Volunteer opportunities for February

Volunteer opportunities for February

■ BRAINERD LAKES AREA EARLY CHILDHOOD COALITION - Shannon, 218-251-4234, shannon.wheeler@ISD181.org .

Office Assistant - Help with secretarial tasks. This may include updating computer database and organizing files and binders. Various days and hours available.

■ BRAINERD PUBLIC LIBRARY - 218-829-5574.

Library Assistant - Volunteers needed to help with shelving books. Flexible hours are available.

■ BRAINERD SCHOOL DISTRICT/K-12 - Jennifer Rushin, 218-454-6929, jennifer.rushin@isd181.org .

School Volunteers - Assist with reading, math, spelling, general classroom needs, office needs; share a craft, hobby with fifth grade. No experience necessary. Hours 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, days and times, number of hours-very flexible; one-on-one or in small groups.

■ BRAINERD SALVATION ARMY - Linda Loftis, Food Shelf Coordinator, 218-829-1120, linda_loftis@usc.salvationarmy.org .

Food Distribution Volunteers - Volunteers will assemble food boxes for our clients and will roll carts from the pantry out to the delivery area, where they will add bread and fresh produce. Volunteers will need to be able to lift or slide boxes (weigh about 30-35 pounds) off the prep counter and onto the carts. Volunteers will need to be in good physical condition. A shift lasts from approximately 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. We are currently looking for volunteers who can work on call and on short notice to replace other volunteers as needed. Volunteers may also choose to work a regular weekly shift if desired.

■ BREATH OF LIFE - 218-822-3296

Program Assistant - Assist with crafts, music, storytelling, reading, clean-up, serving “goodies” and beverages. Help elderly participants with coats/hats, walkers, canes and wheelchairs. Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Hours and days are flexible.

Driver - Need volunteer drivers to pick-up/deliver clients to and from the program. No special license is needed and a van is provided.

Card player - We need volunteers to play 500, cribbage and other various card games with a few of our clients. Two days per week.

■ CENTRAL MN ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE - Maria Brandenburg, 218-833-8777.

Mentors - We are looking for volunteers who are willing to mentor or help our program staff, teach a craft or tutor, stuff envelopes, put up drywall, drive a bus or fix an electrical circuit. No matter the way in which you get involved, the opportunities are numerous, and the rewards are endless.

■ CIRCLE OF PARENTS - Roxy Foster, 763-244-1401, rfoster@pcamn.org .

Facilitator and Children’s Program Volunteers - This is a weekly support and education group for anyone in a parenting role. Meetings are in Brainerd and Crosby. Parents can attend voluntarily as they seek to improve their parenting skills through mutual self help. Seeking volunteers to facilitate the parents group and to help with the children’s program. Not necessary to be a parent educator. Facilitator and children’s program training and stipend are available.

Transportation Assistance - Volunteers are needed to provide transportation for some of our families to/from our weekly meetings.

■ COMMON GOODS THRIFT STORE/BRIDGES OF HOPE - Nate Soens, 218-824-0923, Nate@commongoodsmn.org .

Thrift Store Associates - Volunteers needed to restock sales floor, clean and organize merchandise, pick up large donations once a month and offer support to Common Goods staff. Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Flexible days and hours are available.

■ CONFIDENCE LEARNING CENTER - Mary Harder, 218-828-2344 ext. 209, mary@campconfidence.com .

Event Volunteers Needed - Feb. 13, Region 5 Special Olympics Non Competitive event. Looking for volunteers to assist with the facilitation of activities such as dog sledding, ice bowling and several other fun activities from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Feb. 21 Gull Lake Frozen Flop. Volunteers needed to join our team by getting pledges on behalf of our Confidence Learning Center Floppers. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 22 Gull Lake Frozen Fore. Looking for volunteers to be bus hosts, facilitate golf hole and manage the registration booth from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

■ CRISIS LINE & REFERRAL SERVICE - Mary 828-4515, mary.crisisline@brainerd.net .

