2014
Holiday Volunteer Guide
LIVE UNITED
2014 Holiday Volunteer Guide
Welcome Welcome to the 2014 Holiday Volunteer Guide. All of the volunteer and giving opportunities listed have been provided to us by local agencies who need assistance during the holiday season. You will find the options are varied and whether you are seeking to volunteer as an individual or a family, the right opportunity awaits you. Please keep in mind that holiday-season opportunities are limited and fill up quickly, so call early. Volunteers are needed year-round throughout the community and our Volunteer Center works with many local partners to provide up-to-date opportunities and contact information. 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
2
Opportunity Guide Please contact the agency you wish to assist to be sure that need or volunteer opportunity is still current, and inform them of your interest in helping. Remember: most agencies need to interview and screen potential volunteers prior to the opportunity listed. It is important to contact the agency prior to the holiday event, not the “day of�.
American Red Cross of Central New York Agency Mission: The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer Driver: Assist the American Red Cross in its mission by volunteering at blood drives. Key Responsibilities: Process donors in the order they arrive, complete data sheets as required, maintain clean, orderly, well-stocked refreshment area, serve available beverages and snacks, ensure that donors are feeling well. When: 7 days/week, mornings, afternoons, and evenings Contact: Lisa Jenk, 233-6077 or Julie Mucilli at 234-2217
Year-Round Opportunities The American Red Cross of Central New York has a number of ongoing volunteer opportunities including disaster response, preparedness education, service to the armed forces, health and safety training and clerical support. Contact: Julie Mucilli at 234-2217 or julie.mucilli@redcross.org
2014 Holiday Volunteer Guide
LIVE UNITED
Camp Good Days & Special Times Agency Mission: Camp Good Days & Special Times provides FREE recreational programs and services for Upstate New York children AND ADULTS whose lives have been touched by cancer. We have been fortunate to also be able to expand our services to include programs for children whose lives have been touched by HIV, AIDS or sickle cell anemia, as well as children who have lost an immediate family member to homicide.
Holiday Volunteer Opportunity Kazoo Fest: Volunteers work three-to four-hour shifts selling Camp Good Days merchandise and gifts and helping increase awareness about our organization and its mission. When: Nov. 28 to Dec. 23 Where: Destiny USA, Syracuse Contact: Katie Riordan, 434-9477, or email kriordan@campgooddays.org
Year-Round Opportunity Cuse Kids Club – Camp Counselor: The ‘Cuse Kids Club is a monthly year-round support program for children ages 4 – 17 who qualify for our overnight camping programs. Campers come together once a month for fun outings around the Syracuse area. Past events have included a trip to the zoo, bowling, apple picking, Disney on Ice, and much more! Volunteer applications are accepted year-round and will be reviewed by the Central New York office, followed by an interview. Contact: Katie Riordan, 434-9477, or email kriordan@campgooddays.org
4
CA$H of Onondaga County Creating Assets, Saving & Hope (CA$H) of Onondaga County mobilizes volunteers to work as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. Agency Mission: Each tax season, Onondaga County CA$H mobilizes volunteers to work as part of the VITA Program. During the tax season, VITA sites around the county provide tax return preparation and e-filing of both federal and state returns, at no charge, to families (married, filing jointly with three or more qualifying children) earning less than $53,000 annually.
Year-Round Opportunities Tax Preparer: Become IRS 窶田ertified to prepare taxes Who: Retired or current workers with an interest in numbers willing to help people with taxes. Students interested in building their resumes with real life experiences. CA$H Site Volunteer: Distribute information & help filers find local financial resources & services. Who: Friendly, outgoing volunteer interested in meeting and helping hardworking community members. When: Variety of day and evening times available during tax season. Where: Shoppingtown Mall, Dewitt and Syracuse Education Opportunity Center (SEOC) Contact: Eryka Morgenroth, 428-2230 or emorgenroth@unitedway-cny.org
2014 Holiday Volunteer Guide
Everson Museum of Art Agency Mission: The Everson Museum of Art seeks to inspire, educate and enrich, integrating art into people's lives through direct encounters with its collections and exhibitions.
