<lst>The five Goodwill donation centers in the Washington, D.C. area stay open until 8 p.m. on New Years Eve, but donors are encouraged to come earlier to avoid the rush of people trying to get a last-minute deduction for the 2003 tax year. The five Goodwill donation centers are located in northeast Washington, Arlington, Gaithersburg, Manassas and McLean. Their addresses and hours of operation can be found online at www.dcgoodwill.org or by calling 202-636-4225. For those wishing to make a monetary donation, the check and postmark must be dated before the end of the year. Vehicle donations must also be received before the end of the year, too, but due to high demand and the limited availability of tow trucks the last two weeks of the month, vehicle donors are encouraged to donate before Dec. 15. Log on to www.GWCars.org or call 1-866-GWCars-0.
The Fairfax Virginia Corps of the Salvation Army has Angel Trees in Tysons Corner and at BJs in Fair Lakes Mall. People who wish to give gifts to those who otherwise would not receive a gift this season can choose a name from those hanging on the tree, shop for the gift requested and bring them back to the tree, unwrapped. For more information, call 703-385-8700, Ext. 11.
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage offices in Northern Virginia are working with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program this year as official drop-off points for donations of toys. The following CBRB offices will serve as official collection centers until Dec. 15: Fair Oaks-4000 Legato Road #100, Fairfax, 800-691-1400; Fairfax Station-5616-C Ox Road, 703-250-1000; and Springfield-6225 Brandon Ave., Suite 170, 703-451-2500.
Ecumenical Community Helping Others (ECHO) is selling the 2004 entertainment coupon book. Entertainment books cost $35, and $7 of that amount goes directly to ECHO. The books include 50 percent off and two-for-one offers on hundreds of dining, hotel, recreation, shopping and other expenses, including savings on airline tickets, rental cars and much more. The book is available for more than 160 cities coast-to-coast. Entertainment book sales will raise money to buy food and winter coats for persons and families in need in the Springfield and Burke communities, and to assist them in paying bills for essential needs, especially housing, utilities and medical problems. Books are available through Dec. 23 and may be used immediately and through Nov. 1, 2004. Books can be picked up at ECHO at 7205 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, whenever ECHO is open for business. Phone 703-569-9160 or 703-451-7955 for hours or for more information.
Volunteer instructors are needed to help teach individuals ages 5-21 with developmental disabilities self-sufficiency and independence in the water. Participants will learn about water safety and aquatics skills, how to be safe on the pool deck, how to climb in and out of the pool, and to ask for an adult or a lifeguard when they need help. The program is looking for people who are willing to devote two hours of their time on Saturdays to stand in a pool and have fun with children. High school students can earn hours towards their community service requirements for school. Volunteers must complete training prior to becoming an instructor for the program. The next session begins Jan. 10 through Feb. 7, 2004 and the final session begins Feb. 21 through March 2004. Programs take place at Providence RECenter in Falls Church, Lee District REC Center in Franconia, and Oak Marr RECenter in Oakton. Each session runs for five weeks. For individuals who volunteer for all five Saturdays in a session, the cost of a lifeguard certification class will be covered by the Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund. Individuals interested in volunteering should contact Sandi Dallhoff at 703-324-5716, TTY 703-222-9693. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec and go to the button for Adaptive Aquatics.
Adopt a Salvation Army Kettle. The Salvation Army does not have enough volunteers to cover all the places that it is ringing bells to draw attention to charitable donation kettles. For a group to adopt a kettle for a day, a week or the entire Christmas season, call 703-385-8700 Ext. 11.
Volunteers for Change, a Volunteer Fairfax volunteer program for adults featuring a flexible calendar of weekend and weekday evening projects, is looking for new members. To become a member, the only requirement is a one-time orientation. Upcoming orientation is planned for Sunday, Dec. 7, 2-3 p.m. All orientations take place at the Volunteer Fairfax office in central Fairfax, 10530 Page Ave., Fairfax. Contact Emily Swenson to register for the next orientation at 703-246-3460 or eswenson@volunteerfairfax.org.