Line Volunteer - To listen, ask questions and guide callers to local resources and empower them to call. Sometimes to be a listening ear. Two shifts per month. Shifts are 7 a.m.-noon, noon-5 p.m., 5-10 p.m., 10 p.m.-7 a.m.

■ CROSSLAKE AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY - Jo Bierman, 218-692-2825, jmbCLAHS@g.mail.com .

Building & Grounds Assistants - Urgent need for volunteers to help the Building & Grounds Committee with general repair and maintenance of the museums, historic buildings and the museum grounds. April to mid-October. Hours are flexible.

■ CROSSLAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - Cindy Myogeto, 218-692-3046; or Dodo Fraser, 218-692-4056, cmyogeto@explorebrainerdlakes.com .

Travel/Information Center Assistant - We are in the process of recruiting Visitor Center Volunteers for our 2014 vacation season. Volunteers will greet and assist guests with information about the Crosslake area. If you are familiar with Crosslake, their businesses, amenities and the community, we want you! One 3 hour shift weekly, June through mid-September, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-4 p.m.

■ CROSSLAKE LIBRARY - Kim Larson, 218-692-7323.

Library Assistants - We are looking for a few good volunteers to work a variety of jobs. We offer a flexible schedule that fits your lifestyle. Some of the duties available include checking books in and out, helping patrons who need assistance with computers, processing books, or helping with our children’s programs. We are open Monday-Saturday. Each shift is usually three hours but you are welcome to work more or less than that depending on your availability.

■ CROW WING COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES - Patty Ludwig, 218-824-1191.

Volunteer Drivers - We are seeking volunteers throughout Crow Wing County to help people with transportation to/from medical and miscellaneous appointments. Mileage reimbursement is provided depending on the transport and YOU choose which rides you would like to do.

■ CROW WING COUNTY EXTENSION - Maggie Fuller, 218-824-1065, www1.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-h/volunteer/.

Extension Adult Volunteers - Adult volunteers needed to help lead a new 4-H after school club in Brainerd. 4-H volunteers are trained and screened to work with youth.

■ CROW WING COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM - Pam Nelson, 218-829-3268.

Museum Greeters - Museum greeters for front desk on alternating Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On Call Volunteers-Volunteers needed to assist with various projects.

■ CROW WING COUNTY JAIL - Miranda, 218-822-7050.

Visit Coordinator - We are recruiting volunteers that have an interest in coordinating our Jail visiting program. Please call to request an application.

■ CUYUNA IRON RANGE HERITAGE NETWORK SOO LINE DEPOT - Kaye Gillman, 218-545-1166, cchps@crosbyironton.net ; or Myrna Nelson, 218-767-2505.

Volunteers - We need people to help with displays, greet people and give tours. Also need manpower. Summer hours are Tuesday thru Saturday.

■ CUYUNA RANGE YOUTH CENTER - Brad Hanson, 218-831-1865 or 218-545-6575, www.cuyunarangeyouthcenter.org .

Mentors - Volunteer with old and new friends in a mentoring style with youth grades 5th and 6th and 7th-12th. It is a great way to give back to the community. Training and guidance with experienced volunteers will be provided.

■ CUYUNA REGIONAL CARE CENTER - Ali Engler, 218-546-4353.

Caring Volunteers - There are volunteer opportunities available weekly and monthly to provide music, play cards, go on outings, share travel experiences, deliver mail, play games, help with special events, visit with residents and more.

Microsoft Access - We are in need of a volunteer who can help us with a special project and has working knowledge of Microsoft Access. Please give us a call to learn more and to work out a schedule that will fit your availability.

■ DORCAS - Kathy Burdorf, 218-828-2811.

Thrift Store Associate - Help with unloading donations, cleaning, hanging, pricing and sorting. Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

■ DIAMOND WILLOW - Natalie 218-428-7575

Music - Piano/Organist - Perform live music for residents during a non-denominational worship service. Sunday 3:15–3:45 p.m.

