Volunteer needed in a private home to help expand and open up the world of a mildly autistic 6-year-old boy. Cam is learning social cues, expanding his imagination and increasing his conversational skills. Call Heather at 703-573-4150 or 571-331-7011.
Volunteers are needed in Northern Virginia to serve as mentors for high-risk pregnant women. The women are reffered to the program from the Health Department, Human Services, and private physicians. Volunteers give approximately one hour per week. The schedule is determined by the client’s needs and the volunteer’s availability. This is a unique opportunity to participate in an ecumenical program which is focused on promoting healthy mothers and healthy babies. Fall training of “The Naomi Project” will begin Sept. 19. Contact Peggy Ferguson, Program Coordinator, at 703-860-2633. There is a special need for Spanish speaking volunteers. Visit our website at http://naomiproject.homestead.com.
The Lions Club of Virginia collects old eyeglasses for developing countries. Eyeglasses are sorted by prescription. The Lion’s Eyeglass Recycling Center of Northern Virginia is located at 212 N. West St. in Falls Church. The recycling center welcomes volunteers to schedule an appointment to come to the center to process glasses. Visit the recycling center Web site at www.pwcweb.com/d24alions/recycl.html.
Pacific Intercultural Exchange (P.I.E.), a foreign exchange program, is looking for local host families for visiting foreign students. The students are all between 15 and 18, are English-speaking, have their own spending money, and carry accident and health insurance. P.I.E. has programs ranging in length from a semester to a full academic year. Prospective host families are able to review student applications. P.I.E. can fit a student into just about any situation, whether it be a single parent, a childless couple, a retired couple or a large family. Families who host for P.I.E. are eligible to claim a $50 charitable contribution deduction on their itemized tax returns for each month they host a sponsored student. Call 1-800-631-1818.
The EurAupair program is currently seeking community volunteers who can help provide guidance for au pair exchange visitors as they adjust to their new language, family, community and country; help to instill an appreciation for the United States and its people; and work to cultivate tolerance and understanding on a people-to-people level.
Contact EurAupair area coordinator Kirsten Dabelko at 301-513-9215 or 800-618-2002 for a Community Counselor Volunteer Application Packet.
The Hemophilia Association of the Capital Area (HACA), whose mission is to serve people affected by bleeding disorders, is seeking volunteers who are interested in serving on its board of directors. In support of HACA’s mission and goals, volunteers work on fund-raising, public relations, education, member services or general organization issues. Call Sandi Qualley, HACA’s executive director, at 703-352-7641.
Heartland Hospice serves terminally ill patients in the Northern Virginia area. It is looking for volunteers to assist patients and caregivers. No experience is required. Training will be provided. Those interested should call the volunteer coordinator at 703-273-8693.
Colvin Run Mill Historic Site in Great Falls needs volunteers on weekends to lead small groups on tours. Experience is not necessary, just an interest in history and the ability to communicate well with children and adults. All training is provided. After the completion of training, the preferred time commitment is one 5-hour shift a month.
The Park Authority’s Colvin Run Mill is home to Fairfax County’s only operational water-powered gristmill and includes a miller’s house, general store, blacksmith shop and a reconstructed barn. Call the resource management volunteer program coordinator at 703-324-8750 or the public information office at 703-324-8662. For more volunteer opportunities, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks.
Volunteer Fairfax will sponsor its eighth annual VolunteerFest, a community-wide day of service, on Saturday, Oct. 26, in partnership with the Fairfax County Public Schools. This year’s theme “Service in Our Schools” focuses on the critical needs in our public schools. VolunteerFest 2002 is an opportunity for citizen involvement, community education and awareness and service projects that make a difference. Volunteers will work on hands-on projects at school facilities including cleaning, landscaping, mulching tutoring and much more. Businesses, families, individuals, civic organizations, faith communities, scout troops, school groups, and anyone else is invited to participate. Call Volunteer Fairfax at 703-246-3460, email at VolsRUs@volunteerfairfax.org or visit www.volunteerfairfax.org.