Volunteer Opportunities
Editor’s note: Looking for a way to soak up your spare time and make a difference? Volunteer opportunities are provided by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. For more information call the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program at 275-1881 ext. 203 unless otherwise indicated.
– Senior Friendship Centers of Lee County has been serving the large population of older adults in our community for the past 35 years.
We are looking for volunteers to help out with our 1st Annual 5k Run, “Run for the Ages”, at Lakes Regional Park on September 19, 2009.
Your assistance and enthusiasm will benefit hundreds of seniors on this day. Please contact SFC at 275-1881 and ask for Cathy.
– Wa-Ke Hatchee Rec Center (located off Summerlin Rd) has some exciting volunteer opportunities! If you love special events, working with children, running programs then we need you. Service hours available. For more information please contact Jodi at 239-432-2154 or JGoettemoeller@leegov.com or Lee County Parks and Rec Volunteer Services 239-432-2159. More volunteer opportunities are posted on www.leeparks.org.
– The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools is in need of mentors for Take Stock in Children program for the upcoming school year. Volunteers can enhance the positive development of a child and help them toward a better future. Mentors offer support, guidance and encouragement while assisting with career exploration and college applications. Visits are at the designated school during school hours and occur 3-4 times a month for about 30 minutes. Contact Janelle Caple at 337-0433 or at janelle@leeschoolfoundation.org.
– The VIP – Visually Impaired Persons Center – of North Fort Myers is seeking volunteers for a variety of activities, including drivers, clerical, computer and reception work, and to help with low vision equipment. All volunteers are welcome. The center is located at 35 W. Mariana Ave. The phone number 997-7797 and ask for Debbie or Judy.
– American Cancer Society Seeks Volunteers to Help Patients Get to Cancer Treatment. Lack of transportation is one of the biggest challenges many cancer patients face, and the American Cancer Society needs more volunteers willing to help patients get to treatment. Many patients need daily or weekly cancer care, and some patients don’t have a car or are too sick to drive. That’s where American Cancer Society volunteers come in. Our Road to Recovery program connects volunteer drivers with patients in need of a ride to treatment. Volunteers need to have a valid driver’s license, safe and reliable vehicle, proof of adequate automobile insurance, and should be willing to attend a brief training session. Volunteers can drive as often or as frequently as they’d like. To learn about volunteer opportunities in your area, call 1-800-227-2345.
– Volunteers are needed at the Edison Ford Winter Estates. Opportunities include information booth, greeter, assistance in retail shops, propagation of plants, museum attendant, educational or tour docent, office support, building maintenance and special events. Call RSVP of Lee County at 275-1881 ext. 203 for details and contact information.
– Your local Library is in need of volunteers! The Lee County Library System has several opportunities that may vary at all library locations and service units. Volunteers serve as computer coaches, book shelvers and menders, clerical helpers, special events assistants and other responsibilities as needed. Call RSVP of Lee County for contact information at 275-1881 ext. 203.
– Grace Community Center is in need of volunteers to work in the Thrift Store to move furniture, be trained on the cash register, sort clothing, bag for cashier, arrange displays and many other duties in the store. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday thru Saturday. Contact Grace at 218-2682 for more information. Also, GED classes are accepting new students each Saturday. If you know anyone who needs to complete their high school education, they can go to the center come at 8:45 a.m. Except for the final county testing, classes and materials are free. Call 574-7161 for more information.
– Community Cooperative Ministries, Inc. is in need of volunteers. This agency provides nutritious meals, groceries, transportation, education and referral services to seniors, the homeless, working poor, children and the frail members of our community. Volunteer opportunities include Soup Kitchen, Meals on Wheels, Montessori Pre-School, Senior Transportation, Family & Homeless Services, and office assistance. Call RSVP of Lee County at 275-1881 ext. 203 for contact information.
– The North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers. These organizations assist visitors, provide both new and long term residents with information regarding their particular area and plan local events. Opportunities include clerical support, visitors’ center volunteers and occasional help with local events. Call 997-9111 for more information.
– Boys & Girls Club of Lee County is in need of volunteers that are at least High School aged. Opportunities include Junior Counselors, assistance with arts & crafts, sports, games, assist with Field Trips, etc. All volunteers must pass a Background Check. There are 5 Units to choose from including these local: Barrett Park Unit 9262 West Creek Circle North Fort Myers, Florida 33903. Phone: 652-6700. Suncoast Unit 1856 Arts Way North Fort Myers, Florida 33917 Phone: 980-0535
– Habitat for Humanity of Lee County, a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating sub-standard housing by building decent and affordable homes for deserving families, is in need of volunteers. Opportunities include construction (various tasks), assistance in the thrift stores, mailings, and office assistance. For more information, call RSVP of Lee County at 275-1881 ext. 203.
– ECHO needs volunteers to help with their mission. This not-for-profit Christian organization located on a demonstration farm in North Fort Myers needs volunteers in various positions. These include mailings, gardening, building maintenance and more. ECHO networks with community leaders and agriculture workers in developing countries, funding and sharing solutions for families growing food under difficult conditions. For more information, call RSVP of Lee County at 275-1881 ext. 203.