA* AGENCY MISSION: The Salvation Army of the Syracuse Area is dedicated to meeting human needs without discrimination, and so demonstrate the Gospel Teachings of Jesus Christ.

Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Food & Gift Drive Coordinate a food drive or Angel Tree Gift Campaign at your business, school or church. WHEN: November 1 – December 11 WHERE: Your office, school or church CONTACT: Lynn Hy, 479-1321 or lhy@use.salvationarmy.org Christmas Bureau Registration Help us register low-income families for Christmas Bureau Distribution. WHEN: Weekday shifts available 9:30am – 12:30pm, 12:00pm – 3:30pm, and 3:00pm – 6:30pm WHERE: Locations throughout Onondaga County CONTACT: Lynn Hy, 479-1321 or lhy@use.salvationarmy.org Christmas Tree Lighting Bell Sale Celebrate the holiday season by ringing bells and collecting donations at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Clinton Square. This is a great family volunteer opportunity! WHEN: November 27, 5:45 – 7:15pm WHERE: Clinton Square, Syracuse CONTACT: Lynn Hy, 479-1321 or lhy@use.salvationarmy.org Red Kettle Campaign: Help us collect donations by ringing bells at locations across Onondaga County. This is a great family volunteer opportunity! WHEN: Outdoor shifts available weekends 10:00am – 8:00pm at P&C, Price Chopper and Wal-Mart locations; indoor shifts available everyday, 10:00am – 9:00pm at area malls WHERE: Throughout Onondaga County CONTACT: Lynn Hy, 479-1321 or lhy@use.salvationarmy.org Distribution Day Preparations Help us prepare for Distribution Day by sorting food, toys and packing stocking stuffers. WHEN: Tuesday, December 22, 9:00am – 12:00pm and 12:30pm – 3:00pm WHERE: OnCenter, Syracuse CONTACT: Lynn Hy, 479-1321 or lhy@use.salvationarmy.org

Year-Round Opportunities Adult Day Center Assistant The Adult Day Center at The Salvation Army of the Syracuse Area provides opportunities for socialization and wellness that support independence for our community’s seniors. Nutritionally balanced breakfasts and hot lunches are served to all participants. Volunteers help serve meals to the elderly, offer companionship and lead in recreational activities. WHEN: Weekdays, 8:30am – 2:00pm; volunteers for lunch service needed at 11:00am WHERE: 749 South Warren Street, Syracuse CONTACT: Lynn Hy, 479-1321 or lhy@use.salvationarmy.org

United Way of Central New York • www.unitedway-cny.org

THE SAMARITAN CENTER* AGENCY MISSION: The Samaritan Center provides a hot, nutritious meal daily to those who are in need without questions or pre-conditions.

Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Meal Service Volunteers would assist in distributing a hot and nutritious meal to the hungry in our community! WHEN: Breakfast: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 7:30 – 8:30am. Lunch: Monday – Thursday, 3:45 – 4:45pm; Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 1:30 – 2:30pm WHERE: 310 Montgomery Street, Syracuse CONTACT: Julie Ann Gilbert, 472-0650 or volunteersamaritan@verizon.net

Year-Round Opportunities Meal Service Volunteers are needed year-round to assist in the preparation and distribution of a hot and nutritious meal to the hungry in our community. Breakfast volunteers especially needed. WHEN: Breakfast: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 7:30 – 8:30am. Lunch: Monday – Thursday, 3:45 – 4:45pm; Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 1:30 – 2:30pm WHERE: 310 Montgomery Street, Syracuse CONTACT: Julie Ann Gilbert, 472-0650 or volunteersamaritan@verizon.net

VAN DUYN HOME & HOSPITAL AGENCY MISSION: The mission of Van Duyn is to provide its residents with the highest quality care in a comfortable and caring environment, responsive to their medical and social needs, potential and lifestyle, and to maximize the quality of life of each resident.

Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Angel Tree Every year at Van Duyn an “Angel Tree” is set up in the second floor lobby. Holiday Wish Angels are hung on the tree for every resident in the facility. Our goal is to make sure that all 500 residents have a Christmas present under the tree. We invite the public to stop by and take a few angels and purchase gifts for our residents to help us make this goal a reality. We ask that unwrapped gifts be dropped off to Van Duyn by December 16. WHEN: Thanksgiving through December 16 WHERE: 5075 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse CONTACT: Nancy Finney, 435-5511 x293 Thanksgiving Table Decorations Van Duyn is in need of 15 matching table decorations for a Thanksgiving Luncheon for residents. This will be a special “fine dining” experience for everyone and we want the tables to look extra special. WHEN: November 19 WHERE: 5075 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse CONTACT: Nancy Finney, 435-5511 x293

Year-Round Opportunities Resident Escorts Volunteers are needed to accompany residents on outside appointments and activities. We provide the transportation, but we need one-on-one escorts for our residents on these important outings. Trips are scheduled a week in advance. WHEN: Flexible shifts available WHERE: 5075 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse CONTACT: Nancy Finney, 435-5511 x293 United Way of Central New York • www.unitedway-cny.org

VERA HOUSE* AGENCY MISSION: It is the mission of Vera House to end all domestic and sexual violence; to assist families in crisis; to support those affected by domestic and sexual violence; to live safe, self-sufficient lives; to empower women and children; & to promote a culture of equality and respect in relationships.

Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Gift Wrapping and Gift Sorting Volunteers needed to wrap gifts at one of two wrapping stations at Carousel Mall while Vera House staffs the station. Volunteers may also be needed to sort gift donations at our administrative office. WHEN: Varied dates and times between Thanksgiving and Christmas WHERE: Carousel Center, Syracuse or 6181 Thompson Road, Syracuse CONTACT: Karen Hargrave, 425-0818 x249 or khargrave@verahouse.org

YEAR-ROUND VOLUNTEERING Throughout the year, check www.1-800-Volunteer.org for opportunities at the following agencies: 40 Below ARISE Alzheimer's Association, Central New York Chapter American Red Cross Volunteer Driver Program Aurora of Central New York Inc Baldwinsville Volunteer Center Boys & Girls Club of Syracuse CASA of the Southern Tier Catholic Charities of Onondaga County Center for Community Alternatives, Inc. Central New York Medical Reserve Corps Central New York Scottish Games and Celtic Festival Child Care Solutions Inc Children's Consortium Civil Air Patrol Community General Hospital Consortium For Childrens Services Contact Community Services Inc Cooperative Federal Credit Union Cornell Cooperative Extension Tioga County Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga Corporate Volunteer Council of Central New York Crouse Hospital DePaul Cooperative Day Care Center Dorothy Day House Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc. Dr. Nelson Ying Tri Region Science and Engineering Fair Elmcrest Childrens Center Inc Enable Epilepsy Foundation Everson Museum of Art of Syracuse and Onondaga County Exceptional Family Resources Family Literacy Alliance of Greater Syracuse Food Bank of Central New York Franciscan Collaborative Ministries

Friends of Historic Onondaga Lake From the Ground Up Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc. Girl Scout Council of Central New York Golden Retriever Rescue of Central New York Hemochromatosis Foundation of Central New York Hillside Children's Center Hope for Bereaved Hospice of Central New York InterFaith Works Ithaca Youth Bureau Junior Achievement of CNY, Inc. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Liberty Resources, Inc. Literacy Volunteers of Greater Syracuse Loretto Health and Rehabilitation Center Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York March of Dimes: Central New York Division March of Dimes: Genesee Valley/Finger Lakes Division Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation Meals On Wheels of Syracuse New York Inc Menorah Park Mercy Works / Vision Center Muscular Dystrophy Association Museum of Science & Technology National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Upstate NY Chapter Neighborhood Computer Project Office of Children and Family Services On Point for College Onondaga County Health Department Onondaga County Health Department Public Health Preparedness Onondaga Historical Association Museum & Research Center Onondaga-Oswego American Red Cross Open Figure Drawing

