Volunteer Corner

Below is a list of organizations currently looking for volunteers:

Elderhouse, a non-profit organization serving the elderly in the greater Norwalk area, seeks program volunteers to work directly with the seniors by participating in their scheduled activities including playing cards, knitting and exercise programs. Musicians, singers, dancers, school children, pets, artists, chefs, craft makers and community groups are welcome to perform and share their talents. Volunteers are needed to help design, plan and assist in fund-raising events. Volunteers are needed to serve on the board of directors. Each board member brings experience, talent or energy to help guide ElderHouse to a bright and prosperous future. Call 203-847-1998 or visit http://elderhouseadc.com for more information.

PAWS (Pet Animal Welfare Society) is a non-profit organization that rescues homeless dogs and cats and places them in permanent homes. PAWS is only able to extend its hands to so many pets in need because of the tireless effort and dedication of its volunteers. There is always so much to be done -- whether it is snuggling a shy kitten, walking a dog, fund-raising or doing those dirty jobs like laundry and cleaning kennels. Please note: Due to insurance restrictions, PAWS currently cannot have volunteers under 18 years of age work directly with the animals. However, there are lots of other ways that you can still help -- collecting food donations, hanging flyers, holding a bake sale. The first step in becoming a volunteer is to come to the shelter for an orientation. Orientations are held by appointment only. If you would like to schedule an orientation, contact the volunteer coordinator at 203-750-9572, ext. 120 or e-mail at lisad@pawsct.org. Upon acceptance, training dates will be assigned with the appropriate program coordinator. Most volunteer positions require a minimum commitment of eight hours per month.

Circle of Friends is a volunteer organization, established by Beth Israel Synagogue in Norwalk, that reaches out to children, teenagers and adults with special needs and involves them in a full spectrum of cultural and social experiences. Volunteers are needed for The Circle of Friends adult social group, for adults with special needs Tuesdays, monthly from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Contact The Circle of Friends at 203-293-8837 or circlefriendsct@gmail.com.

Literacy Volunteers/Southeastern Fairfield County, Inc. Work one-on-one or in small groups with basic literacy or English for speakers of other languages to help them improve their literacy skills. Tutors must be 18 years of age, be able to read at a minimum of 12th-grade level, have no record of conviction of any violent crime, be dependable, sensitive to diverse backgrounds, patient and respectful of confidentiality issues. Tutors must successfully complete training and be available to tutor two hours per week and spend time preparing for weekly lessons. A minimum of a one-year commitment is required to ensure a positive outcome for the client. Tutor training workshops consist of 18 to 20 hours of instruction. Tutoring is free, confidential, individualized and learner-centered. For information on volunteering for Literacy Volunteers in the Bridgeport area, call 203-579-2208. In Norwalk, call 203-853-7437 or visit www.fswinc.org/volunteer.php.

Kingsway Senior Apartments is seeking volunteers of all ages interested in working with its senior independent living community five to 10 hours a week. Your talents and creativity are welcome in developing new programs/services to the seniors as well as options of working in the general store, computer lab and exercise room. The staff social worker oversees the volunteers and looks forward to your addition to their community. Contact Craig Shoop at 203-847-7027.

Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk is looking for a volunteer marketing and a volunteer finance intern. The finance intern responsibilities include preparation of daily deposits and imports from VISTA and retrieving corresponding reports, mail processing for checks and invoices, subsequent invoice tracking into Financial Edge for accounts payable, distribution of invoices for coding and approval, review of payables and assisting with special projects.

The marketing intern will assist the marketing and communications team with advertising, publicity, internal and external communications and community relations and outreach. The intern will also assist with marketing educational and membership programs and facility rentals, distribution of marketing materials, plan and execute special events, conduct research and support administrative functions.

The commitment is a minimum 12 to 15 hours per week / minimum 10 to 12 weeks. For more information, contact Tammi Small at 203-899 0606, ext. 245.

The Norwalk Historical Society seeks volunteers who have a love of history and wish to make a difference in their community. Volunteer opportunities typically require two to four hours per week and are scheduled at the volunteer's convenience. Volunteers are needed in the following areas: administrative and office help; cleaning collections; researching grant sources; historical bakers for special events; and tour guides at Mill Hill Historic Park. For more information, call 203-846-0525 or e-mail info@norwalkhistoricalsociety.org. For more information about the Norwalk Historical Society, visit www.norwalkhistoricalsociety.org.

Still not sure what to do? For more information on VAC, Voluntary Action Center, volunteer opportunities or any of our programs, visit our web site at www.hscct.org. Scroll down to bottom of page and click the "Volunteer Now" button. On the next page, click on "Volunteer Corner" near top of page. There is an additional link for youth volunteer opportunities to access our handbook of listings for youth volunteers. You can also click on "Volunteer Match" and "Volunteer Solutions" near the bottom of page to view current opportunities. VAC is a program of The Human Services Council of Mid-Fairfield.

If your agency wants to be highlighted in the Volunteer Corner, e-mail a paragraph describing your organization, needs and contact information to vac@hscct.org.