■ ESSENTIA HEALTH-ST. JOSEPH’S MEDICAL CENTER - Deb Anderson, 218-828-7610, debanderson@essentiahealth.org .

Escort - Volunteer in main lobby to escort people to area of hospital they need to go. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to noon, or noon to 3 p.m.

Office Worker - Complete a variety of office work; filing, collating, organizing. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-noon.

Delivery Person - Deliver mail, flowers and interdepartmental mail to patients. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-noon, or noon to 3:30 p.m.

Radiation Therapy - Greet patients, offer refreshments, provide comforting conversation, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-noon, or noon to 3 p.m.

Patient Advocate - Visit with patients and provide necessary needs. Fridays 9-11 a.m.

Cancer Center Volunteer - Visit with cancer patients, assist with appointments to Radiation Therapy and also help with the waiting room visitors. If comfortable, volunteers can provide hand massages and nail care. Thursday 8 a.m.-noon.

■ FOSTER GRANDPARENT/SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM - Marcia Ferris, 218-839-6650, Marcia.Ferris@lssmn.org .

FGP - 1:1 attention to children in schools, Headstart, shelters, pre-schools. Age 55+, Tax-free stipend, meals, mileage and volunteer liability insurance provided. Monday-Friday 15 hours per week.

SCP - Retirees helping at-risk seniors continue living independently. Age 55+, Tax-free stipend/ meals/mileage and volunteer liability insurance provided. Monday-Friday 15 hours per week.

■ GARRISON CARE GIVERS - 320-692-5399, please call between core hours noted below.

Food Shelf - We are looking for energetic volunteers who are willing to assist with the distribution of food on Tues and Thursday. 1-5 p.m.

Thrift Store - Proceeds from the thrift store are used to support our food shelf. Volunteers are needed for the three hour shifts on Thursdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

■ GIRL SCOUTS OF MINNESOTA & WISCONSIN LAKES AND PINES - Monica Husen, 218-270-4859, mhusen@gslakesandpines.org .

Troop Meetings, Events and Day Camp - We are looking for volunteers to help with our Troops, Events and Day Camp that are held throughout the year. To find out more please give us a call.

■ GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPICE PROGRAM - Kris Kayser, kkayser5152@gmail.com , 218-851-1137.

Hospice Volunteer - Provide in-home services to the terminally ill patients and their families, through listening, one on one visiting, reading and support. Days/hours to fit your schedule.

Office Assistants - Help with secretarial work in the Hospice office in Nisswa. Various days and hours.

■ GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY-BETHANY - Jon Howard, Activity Director, 218-825-2502, jhoward5@good-sam.com .

Coffee Shop Volunteer - We are currently looking for volunteers to run our coffee/gift shop. Light work and plenty of visiting with residents, families and staff.

Gardners - Spring is around the corner and it’s never too early to get ready. If you love flowers, you will love our garden.

Hospitality Cart - The hospitality host takes around the coffee and cookies to the residents. Fun times chatting and making friends.

Bird Keeper - Bird lovers needed to feed and water the birds in the Bethany Aviary on weekends. Be a friend to the little friend who help entertain our residents.

■ GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY–SAMARITAN HOUSES - Cindy Moser, Activity Director, 218-855-6642.

Musicians - Looking for volunteers/groups that would enjoy sharing their musical talents with residents, church groups, choirs, dance groups, etc.

■ GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY-WOODLAND - Tina Dunlap, 218-829-1429.

Escort - Assist residents to dining room daily, 7:15-7:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-noon, and/or 5:15-5:45 p.m.

Hospitality Helper - Looking for volunteers who would like to serve on a Hospitality Committee, serving at parties, special events and funeral lunches.

Bingo Assistant - Assist residents in finding, covering, and calling off bingo numbers. Fridays, 2:45–4 p.m.

Visitor - Visit with residents on a one to one basis.

Drivers - Volunteers to drive a 20-passenger bus one or two Sundays a month. Need to have a Class B passenger-endorsed drivers license.

House Sitter - Volunteers needed late afternoon hours at Elmwood and Oakwood Samaritan Houses.

