<lst>UCM-Community Solutions provides a hand-up as well as a hand-out. Be a part of UCM's vital services. A variety of volunteers opportunities are available. Volunteer today. Call 703-768-7106, ext. 326.
Fairfax County Public Schools is seeking retired scientists, engineers and other individuals with science backgrounds for the RE-SEED Program. RE-SEED (Retirees Enhancing Science Education through Experiments and Demonstrations) is a project that trains volunteers to work with science teachers in county middle schools, high schools and professional/technical academies. Persons with backgrounds in life sciences, physics, chemistry, geosystems, physical science, engineering physics and robotics are needed. Volunteers assist teachers in the development, set-up and implementation of experiments and demonstrations designed to help students investigate basic scientific concepts and apply these concepts to everyday situations. New volunteer training will take place on Feb. 20. For more information, contact Sharon DeBragga, coordinator for Fairfax County at 703-227-2388, or via e-mail at Sharon.Debragga@fcps.edu.
Volunteer Fairfax is seeking nominations for its 11th annual Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards, "Celebrate Volunteers - The Spirit of America!" The public is invited to nominate individuals and groups who have volunteered noteworthy time, energy and expertise to meet community needs. Businesses, individuals, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, schools, and civic groups are encouraged to submit nominations. All nomination forms must be received by Monday, Feb. 24, at 5 p.m. Call Volunteer Fairfax at 703-246-3460 or visit www.volunteerfairfax.org to receive a nomination form. Nominees and award winners will be recognized at a breakfast ceremony on Wednesday, Apr. 23, at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. The cost of the breakfast is $30 per person, with invitations to be mailed in early March. For further information about this and other Volunteer Fairfax programs, call 703-246-3460.
Ecumenical Community Helping Others (ECHO), which provides free food, clothing, household items and financial assistance to needy persons in Burke and Springfield, wants to expand its hours of operation to better serve its clients' needs. Adult volunteers who can work from about 12-3 p.m. are needed to sort donations. ECHO also needs adult volunteers to work during regular morning hours (9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.). For more information, call 703-569-9160 during regular morning hours and ask for Pat.
Inova VNA Home Health is recruiting volunteers to act as friendly visitors to provide companionship to lonely, homebound patients. Volunteers are asked to spend one to two hours per week talking with a patient, running errands and doing odd jobs. Visiting can be done either during the day, in the evening or on the weekend as the volunteer's schedule allows. Training will be provided. Contact Marion Hart or Adele Jenney at 703-916-2885.
Inova VNA Home Health is recruiting office volunteers to assist in their various offices. Volunteers perform a variety of tasks. Two or three hour, weekday shifts are requested. Training will be provided. Contact Marion Hart or Adele Jenney at 703-916-2885.
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 would work on fund-raising, public relations, education, member services or general organization issues. For more information, contact Sandi Qualley, HACA's executive director, at 703-352-7641.
The Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is now accepting applications to advocate for abused and neglected children in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Currently, there is a desperate need for male and bilingual Spanish-speaking volunteers.
Volunteers gather the facts, conduct interviews with children, families and professionals; monitor Court compliance; attend Court hearings and prepare reports for the Court. Volunteers must be 21 or older, complete training and a commitment for one year is requested. Those with 10-15 hours available each month and who are interested in the well-being of youth, or have a desire to make a difference in the life of a child should apply. Call 703-273-3526 or visit CASA on-line at www.casafairfax.org for an application and an interview. There is an orientation meeting on Jan. 15 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the CASA office, 4103 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 200, in Fairfax.
African-American volunteer mentors are needed for the BeFriend-A-Child program, through Fairfax County Department of Family Services. Male and female mentors of any race or culture are welcome. Mentors give several hours every other week, one-to-one to children in recreational or educational activities. For information, call Chuck Berlin at 703-324-7874 or e-mail cberli@co.fairfax.va.us or Ann Rieger at 703-324-7072, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services, Fairfax County Department of Family Services.
Miracle on Wheels provides Power Wheelchairs to non-ambulatory seniors usually at no expense and without a deposit. The wheelchairs are provided to seniors who aren't able to walk and cannot use a manual wheelchair. For more information, call 1-800-749-8778 or online at www.durablemedical.com.