hospice volunteer training — Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice holds training program Fridays, April 1, 8 and 15, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. The home hospice program serves Hampshire County and beyond. Seeking volunteers able to offer two to four hours per week for one year minimum. Provide companionship, errands, support for caregivers, etc. Specialties in Reiki, massage or pet therapy welcome. Carol, 582-5354 or email carol_rinehart@cooley-dickinson.org
UMass Robotics Research Lab — Seeking people with below-knee amputation to test a new prototype prosthetic ankle. Eligible candidates are men and women between 18-69 with a below-knee amputation who use a foot or ankle prosthesis daily. They should be between 5 feet and 6 feet 4 inches tall and weigh between 90 and 220 pounds. Participants will spend a total of about two hours in the lab on the UMass campus and will be asked to wear motion sensors on their body. Participants will be paid $25 per actual test session. Andrerw LePre, 577-2294, alapre@umass.edu
meals on wheels— Help local homebound seniors stay independent in their own homes by bringing hot Meals on Wheels or by providing a ride for shopping or medical appointments. The RSVP of Hampshire and Franklin counties volunteers are active adults 55 and older who give a few hours weekly to improve their communities. RSVP has many volunteer positions close to home to fit your interests, skills and time. Contact Pat at psicard@hampshirecog.org of 584-1300 ext. 183.
parent aide volunteer — The Parent Aide Program is seeking volunteers to work three to five hours a week with Hampshire County families living in stressful situations. No special skills required. Each volunteer makes a difference in one family. Supervision provided. Spring training group forming immediately. Call Lydia at Berkshire Children and Families in Hadley, 584-5690, ext. 144 or lvernon-jones@bcfcma.org
Community Action Tax Assistance Program — Volunteer tax preparers needed to help ensure low-income families receive their full refund. Training provided; no prior tax experience needed. Volunteers are needed evenings, from now to April, in Greenfield and Northampton. Saturday shifts also available. Holly Kosisky at 376-1179 or hkosisky@communityaction.us
Kitchen Table travel: Cross-Cultural Opportunity — The International Language Institute in downtown Northampton is looking for nearby homes to host adult international students in its full-time intensive English program. Stipend provided. Monthly start dates. One to six-month stays. Seeking: friendly interested hosts, private furnished bedroom, meals or kitchen privileges, homes within a 20-minute walk or bus ride of downtown Northampton. Email amy@ili.edu or call 586-7569 ext 100.
red cross blood drives — RSVP of Hampshire and Franklin counties looking for volunteers ages 55 and older to provide reception and registration at local Red Cross blood drives, three to four hours each month. Contact Pat at psicard@hampshirecog.org of 584-1300 ext. 183.
Free medical clinic of the amherst survival center — Assist volunteer physicians and nurses with providing basic medical care in a walk-in clinic. The Amherst Survival Center Free Medical Clinic is seeking to expand its team of volunteer physicians, nurses and medical assistants during clinic hours on Mondays, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m., and Thursdays, 4:15 to 6 p.m. 549-3968 ext. 109 or email dale@amherstsurvival.org
pajama drive — The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts is running a community-wide pajama drive for children (sizes infant to teen). Drop off in Northampton at Congregational B’nai Israel; drop off in Amherst at the Jewish Community of Amherst. 203-824-2808 or email jilloysc@aol.com
umass amherst hearing researchers — Seeking volunteers ages 40 and older to participate in studies of hearing changes with age. Participants will be asked to make a two-hour visit to the UMass Amherst campus where they will complete hearing, speech comprehension and cognition tests. Participants will be paid $10 per hour and free parking is availalbe. Janet Lathrop, 545-0444 or jlathrop@admin.umass.edu
gaylord library — South Hadley library looking for a friendly person who can volunteer on the first Friday of each month from 12:30 to 2:45 p.m. at the library’s circulation desk. Basic computer skills needed; training provided. 538-5047 or shgaylord@gmail.com
therapeutic equestrian center in holyoke — Seeking volunteers to assist in therapeutic riding program and with barn maintenance. Riding program volunteers will groom and saddle horses before a ride and assist by leading or side walking horses during seven week sessions. Barn volunteers will help maintain the horses and the barn. They clean stalls, feed and groom horses and clean tack. No experience necessary. equestriantherapy.org or 532-1462
Friends of the GAYLORD LIBRARY — Friends of the Gaylord Library in South Hadley are looking for new members. The Friends are a group of library lovers who enjoy supporting Gaylord by putting on fundraising events such as the annual Wine, Cheese and Chocolate event and more. No experience necessary, just a willingness to help. Call 538-5047 or email shgaylord@gmail.com
northampton senior services benefits counseling program — New program designed to help seniors in Hampshire and northern Hampden counties maximize all available benefit so they can remain independent and in their homes as long as possible. Those interested in volunteering to help seniors and their families through the process of accessing benefits are asked to contact Cynthia Tarail, 587-1230 or ctarail@northamptonma.gov
GROW FOOD NORTHAMPTON’S GIVING GARDEN TEAM — Help grow food that is donated to a local soup kitchen, or help deliver fresh organic produce to the soup kitchen, the Northampton Survival Center and the Northampton Senior Center. Email volunteer@growfoodnorthampton.com.