Village Store - Volunteers needed to run our store. No cash register experience needed.

Silent Auctions - Need someone with a creative flair in putting together baskets.

■ HALLETT COTTAGES-ARBOR - Lori Smedstad or Maggie Moneta, 218-545-8534.

Various Opportunities - One-on-one visits which can include piano playing, sing-a-longs, reading to the residents, craft projects, assisting residents on outings, musical performances, and table games. Opportunities for individuals and/or families, anytime of the day or evening. Organizations to sponsor monthly birthday parties.

■ HARMONY HOUSE OF BRAINERD - Shelley or Carrie, 218-828-4142.

Friendly Visitor - Come to visit and be a friend to our residents.

Nail Care - Assist with “Fancy Fingers” (nail care). We provide all of the supplies. Time/day convenient to your schedule.

Gift of Music - Come to play the piano or whatever musical instrument you enjoy playing!

Bible Study Group - Lead a group of residents in reading scriptures.

Talent - Whatever your talent is we would love to have you come and share it with us.

Activities - Need volunteers to assist residents with any/all activities.

■ HEART AND HAND THRIFT SHOP - Sandy, 218-352-6970, heartandhands@brainerd.net .

Thrift Store Volunteers - We are in need of volunteers to help stock and display items in our new Motley Thrift Store located at 217 3rd Ave. S. Daytime hours are Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

■ HEARTWOOD SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY - Lori Smedstad and Maggie Moneta, 218-545-8534.

Various Opportunities - We have volunteer openings ranging from personal visits, drivers for our in-house shuttle van, creating and assisting with simple crafts/activities, reading stories, writing letters, sharing your musical talents once a month or assisting residents on outings. Training and orientation are provided for all volunteer positions.

■ JESSIE F. HALLETT MEMORIAL LIBRARY - Linda Anderson, Friends@halletlibrary.com ; or Peggi Beseres, 218-546-8005, www.hallettlibrary.org .

JFHML Friends Foundation - Friends group needs members to support the Library with fundraising projects, including working two or three hour shifts in used bookstore, Backstreet Books. Meetings are held in large meeting room of the library second Tuesday of each month from 5-6 p.m. Also we need volunteers to help make “repurposed book art” for our store.

■ JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT - Jessica Gangl, 218-825-2308, Jgangl@jaum.org .

Classroom Volunteers - Community members needed to volunteer in classrooms, inspiring and preparing young people to utilize their skills. Materials and training will be provided.

■ KINSHIP PARTNERS - 218-829-4606 or toll free 877-730-5437, mail@kinshippartners.org .

Mentors - Providing positive role models to youth in Crow Wing County, Southern Cass County and now the Staples/Motley area.

■ LAKES AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - Kevin 218-828-8517, kevin.pelkey@lakesareahabitat.org .

Family support partners, retail/ReStore staff, construction/deconstruction workers. Positions are flexible.

■ LAKES AREA INTERFAITH CAREGIVERS - Colleen, 218-820-7454.

Drivers - Volunteers needed to drive individuals to and from their medical appointments.

■ LAKES AREA RESTORATIVE JUSTICE - Rachel Deck, 218-454-4145, program.coordinator@larjp.org .

Volunteer Facilitator-Volunteers needed to donate 15 hours per case and accept four or more cases a year. Cases can be scheduled at volunteer’s convenience. Volunteers work in pairs with juveniles and their families to help restore harm that has been caused by the juvenile.

■ LET’S GO FISHING - Leave message at 218-454-FISH (3474).

Captain or First Mate - Recruiting volunteers now for the 2014 season. Volunteers needed to take seniors and/or veterans out on the pontoon for a day of fishing/sightseeing. Trips are scheduled Monday through Friday morning/afternoon on Gull Lake and Bay Lake throughout the summer months. Days and hours are flexible.

■ LSS SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM - Candice Lindgren, 218-824-6026.