Share the Joy. Volunteer for United Community Ministries' Holiday Program! On Dec. 2-15, sort toys and help set up UCM's gift room. On Dec. 18, 19, 20 and 22, be a holiday gift room escort or helper; provide transportation to clients after gift room visit. Dec. 1-22, pick up gifts from gift donation sites and deliver them to UCM. Interested persons should contact Cecelia Vergaretti at 703-768-7106 Ext. 326.
Haven of Northern Virginia is looking for volunteers to provide emotional support to the bereaved, the seriously ill, the dying, and their family and friends. Volunteers must be available during week days and must be able to commit to a minimum of two and a half hours a week for phone duty for at least one year. Training starts Jan. 12. Call Haven at 703-820-4232 or e-mail info@havenofnova.org.
The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia is looking for volunteers to become tutors to the over 100 students on its waiting list. To learn more about volunteer opportunities involving adult literacy, attend the Literacy Council's volunteer orientation on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 7-8 p.m., at the Literacy Council office, 3431-A Carlin Springs Road, Falls Church. If planning to attend, call 703-575-7900 or send an e-mail to info@lcnv.org. For more information, visit www.lcnv.org.
A volunteer receptionist is needed to work with the chief deputy clerk of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. A minimum commitment of two, four-hour shifts per week, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., for a six-month period is needed. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age.
Volunteers are also needed to meet with families after court hearings. Applicants must be able to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. A six-month commitment is needed.
For more information about these positions, or to request an application, contact Gwen Robinson at 703-246-2697, TTY 273-3713, or by e-mail at gwen.robinson@fairfaxcounty.gov.
United Community Ministries' New You Mentors provide one-on-one friendship, emotional support and modeling of positive work ethics to program participants. Mentors provide participants with useful tools to assist them in their job search and help participants use their strengths to reach their desired results. One, two-hour training session and 10 weekly sessions will take place on Monday evenings, from 7-9 p.m. Provide up to 10 weeks follow-up with client. Interested persons should contact Cecelia Vergaretti at 703-768-7106 x326.
Drivers are needed to transport food to United Community Ministries' clients who are disabled or ill and are unable to make it to the Food Closet. Each volunteer would have to commit to one hour per week for at least a three-month period. Interested persons should contact Cecelia Vergaretti at 703-768-7106 x326.
United Community Ministries needs volunteers to assist families and individuals to improve the quality of their lives in a manner that builds self-esteem and fosters the ability to function at the highest level of their capability. The volunteer provides child care during weekly group meetings as well as models good manners and positive family interaction during both dinner and playtime. Weekly meetings are Thursday evenings, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Belleview Baptist Church. Interested persons should contact Cecelia Vergaretti at 703-768-7106 Ext. 326.
United Community Ministries needs tutors to give one-on-one tutoring in areas of poor performance to school-age children who are tested as not performing at grade level. Schedules are worked out between volunteer tutor and student/student's family. UCM recommends Sherwood Hall Library because tutors can reserve study rooms. Interested persons should contact Cecelia Vergaretti at 703-768-7106 Ext. 326.
United Community Ministries needs a volunteer receptionist for afternoon hours (1:30-5 p.m.) at UCM's Main Office at 7511 Fordson Road. There is a critical need for help on Monday and Friday afternoons. Training provided. Interested persons should contact Cecelia Vergaretti at 703-768-7106 Ext. 326.
Haven of Northern Virginia is looking for volunteers. Haven offers support, compassion, information and resources to the bereaved and seriously ill. Haven provides initial training for new volunteers. Trained volunteers can choose from responding to telephone calls, providing one-on-one or group emotional support, outreach and education, and/or conduct community presentations. Call Haven at 703-820-4232 or e-mail info@havenofnova.org.
Our Neighbors Child provides toys and clothing for families in the area who are having a difficult time. Fairfax County determines the families who have the greatest need and then local volunteers work together to meet those needs. The organization is in its 12th year and once again is looking for groups or individuals that would "adopt" the clothing needs of local families for the holiday season. Those interested in helping may contact Tracy McInturff at GMFamily1@aol.com or 703-222-6669 or Holly Cameron at hollycamer@msn.com.