Volunteer HQ is place for local volunteering

Have you checked out United Way of the Greater Seacoast’s Volunteer HQ? Volunteer HQ is an easy-to-navigate, mobile-friendly website that allows local volunteers to search for opportunities by zip code, interest area, and more. This exciting resource is the perfect way for you to find your ideal volunteer position and gives nonprofit agencies the opportunity to get the essential help they need. Here are some highlights of the most recent opportunities featured on the site, but you can find more on Volunteer HQ at https://supportunitedway.galaxydigital.com/.

Become a k-ready reader

The mission of United Way of the Greater Seacoast is to unite people to create change that lasts. Reading aloud to young children is the single most important activity to build future reading proficiency and school success. You can make a big difference in the life of a child as a United Way K-Ready Reader. Created in partnership with local early childhood education and care providers, the program recruits and trains dedicated volunteers to work with young children in Rockingham and Strafford counties, New Hampshire and Kittery, Maine. No special skills or experience are necessary. Only a love of reading and a commitment to making a difference in the life of a child. Readers commit to one hour every week (or every other week) for at least four months. Volunteers are trained to read to preschoolers using techniques that effectively build pre-literacy skills. Prospective volunteers will be asked to complete a New Hampshire criminal background check. For  information, or to sign up, contact Beth Jefferson or visit Volunteer HQ.

Contact: Beth Jefferson, bjefferson@uwgs.org

Location: Rockingham and Strafford Counties, New Hampshire and Kittery, Maine

Youth program mentor

The mission of the Portsmouth Housing Authority is to be the leader in making quality affordable housing available for low- and moderate-income members of the community and to accomplish this mission by a fiscally responsible, creative organization committed to excellence. Do you have a passion for working with youth and being a mentor to those in your local community? At Portsmouth Housing Authority, you can be that mentor. Volunteers are invited to be a part of the after-school and summer programs for the youth that live in the family housing community. Lead a cooking, art, or recreation class, or just join in on some Lego fun. The Portsmouth Housing Authority is looking for volunteers with a passion for working with youth in the local community and being a positive mentor. Background checks are mandatory. The fall, winter, and spring program runs 3:30-5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The summer program runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday. For information or to signup, visit Volunteer HQ.

Location: Portsmouth

Recreational event planning

The mission of the Portsmouth Housing Authority is to be the leader in making quality affordable housing available for low and moderate income members of the community and to accomplish this mission by a fiscally responsible, creative organization committed to excellence. Do you have a yearning to share the fun of recreation with local community members who may otherwise not have the chance? At the Portsmouth Housing Authority, you can make a difference. Volunteers are invited to plan a recreational event for their senior residents and/or residents with disabilities. Examples might include a game night, light exercise class, music, educational presentation, arts & crafts, etc. Contact the Portsmouth Housing Authority with any ideas you might have. It is looking for volunteers with a passion to help members in the local community. Background checks are mandatory. It will work with you to find a suitable time commitment for your schedule. For  information or to sign up, visit Volunteer HQ.

Location: Portsmouth

Ready rides

Ready Rides is a volunteer driver program that assists the elderly and handicapped get to medical and dental appointments when they cannot drive themselves. Ready Rides serves the communities of Barrington, Durham, Lee, Madbury Newfields, Newmarket, Northwood, Nottingham and Strafford. The organization provides free curb to curb transportation by volunteers, driving their own car. Volunteers choose when they can provide rides, distance and time of day. All volunteer drivers are vetted and trained for the safety of the clients. Drivers receive 35 cents reimbursed per mile to cover expenses. Help your neighbors stay in their homes as they age by improving their access to medical care. If you are interested in becoming a Ready Rides volunteer driver call (603) 244-8719, email infor@readyrides.org and check Ready Rides out on the web: www.readyrides.org.

Location: Northwood

Drivers for donation pick up and mobile market

Gather’s mission is to provide nutritious food through innovative distribution programs and its Pantry Market. It offers nutrition education and recipes for healthy living. In addition, it collaborates with community partners to address the root causes of hunger. Gather is in need of van drivers to pick up donations from local grocery stores and also to assist with Mobile Market Program. For information or to sign up, visit Volunteer HQ.

Location: Portsmouth

South Berwick spruce-up

The Housing Partnership’s mission is to strengthen the communities of the Greater Seacoast region of New Hampshire and Maine by creating diverse housing opportunities, using innovative approaches to development, practicing strong stewardship of their housing, and leading with visionary advocacy. The 20 unit South Berwick Family Apartments need some “sprucing up.” Some of the items it needs help with: Deck repair (replacing boards), fence repair (repairing posts and boards), stone fence repair, painting (bulkheads, fence, and outside doors), landscaping, and mulching. To sign up or for information, visit Volunteer HQ.

Location: South Berwick

LEND A HAND: These and hundreds of other opportunities to volunteer or donate goods have been brought to you by the United Way of the Greater Seacoast’s Volunteer HQ, sponsored by NextEra Energy