Kitchen Helper - 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Meals on Wheels Drivers - Volunteers needed to commit to one hour shifts. Volunteers can pick the shift they would like to volunteer. Meals can be picked up between 10:30-11 a.m.

■ MISSION QUILTERS - Virginia Christle, 218-829-7334.

Coordinator - Cut, sew, tie, and pin quilt blocks for those in need within our community and our veterans. Tuesday’s 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

■ MOUNTED EAGLES - Cheryl Triplett, 320-232-8998 or toll free at 888-828-9920, email info@mountedeagles.org , website www.mountedeagles.org .

Horse Lovers - Volunteers are needed to assist in leading the horses, side-walking, grooming, tacking as well as cooling horses down and cleaning tack, etc. Call or stop in at Spirit Horse Center.

■ NISSWA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - 218-963-2620, shawn@nisswa.com .

Event Volunteers - Travel/Information Center Assistant. This position requires knowledge of the lakes area and Nisswa.

■ NISSWA AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY - Cindy Terwilliger, 218-963-0309.

Greeters: Volunteers needed to greet people in the Historical Society building. Answer telephones as needed.

Assistants: In need of volunteers to assist with any and all indoor/outdoor projects. May through September. Hours are very flexible.

■ NEW PATHWAYS INC - Kathy Carlson, bs.pmfe@newpathwaysmn.com , 218-454-0460.

Volunteers - Board of Directors, Advisory Board members, Brainerd Site Planning Committee and Thrift Store Volunteers

■ NORTHLAND ARBORETUM - Peg Serani, 218-829-8770.

Volunteers - Indoor/Outdoor volunteer opportunities are available. For more information contact Northland Arboretum.

■ OFFICE OF OMBUDSMAN FOR LONG-TERM CARE - Jane Brink, 218-855-8587 or 800-657-3591, jane.m.brink@state.mn.us .

Advocate - Help promote the well-being and quality of life for residents in long-term care facilities. Openings in Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Morrison and Wadena counties.

■ OUR HOME - Danielle Othoudt, 320-495-3820, dothoudt@voamn.org .

Mechanic - Volunteers needed the second/fourth Thursday every month from noon to 3 p.m.

Childcare provider - Second /fourth Thursday every month from noon to 3 p.m.

Youth Mentor - Scheduling is flexible.

■ PEQUOT LAKES AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY - Karen Bye, 218-568-4808.

Museum Greeters - Need volunteers on Saturdays noon to 4 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day.

■ PEQUOT LAKES LIBRARY - Nancy or Donna, 218-568-6181, nkadams@uslink.net .

Library Volunteer - Greet patrons, check books in & out and shelve books. Basic computer knowledge is helpful. Morning shift 9 a.m.-noon. Afternoon shift noon-4 p.m.

■ RESPITE & CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM - Cindy Scott, 218-282-6572.

Respite Care Volunteer - To stay with someone age sixty or older with a chronic health condition. Provide visitation and safety while the family caregiver takes a break and gets out of the home. Flexible days and hours.

■ RREAL HEADQUARTERS - Pine River, MN; 218-587-4753; or visit www.rreal.org .

Digital Outreach Specialist - Volunteers needed for Web and Social Media development. Schedule: Weekly volunteer to start immediately. Approximately 10 hours/week is desired. Stipend Rate for volunteer position. Approved expenses reimbursed. Volunteer your experience with a local nonprofit organization dedicated to using solar energy to reduce low-income fuel poverty.

■ RSVP VOLUNTEER SERVICES - Mike Koecheler, 218-824-1345, www.rsvpvolunteerservices.org .

Visionaries - I am in need of volunteers to fill open positions with our non-profit partnership agencies. Whether you want to use your brain, back, or heart we have an opportunity for you. We specialize in matching the skills and talents of volunteers like you with needs in our community.

■ SECOND HARVEST NORTH CENTRAL FOOD BANK - Sandy McKay, 218-326-4420, or sandy@secondharvestncfb.com .