girl scouts of central and western massachusetts — Seeking fun, enthusiastic individuals to serve as role models to girls ages 5 to 11. Volunteers will develop meaningful relationships with girls and adults; explore areas of STEM, arts and crafts, animals and more while mentoring girls to feel empowered to be leaders. Flexible scheduling. info@gscwm.org
retired senior volunteer program — The RSVP of Hampshire Council of Governments needs adults 55 and older to lead osteoporosis and bone-building exercise class in the community. Classes are two hours per week in Hampshire and Franklin counties. Training and support are provided. Needs are high in Easthampton and Southampton, but RSVP has many volunteer positions close to home to fit your interests, skills and time availability. Volunteers also needed to help run benefit thrift shops in Amherst, Belchertown and Northampton. Contact Pat at psicard@hampshirecog.org of 584-1300 ext. 183.
Special Education Surrogate Volunteer — The Federation for Children with Special Needs offers volunteer training at Forbes Library in Northampton. Special Education Surrogate Parent Volunteers make educational decisions for students in Massachusetts whose parents are unknown or unavailable. They meet with their assigned student or observe them in the classroom; receive all progress reports and report cards; and attend IEP meetings as an acting surrogate parent. Email Hannah at hstallkamp@fcsn.org.
Yiddish book center — Seeking volunteer docents to greet and orient visitors, answer questions about events and membership, provide support to staff and process donations. Volunteers should be comfortable working with groups, speaking with visitors and using a cash register, and should have an interest in Yiddish culture. Training provided. Docents typically work one three-hour day per week. No prior knowledge of Yiddish required. 256-4900, ext. 114, or lnewman@bikher.org
FRANKLIN COUNTY HOME CARE CORPORATION — Seeking an administrative volunteer to help the agency with tasks such as typing, computer data entry, filing, mailings, putting together kits, document collation, making phone calls, online research, copying, more. Flexible scheduling available during regular office hours, which are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Office is at 330 Montague City Road, Turners Falls. Becky Kopera at rkopera@fchcc.org or 773-5555, ext. 2267
medical reserve corps — The Nonotuck Unit welcomes local health professionals to assist during public health promotions and emergencies. Pre-registered volunteers assist with activities such as staffing shelters, vaccine clinics, on-site medical care and triage. Free trainings. Register at maresponds.org or 522-0712.
wordpress volunteer — Friends of Hampshire County Homeless is seeking a volunteer to help with its Wordpress website. Some higher-level tasks, some one-time and some ongoing. Also, more routine Web tasks that need to be done from time to time. The organization provides shelter to hundreds of homeless individuals during the coldest months of the year. 586-5787
The northampton key club — Looking for people who know how to use sewing machines and who are willing to help high school students make pillowcases for children in foster care and others who need cheering up. The club also needs more beautiful cotton fabric. Renee Wetstein at Rwfamilylaw@aol.com
dakin humane society — Welcomes volunteers for its Leverett and Springfield sites. Positions and times vary. Call 781-4000 ext. 111 or email volunteer@dpvhs.org
Massachusetts 4-h program — Adult volunteers needed for a couple of hours each month to serve as club leaders for local 4-H clubs. Leaders provide skills from their own areas of expertise while developing meaningful relationships with youth ages 5 to 18. Especially needed are volunteers with skills working with large and small animals, in science, the environment, creative arts, foods and sewing. 545-0611 or www.mass4h.org
foster care review — Volunteers are needed to serve on three-person panels making decisions about children in foster care. Volunteers are needed in Greenfield, Holyoke, Springfield and occasionally in Northampton and Hadley. Volunteers must be 18 or older and must participate in a day-and-a-half of training. Carol Judd at carol.judd@state.ma.us or 452-3373
mother mary’s thrift shop — Fundraising project of Providence Ministries for the Needy seeks volunteers to assist in shop at 364 High St., Holyoke. Retail assistant; visual merchandiser/display designer; social media guru. Prefer volunteers committing to regularly scheduled shift of three or more hours at least once per week. Carrie, 536-5200 or mothermarysholyoke@gmail.com
a home within — Seeking private practice psychotherapists to volunteer to take one current or former foster youth or adult into pro bono weekly therapy. Clinicians, in turn, receive free CEUs through trainings and weekly consultation groups sponsored by the organization. Applications available through the national office: ahomewithin.org/volunteer or 888-898-2249 or rfay@ahomewithin.org
Chd’s big brothers big sisters of hampshire county — Seeking dedicated adults to serve as positive role models in local children’s lives. Bigs (mentors) commit to at least one year (or three semesters for college students) to meet once per week with their Little, as well as regular case supervision and volunteer training. The application process is thorough and begins by attending an information session. 259-3345 or email bbbsvolcorps@chd.org
Round the World Women in Amherst — Seeking female drivers for a community of international women. Volunteers need to commit to 2-3 hours per week driving international women to local activities on Tuesday mornings, 9:30-12, during the academic year. Chris Talmage, 498-4411 or 522-9177 or christalmage2003@yahoo.com.