United Way of Central New York â&#x20AC;˘ www.unitedway-cny.org

Osteoporosis Education Project Oswego Harbor Festivals, Inc. PKD Foundation, Syracuse Chapter Partners In Learning Inc Person to Person: Citizen Advocacy Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/Syracuse Region SUNY Upstate Medical University Samaritan Center, Inc Signature Syracuse St. Camillus Health and Rehabilitation Center St. Elizabeth Medical Center Foundation Stone Quarry Hill Art Park Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau Syracuse Habitat For Humanity Syracuse International Film Festival Syracuse Jewish Family Service Syracuse Symphony Orchestra Syracuse Women's Information Center The ALS Association Upstate New York Chapter The Learning Place The National Kidney Foundation of CNY The Syracuse Children's Chorus Thornden Park Association Thousand Islands Area Habitat For Humanity Transitional Living Services of Onondaga County, Inc United Way Success By 6 United Way of Central New York Veteran Affairs Medical Center WCNY TV/FM Wanderers' Rest Humane Association, Inc. Welch Terrace Apartments Westcott Community Center Westcott Street Cultural Fair Women's Opportunity Center

LIVE UNITED GIFT CERTIFICATE I,

(print name) (agency)

pledge to give

(#)

hours to

after the holiday season.

Please contact me at the information below. I will contact you. My phone number: My e-mail address: Please mail to: Kelly Knab, United Way of Central New York, PO Box 2129, Syracuse NY 13210

GIVE THE GIFT OF YOU! Central New York agencies need volunteers year-round. Give your gift of time by filling out the gift certificate above and volunteering after the holiday season. HOW THIS WORKS: • Choose a year-round opportunity from this guide or go to www.1-800-Volunteer.org to find an opportunity in Central New York that appeals to you. • Fill out the gift certificate above with your name, number of hours you would like to give and the name of the agency. Check whether you prefer to contact the agency or have them to contact you. Fill out your phone number and/or e-mail address. • Mail the gift certificate to Kelly Knab at: United Way of Central New York, PO Box 2129, Syracuse NY 13220. We will then transfer the gift certificate to the agency. • If you checked the box, “Please contact me at the information below,” the agency will contact you. If you checked the box, “I will contact you,” you may contact the agency any time. If you have trouble finding the correct contact information for your agency, please contact Kelly Knab at 428-2246 or kknab@unitedway-cny.org.

United Way of Central New York • www.unitedway-cny.org

VOLUNTEER RESOURCES AND PARTNERS United Way of Central New York Volunteer Resources Division works with local partners to provide the following resources. For more information, visit us at www.unitedway-cny.org.

1-800-VOLUNTEER.ORG: A great way to search for volunteer opportunities is through United Way of Central New York’s volunteer website, 1-800-Volunteer.org. Besides searching for opportunities for more than 100 local organizations, you can notify an organization of your interest in specific volunteer opportunities, register your skills and preferences, set a volunteer goal, track your hours, and be notified when a new volunteer opportunities matches your interests. You can also find out about special volunteer events and awards. Visit today to set up your free account!

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: Every Monday, the United Way of Central New York posts volunteer opportunities in the CNY section of the Syracuse Post-Standard. We also have special full-page features throughout the year for the holidays, National Volunteer Week, and other volunteer events. Check it out to find out the newest volunteer opportunities or urgent needs.

GIFTS IN KIND: United Way of Central New York’s Gifts in Kind program connects donations from local retailers, businesses and individuals to organizations in need. If your retail store or business has excess or unwanted computers, office supplies, home goods, or furniture, consider donating to Gifts in Kind.

CORPORATE VOLUNTEER COUNCIL: If you want to continue developing your Employee Volunteer Program and help your company stay actively engaged in the community, consider joining the Corporate Volunteer Council (CVC). The CVC is a coalition of businesses, organizations and associations that recognize the importance of volunteerism in our community. The CVC functions as a partner of United Way of Central New York, operating independently but receiving support from United Way. The CVC can provide professional guidance, development, support and networking opportunities for members while addressing community needs through employee volunteer efforts.

SOCIAL NETWORKS: United Way of Central New York is also on your favorite social networking site! Get volunteer tips, campaign updates, news, and information about upcoming events. Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/uwcny. Become a fan of us on Facebook: search “United Way of Central New York.” Check out our photos on Picasa: picasaweb.google.com/unitedwaycny.org. Watch our videos on YouTube: youtube.com/ uwcny.

United Way of Central New York • www.unitedway-cny.org