Distribution Assistants - Work on site at our Brainerd MAC/NAPS location helping to register program participants or carry 40 pound boxes of food. Regular one day a month commitment preferred. Must be friendly, enjoy working with people, able to sit for short periods of time and/or lift 40 pound boxes of food. Wear casual, comfortable shoes and clothing.

■ SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT - Melissa Barrick, 218-828-6197, or email to Melissa.barrick@crowwingswcd.org .

Help preserve our natural resources. Volunteers needed for Shoreline Restoration and Management Projects. Work is sporadic. If interested in working outdoors and have a green thumb; please give us a call.

■ SPECIAL OLYMPICS–BRAINERD AREA LAKERS - Shawn Thayer, 218-820-2537, sthayer8@gmail.com .

Coach - Coach adult athletes in basketball, aquatics, bowling, flag football or track and field. Sports seasons last eight weeks, with practices lasting 1 1/2 hours once per week. Training is provided by Special Olympics Minnesota staff.

Local Sports Management Team Member - Provide general management direction and administrative support to ensure the delivery of quality Special Olympics sports training programs and athletic competition events that are available to all eligible individuals in the Brainerd lakes area. Meet once per month.

■ TAX AIDE - 218-824-1345.

Volunteer Preparers - If you have a computer, accounting experience and a strong passion to help others get their income taxes done, then this is the perfect volunteer opportunity for you.

■ THE CENTER - DeAnn Barry or Sue Meyer, 218-829-9345.

Front Desk Greeter - Volunteers needed 8 a.m. to noon, or noon to 4 p.m.

Gift Shop Clerk - Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bingo Callers - Bingo volunteers needed on Wednesday.

Donut Production Crew - Volunteers needed on Thursdays.

■ THE SHOP - Cindy Moore, 218-838-7014.

Mentors - Interact one on one with youth ages 14-21. Assist with activities, play games,and teach them a new skill etc. Hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 3-9 p.m. and Sunday 3-7 p.m.

■ TRIAD/S.A.L.T. - Tina Elder/Becky Koecheler, 218-829-4749.

Core Management Team Member - TRIAD/S.A.L.T. is a collaboration between law enforcement and adults 55+ in the community who work together on a joint approach to crime issues that effect seniors. Provide general management/leadership direction and administrative support to ensure the delivery of quality programs to individuals in Crow Wing County.

■ UNITED WAY OF CROW WING & SOUTHERN CASS COUNTIES - Jennifer Smith, Jennifer.uw@brainerd.net , 218-829-2619.

Special Events Volunteers - Volunteers needed for special events and various projects.

■ VETERANS ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM - Mike Koecheler, 218-824-1345.

Chauffeur Drivers - Drive our vehicle to pick up and drop off veterans at the VA Clinic in Brainerd from the surrounding area. Days will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis so call quickly to get the day that best fits your busy schedule.

■ WILD & FREE WILDLIFE REHAB - Dr. Deb Eskedahl, 320-692-4180.

Animal Transporter - Pick up injured or orphaned animals throughout Northern Minnesota and return to Garrison Animal Hospital. Days and hours vary.

Fundraiser - Help with various fundraising events throughout the year. Days and hours vary.

■ WOMEN’S CENTER OF MID MN - Vicki Flor, 218-828-0022 Ext. 1006, mmwomctr@integra.net .

Children’s Mentor - If you like making kids smile, this is for you. Take your choice of playing games, reading, or doing crafts with resident children, toddlers through teens. Hours are 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday evenings.

Legal Advocate - Provide emotional support and information during court hearings to battered women seeking protective orders. Intensive training provided. Must be available Wednesday and Friday afternoons.

Security/Receptionist - Alex & Brandon Child Safety Center is looking for someone to answer phones and do security during supervised visits and safe exchanges. This is a safe environment and has a friendly atmosphere.

If you would like to list your volunteer opportunities or want further information about volunteering contact Mike Koecheler at RSVP Volunteer Services, 204 Laurel St., Suite No. 11, Brainerd, MN, 56401; by phone at 824-1345; by fax at 824-1346; or by email at rsvp@crowwing.us .