Holiday Volunteer Opportunity Festival of Trees: Volunteers are essential to running the daily operations of the Festival of Trees. Volunteers assist in tree sales, admissions, greeting visitors, working with performers and more. When: December 5-14 Where: Everson Museum of Art Contact: Renee Storiale at 474-6064 or Pat Humpleby at phumple@twcny.rr.com
Meals on Wheels Agency Mission: The Purpose of Meals on Wheels of Syracuse, NY, Inc. is to organize, plan, and administer the service of delivering well-balanced, nutritious meals at the lowest possible cost to the recipient. These meals will be provided for those clients who are unable to plan, shop or prepare such meals due to illness, disability or advanced age.
Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Meals on Wheels of Syracuse needs holiday delivery drivers and kitchen volunteers. Holiday Delivery Drivers: Deliver prepared meals to homebound clients before and after the holidays. Car, valid driver’s license and proof of insurance are required. Volunteer drivers can work alone or with a partner. Individual servers are also needed to deliver meals for some drivers from the vehicles to the clients’ door. When: 11 am to 1 pm Nov. 24, 25, 26, 28 and Dec. 23, 24, 26 & 31 Where: 300 Burt St., Syracuse Contact: Michael Watrous, 478-5948, extension 213 or volunteer@meals.org Holiday Kitchen Volunteers: help prepare and package meals for homebound clients before and after the holidays. When: Nov. 26 & 29 and Dec. 22,23, 24, 26,29,30 & 31. Where: 300 Burt St., Syracuse Contact: Michael Watrous, 478-5948, extension 213 or volunteer@meals.org
6
Person to Person: Citizen Advocacy Agency Mission: 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 at 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 Opportunity Gift Wrapping: Person to Person is looking for assistance with their Holiday gift wrapping. When: Dec. 12-24, shifts are Monday – Saturday 10am – 6pm and Sundays, 11am-6pm Where: Shoppingtown Mall, Dewitt Contact: Kristin Coir at 472-9190 or oneadvocat4@aol.com
2014 Holiday Volunteer Guide
Sarah’s Guest House Agency Mission: To provide lodging in a healing environment primarily for relatives and loved ones of adult patients seeking medical treatment outside their own community. It is the only residence of its kind in the Syracuse area.
Year-Round Opportunity Meal Preparation: As a “Home away from Home” for out of town patients and families of patients receiving medical care in our local hospitals, Sarah’s Guest House doesn’t take a break over the holidays. During this season it is especially comforting to the guests to have a home cooked meal. Sarah’s Guest House is looking for volunteers to prepare meals during the month of December. Where: Meals can be prepared at volunteers homes or at Sarah’s Guest House Contact: Cindy or Sarah at 475-1747
Syracuse Northeast Community Center Agency Mission: The Syracuse Northeast Community Center (SNCC), established in 1978, works to promote the stability of the city's Northside and Northeast neighborhoods by offering diverse programs that improve the quality of life for area residents. We offer a range of support services for individuals of all ages.