birthday wishes Inc. — Seeking volunteers to help bring birthday parties to homeless children in shelters across western Mass., including Amherst, Northampton, South Hadley, Holyoke, etc. Some opportunities: wrapping gifts, delivering party supplies, attending parties, etc. Orientation/office tours offered Tuesdays, 9-2, and Thursdays, 12-5, at 17 Dayton St., South Hadley. Jennifer Matoney, jennifer@birthdaywishes.org or 866-388 9474 ext. 7
amherst historical society — Seeking volunteers of all ages interested in history. Training provided, hours flexible. Tasks include serving as a greeter at the Simeon Strong House, 67 Amity St., or as a docent showing visitors historical artifacts. Also needed are data entry people to help inventory the collection to a growing database and people to enhance the society’s social media presence or assist with mailings and special events. There are also research topics one could pursue off-site. 256-0678 or email amhersthistory@gmail.com
Overlook Hospice Team — Hospice volunteers needed in Amherst, Hadley and surrounding communities. Hospice volunteers provide companionship, respite care and support to hospice patients and their families. Volunteers often visit patients in their homes and in local nursing homes. Full training and support provided. Susan Fuller, 508-434-2200.
Cinderelli’s Consignment Boutique — Fundraising project of Providence Ministries for the Needy seeking volunteer store workers during regular store hours, Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. No experience necessary. The store offers a large selection of new and like-new clothing and accessories and is located at 480 Newton St., South Hadley. 540-0693 or cinderellisboutique@gmail.com
A home within — Seeking private practice psychotherapists to volunteer to take one current or former foster youth or adult into pro bono weekly therapy. Clinicians in turn receive free CEUs through trainings and weekly consultation groups sponsored by the organization. Applications available through the national office ahomewithin.org/volunteer or 1-888-898-2249 or rfay@ahomewithin.org. Local contact, ekaren@me.com or 626-2802
bright Spot Therapy Dogs — Seeking human/canine teams to meet the demand for certified therapy dog teams to visit the over 80 health and education facilities in its network, including nursing homes, schools, hospices, children’s reading programs and anywhere canine companionship can be of benefit. If you have a well-behaved dog over the age of 1 and would like to devote a small portion of time to sharing your dog’s love and companionship with others, visit www.bright-spot.org
Northampton survival center — Seeking warm, mature, committed individuals who are able to give two to three hours a week. It takes roughly 35 volunteers to ensure that 2,500 pounds of food goes home with families in need each weekday. The center needs help with stocking, sorting clothing, serving clients, picking up retail donations, more. Diane Drohan at Diane@northamptonsurvival.org or 586-6564 to register for orientation session
tax-aide volunteers — The Pioneer Valley office of the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is recruiting volunteers to help state residents prepare and file income tax returns. Volunteers needed to prepare tax returns, greet people, maintain computers, manage the program and serve as translators. aarp.org/taxaide or Lary Grossman, 247-9426
volunteer drivers — American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program is in need of volunteers from Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden counties to drive local cancer patients to and from their chemotherapy and /or radiation treatments. Volunteers use their own vehicles and set their own schedules. Treatment appointments take place weekdays, primarily during business hours. Michele Dilley, 508-270-4644 or michele.dilley@cancer.org
gill Technology Center — Center in Holyoke working to increase technological literacy in the community is looking for volunteers for Open Session Assistants to assist participants of open sessions with their computer needs and also to monitor the computer lab. Also looking for Workshop Facilitators to deliver pre-existing workshops and also to help develop new workshops based on the needs of the community. Sarah Schmidt, 552-2939
The Cancer Connection Thrift Shop — Shop at 375 South St. in Northampton has ongoing need for enthusiastic volunteers to help with sorting and processing donations of clothing and more. Contact Christine at shopvolunteer@cancer-connection.org or stop by the shop. www.cancer-connection.org/thriftshop
Volunteer drivers — The Medical Transportation Program at the Northampton Council on Aging seeks volunteers to drive city seniors to medical appointments. Drivers use their own vehicles and decide when, where and how often they will drive. Call Jennifer Carbery at 587-1301.
horizons for homeless children — Fun-loving, dependable people needed to interact and play with children living in family homeless shelters and domestic violence shelters in western Massachusetts. A commitment of two hours a week is required for at least six months. Day and evening hours available. The next training is Sept. 26, 1 to 4:30 p.m. in Agawam. horizonschildren.org/playspace or call 532-0467.
