There is an interesting array of volunteer opportunities waiting for the right volunteer and you just may be that “right” volunteer. Read about the great opportunities that are happening in our community. Decide which opportunity you want to do and then get busy and call the appropriate contact. Volunteering is just a phone call away.
Heartland Habitat for Humanity has builds in the area and needs volunteers. Volunteers need to commit to a full day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. It takes a lot of volunteers to get a house built. This is a great opportunity for a small group from work or church. If you are interested in volunteering you can contact Vanessa at 913-342-3047 or go to www.heartlandhabitat.org.
Be prepared to help your community the next time a disaster strikes the area. CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) classes will start on March 7. The Classes are free but are limited to 25 people. For more information on this exciting volunteer opportunity, contact Mike at mbaughman@wycokck.org.
KCK Huggers-Special Olympics is looking to recruit volunteers to help with a Color Me Rad 5K race on April 13 at Wyandotte County Park. Volunteers must to at least 14 years of age. You can select shifts the day of the event or help prepare for the race. A volunteer can help put packets together, work registration, help with water and snacks, or be a color bomber to name just a few of the jobs available. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Ann at 913-573-8331 or at aphillips@wycokck.org.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City is recruiting volunteers to be a life coach. Life coach mentors will work to help teens stay on track for high school graduation. Mentors will assist mentees with homework, tutoring, basic live skills, career exploration, life plan development and post-secondary planning. A life coach will meet for one hour, twice a month with the assigned mentee. A potential candidate for a life coach volunteer will be interviewed, subject to a background check and provided a two hour training prior to being matched with club member. For more information on you can become a life coach contact Chandra at 816-361-3600, Ext. 248 or at cclark@helpkids.org.
For those who like to get their hands dirty, Cultivate Kansas City will hold “Work on a Farm” on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, even in February. This event is held at the Gibbs Road Farm from 9 a.m. to noon. Individuals and groups of all experience levels are welcome. Come on out and get your hands dirty while you learn the fundamentals of urban farming. Sign-up is easy with “Sign Up Genius form.” If you have questions, contact Ami at ami@cultivatekc.org or 913-944.5639.
For more information on how you can give, advocate and volunteer, contact me at 913-371-3674 or dhentges@unitedway-wyco.org. You can find volunteer opportunities by checking out our website, www.unitedway-wyco.org and click on Volunteer.
Diane Hentges is director of the Volunteer Center-RSVP at the United Way of Wyandotte County.