Holiday Volunteer Opportunity Food Pantry Volunteers: The Syracuse Northeast Community Center food pantry helps to feed food insecure families in our community. Come join our friendly and helpful team. Food pantry volunteers help with organizing, unloading and putting food away. Volunteers will work with the Basic Needs Coordinator. Where: 716 Hawley Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13203 When: Hours are flexible Contact: Katie Stager at 472-6343 x201 or email kstager@snccsyr.org
8
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 Drive Collection Sites: The Salvation Army is looking for sites to host food drives to benefit The Christmas Bureau. Food donated will be given to families in need during the annual Distribution Day. When: Now through Dec. 15 – Final Drop off on December 15 between 9am—3pm Where: The final drop off for all collected non-perishable food items is at the OnCenter (near the Loading dock, located on the Montgomery Street side of the complex.) Contact: Jessica Moquin, 479-3669 Red Kettle Campaign Volunteers: Help collect donations by ringing bells at locations across Onondaga County! This is a wonderful family volunteering opportunity! When: Nov. 10 – Dec. 24 Where: Call to find the closest location to you Contact: Andrew Sabbaghzadeh, 479-3668 or register online: registertoring.com/Syracuse Christmas Bureau Volunteers: The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to assist with sorting and packaging donations for the Christmas Bureau. When: Dec. 22 Where: OnCenter, 800 S. State St, Syracuse Contact: PLEASE CONTACT PRIOR TO DAY OF EVENT Andrew Sabbaghzadeh 479-3668 or email at andrew.sabbaghzadeh@use.salvationarmy.org
Year-Round Opportunity Pantry Volunteers: Help out at The Salvation Army's food pantry by sorting and stacking goods, and helping customers make appropriate selections. Volunteers must be good at communicating with customers. Also must be able to lift at least 25 lbs. Must be able to work with a team. Contact: Andrew Sabbaghzadeh 479-3668
2014 Holiday Volunteer Guide
Year-Round Volunteering Throughout the year, check www.VolunteerCNY.org for opportunities at the following agencies: Access CNY Access to College Education ACR Health Administrators of Volunteer Services of Central New York Alzheimer's Association, Central New York Chapter American Autism Association American Red Cross of Central New York ARISE Auburn Cinefile Society Inc Aurora of Central New York Inc Baldwinsville Volunteer Center Boys & Girls Club of Syracuse Builder's Club Camp Good Days & Special Times, Inc. Camp Good Days and Special Times Catholic Charities of Cortland Catholic Charities of Onondaga County Center for Community Alternatives, Inc. Center for Cultural Interchange Central New York Medical Reserve Corps Central New York Scottish Games and Celtic Festival Chadwick Residence Chapel House, Inc Child Care Solutions Inc Children of Rural Africa Children's Consortium Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum City of Cortland Youth Bureau Clear Path for Veterans codFISH (Community of Dewitt, Friends in Service Here) Community Action Partnership Community Caregivers, Inc. Consortium For Childrens Services Contact Community Services Inc Cooperative Federal Credit Union Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cortland County Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga Corporate Volunteer Council Council of park friends for Clark Reservation Crouse Hospital Cultural Council of Cortland County Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Central New York Chapter Daybreak-Loretto's Adult Medical Day Program DePaul Cooperative Day Care Center Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Dorothy Day House Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc. Dr. Nelson Ying Tri Region Science and Engineering Fair Earlville Opera House Multi Arts Center Eastwood Neighborhood Association Elmcrest Childrens Center Inc Epilepsy Foundation Everson Museum of Art of Syracuse And Onondaga County Exceptional Family Resources Exodus 3 Ministries F.O.C.U.S. GREATER SYRACUSE, INC. Family Counseling Ministry Family Literacy Alliance of Greater Syracuse Family Services' Bill Payer Program Father Champlin's Guardian Angel Society Fellowship Hill Ministries First Baptist Church of Syracuse
10
Food Bank of Central New York Franciscan Collaborative Ministries Friends of Historic Onondaga Lake Friends of The CanTeen Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo From the Ground Up Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc. Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways, Inc. Golden Retriever Rescue of Central New York Great Swamp Conservancy Habitat For Humanity of Madison County Harriet Tubman Center for Justice & Peace, Inc. Helping Hounds Dog Rescue Hillside Children's Center Home Aides of Central New York Home HeadQuarters, Inc. Honor Flight Syracuse Hope for Bereaved Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. Hospice of Central New York Housing Visions InterFaith Works International Center of Syracuse Interreligious Food Consortium It's About Childhood & Family, Inc. Jail Ministry JOBSplus Junior Achievement of Central Upstate New York (Syracuse Region) Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Learning Disabilities Association of CNY Liberty Resources, Inc. Literacy Volunteers of Greater Syracuse Loretto Health and Rehabilitation Center Madison County Office for the Aging, Inc. Madison County Reads Ahead Madison County Youth Bureau Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York March of Dimes: Genesee Valley/Finger Lakes Division March of Dimes-Central New York Division Mary Rose Center Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center Meals On Wheels of Syracuse New York Inc Menorah Park Mental Health Association of Onondaga County Mercy Works/ Vision Center Morrisville Food Pantry Community Action Program Move Along Inc. Murray Learning Services Muscular Dystrophy Association Mustang Outreach & Volunteer Efforts at Morrisville State College National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum National Multiple Sclerosis Society National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Upstate NY Chapter National Remember Our Troops Campaign Neighborhood Computer Project North Area Meals on Wheels Northeast Hawley Development Association (NEHDA) OASIS Office of Children and Family Services Ombudsman Program - Catholic Charities Elderly Services On Point for College Onondaga Historical Association Museum & Research Center Open Figure Drawing
Osteoporosis Education Project P.E.A.C.E. PACE CNY Partners In Learning Inc Person to Person: Citizen Advocacy PKD Foundation, Syracuse Chapter REACH CNY, Inc. Rescue Mission RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) of Onondaga County Samaritan Center Inc SAVAR (Sexual Assault Victims Advocacy Resource) Seneca Falls Historical Society Sierra Club Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. Signature Syracuse Smithfield Community Association / Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark Spanish Action League St. Camillus Health and Rehabilitation Center St. Elizabeth Medical Center Foundation Stone Quarry Hill Art Park Student's Educational Services, Inc. SUNY Upstate Medical University/Hospital Syracuse Area Landmark Theatre Syracuse Community Health Center, Inc. Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau Syracuse Habitat for Humanity Syracuse International Film Festival Syracuse Jewish Family Service Syracuse Northeast Community Center Syracuse Poster Project Syracuse SCORE Syracuse Symphony Orchestra Syracuse Women's Information Center The ALS Association Upstate New York Chapter The Boys and Girls Clubs of Syracuse The Cultural Resources Council of Syracuse & Onondaga County, Inc. (CRC) The Learning Place The Matthew 25 Farm The MOST The National Kidney Foundation of CNY The Newland Center/The Learning Place The Salvation Army of the Syracuse Area The Step Center at Syracuse University The Syracuse Children's Chorus Thornden Park Association Thousand Islands Area Habitat For Humanity Townsquare Media Transitional Living Services of Onondaga County Inc United Presbyterian Church United Way of Central New York Upstate University Hospital at Community General Van Duyn Home & Hospital Vera House Inc Veteran Affairs Medical Center Westcott Community Center Westside Residents Coalition Women's Fund of Central New York Women's Opportunity Center YMCA-WCC YWCA Syracuse & Onondaga County
Volunteer Resources & Partners The United Way of Central New York Volunteer Center works with local partners to provide the following resources. For more information, visit us at www.unitedway-cny.org.
VolunteerCNY.org: The United Way of Central New York’s volunteer website. Beyond searching opportunities at 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 new volunteer opportunities match your interests. You can also find out about special volunteer events and awards. Visit today to set up your free account at www.VolunteerCNY.org. Contact: Shavel Edwards at sedwards@unitedway-cny.org or 428-3028
Call for Volunteers: The United Way of Central New York posts volunteer opportunities in the CNY section of the Post-Standard regularly. We also have special full-page features throughout the year for the holidays, National Volunteer Week and other volunteer events. Check it out weekly to find out about the newest volunteer opportunities or urgent needs.
Corporate Volunteer Council: 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 with the United Way of Central New York, operating independently but receiving support from United Way. The CVC provides professional guidance, development, support and networking opportunities for members while addressing community needs through employee volunteer efforts. Contact: Shannon Feeney-Andre at sfandre@syr.edu or 443-8568
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. Contact: Robert Frateschi at rfrateschi@unitedway-cny.org or 428-2223
2014 Holiday Volunteer Guide
VolunteerCNY, United Way of Central New York 518 James Street | P.O. Box 2129 | Syracuse, NY 13220
P: 315-428-3028 E: sedwards@unitedway-cny.org VolunteerCNY is a proud member of:
12