Upcoming Service Opportunities
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities:
Virtual Reading Angels Team
It's this simple: Grab a children's book that you can read within ten minutes or less. You may also visit https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html to view digital options.
Find a quiet, well-lit spot in your home or office. Make sure lighting is coming from the front when you are recording. Your recording should be done horizontally/landscape.
Record a video of you reading the book and showing the illustrations on your phone or tablet. Example of what a VRA should look like:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax1fqTbpdcY Together, we can ensure that children have the resources to read on grade level even during the most turbulent times and have a path towards success.
Use this link to upload your video: https://driveuploader.com/upload/M27pWw2ATz/. United Way will then upload it to our website and YouTube Channel, where it can be viewed.
Link to opportuntity to sign up: https://uwde.org/how-we-work/strategic-initiatives/reading-angels/
Bloodbank Greeter
Donors feel appreciated! Say hello to donors on way in, and thank on their way out of the blood center. Sanitize tablets, laminated reading material, and chairs, counter, etc. in registration area. Interact with donors, staff, and volunteers. Schedule sign up first come first serve after completion of application and training. 2 to 3 hours 1x month to as many shifts as you want. Volunteer | Blood Bank of Delmarva (delmarvablood.org)
Dover, DE
Link for info: https://volunteer.delaware.gov/opportunity/a0C3l00000q3HakEAE/greeter-dover-de
CareWear Project
The CareWear Project consists of many dedicated members who knit and crochet year-round beautifully crafted cold weather clothing and blankets for our county’s most neediest people. Whether it is a veteran who have valiantly served our country, newborns whose mothers are children themselves with few resources, the elderly afflicted with Alzheimer’s, the homeless, those suffering from the complications of aids, or others needing help, the members of CareWear have risen year after year to the challenge of making lives a little better and brighter.
CareWear members meet monthly to turn in their completed items and pick up yarn. Completed items may include adult/children/toddler/baby – hats/scarves/mittens/gloves/booties/sweaters – lap robes/blankets/afghans (M-XL) & chemo caps. Items are then sorted and stored awaiting the yearly distribution which takes place on the last Friday of October and coincides with Make a Difference Day.
Two Roles:
Knitter / Crocheter – will volunteer to make knitted or crochet items for those in need according to program guidelines/requests
CareWear Support – assist staff in the coordination of program meetings, organizing of inventory in preparation for annual distribution and/or entering hours into an electronic database.
Brandywine Valley SPCA (Kent County):
Volunteers needed through 2/4/2025
Must be at least 16 years old
Go to https://volunteer.delaware.gov/opportunity/a0C3l00000lmssdEAA/community-service-projects-for-students# , click the "EXPRESS INTEREST" button to send an email for more info.
Homemade Cat Toy Makers:
Georgetown Campus
Would you like to help our feline friends stay entertained? Create fun and easy cat toys to provide entertainment and enrichment for the cats and kittens while they are in our care.
Go to this site for details: https://volunteer.delaware.gov/opportunity/a0C3l00000lmrMUEAY/homemade-cat-toy-makers-georgetown-campus
For instructions to make toys click the link below:
Dog Biscuit Maker:
Georgetown Campus
Want a group activity that helps the shelter dogs? Consider baking homemade dog treats for our canine residents. The BVSPCA has several approved recipes that are easy to make. Drop off the homemade treats during shelter hours. Drop Biscuits off to shelter during business hours.
Dog Biscuit Recipe:
Link: https://volunteer.delaware.gov/opportunity/a0C3l00000lmqnTEAQ/dog-biscuit-baker-georgetown-campus
Cat Volunteering Brandywine Valley SPCA:
Brandywine Valley SPCA is seeking volunteers to work closely with staff to meet all the needs of our adorable adoptable cats including exercising, grooming, and other enriching activities
Requirements:
Four hours each month
One community event every two months
Apply here: https://bvspca.org/get-involved/volunteer/volunteer-application-new-castle/
Blankets for Animal Shelters:
Looking for volunteers to create handmade blankets to comfort homeless pets living in animal shelters. The blankets may be knit, crocheted, sewn, quilted or made with fleece material. Once made, they are donated to an animal shelter near the volunteer (or at least in their state). While the animals await adoption, the blankets provide a comfortable bed year-round. When they are adopted, their blanket goes with them, providing something familiar as they adjust to their "forever family". As of 2022, we've delivered over 140,000 blankets to 400+ shelters across the US and would love your help to comfort even more critters!
Contact:linda@comfortforcritters.org, Linda Kozlowski, (630)545-5644
Go to https://www.comfortforcritters.org/volunteer-resources to see how the program works.
Smyrna Opera House:
Performances – The Smyrna Opera House typically presents at least two performances per month (sometimes more). Volunteers are needed as Box Office assistants, ushers, and ticket takers.
Annual Arts Cotillion – The Arts Cotillion is the Opera House’s major annual fundraising event.
Rentals – The Smyrna Opera House is available for rental purposes – weddings, receptions, business meetings, seminars, anniversaries, birthday parties, etc. In order for the renter to have a point of contact, a volunteer is needed to serve as a House Sitter.
Go to https://smyrnaoperahouse.org/volunteer , and complete the form at the bottom of the page to show interest in volunteering there.
Wish of a Lifetime Postcard Program Volunteer:
Volunteers will download and print a postcard to write a personal message to spread love to older adults experiencing isolation across the country. Completed cards will be sent to Wish of a Lifetime who will then distribute the cards to older adults in need. This opportunity is ideal for groups or individuals who cannot commit to long term volunteer opportunities but want to do good for others.
Go to https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/job-details.html/?jobId=a1o3l000004PJOUAA4 , and click apply now.
Service Hour Due Dates
Fall semester hours due 1/25/24
Spring semester hours for seniors due 5/16/24
Spring semester hours for juniors due 6/4/24