The benefits of volunteerism are numerous:
- Self satisfaction
- Altruism
- Potential learning or acquisition of new skills
- Specific benefits for the receivers of volunteer efforts
- Relaxation
- Socialization
- Status or reward
- Career opportunities
- Community improvement
(Fischer & Schaffer, 1993)
If you want to get involved in Huntsville/Madison County in volunteering but don't know where to start or where to look, contact The Volunteer Center of Madison County or call (256) 539-7797 for more information. Here are some of their current listings:
Still Serving Veterans
Still Serving Veterans is a non-profit service organization
proactively committed to long-term career development, life skills,
and support for severely wounded veterans and their spouse/families.
They are seeking volunteers with casework, mental health, and/or
counseling experience to help those who have served our country and
their families. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with people
one-on-one, provide a compassionate ear, and gain experience in a
professional setting.
Contact: John Mendes at jmendes@techni-core.com or 1-866-778-4645.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity's Blitz Build starts on September 16 and
continues through September 30. Habitat builds houses in partnership
with families in need. Volunteers with all levels of skills, and with
willing hands and hearts are needed to make these homes a reality.
Contact: Marie Yeager, Volunteer Coordinator, at 533-2282 or myeager@hfhmc.org.
Huntsville Botanical Garden
One of the Tennessee Valley's premier attractions, the Huntsville
Botanical Garden, has a need for volunteers to assist with the Scarecrow Trail. During the months of September and October, the Garden provides hayrides to visitors. Volunteers are needed on the weekend to drive the truck for the hayrides and to serve as assistants and guides on the trailer.
Contact: Melanie Williams, Volunteer Coordinator, 830-4447 Ext 238.
Day of Unity
Don't forget that Day of Unity is coming up on Saturday, September
9th. Volunteers from all over Madison County will be gathering
together for service projects in Remembrance of September 11th, 2001 ,
and you're invited. Project registration will begin August 1st at
www.volunteerhsv.org. There will be lots of projects honoring and
remembering September 11th and encouraging the continued success and
beauty of our community through working side by side with neighbors.
Hope to see you there!
TARCOG and the Area Agency on Aging need volunteers to act as Health Insurance Counselors (they provide the training) and visit nursing homes to assess the facilities. Get in touch with Nancy Robertson at 830-0818 or nroberston@adss.state.al.us.
The Harris Home for Children is looking for volunteers, preferably retired educators, who would be interested in helping out with tutoring and teaching in their after school program from 3pm to 6pm, Monday through Thursday. Contact Laura Patterson at 837-0332 or at lpatterson@harrishomeforchildren.org.
US Space and Rocket Center (USSRC)
Blast off to a great volunteer position with the US Space and Rocket
Center. In August, the USSRC is looking for volunteers for the
following positions: Space Station Exhibit Attendant, Greeter/Ticket
Checker, Information Desk Clerk, Gate Attendant, TOPS costume
characters and attendants.
Contact: Jermie Howell at 721-7109 or at
jermieh@spacecamp.com.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Just an hour a week can change the world! Use that hour to mentor a
child through the Big Brother/Big Sister program. Take that first
step towards being that change in a child's life by contacting Big
Brother/Big Sisters and volunteering.
Contact: Camille Solley at 880-2123 or
camilles@bbbsna.com .
The ARC of Madison County
The ARC of Madison County serves as clients those in our community
with mental or developmental disabilities. These clients would love
to have the pleasure of your company. Have a great time and brighten
someone else's day by just being you and spending time with the
clients of The ARC.
Contact: Susan Klingel at 539-2266.
Hays Nature Preserve
Blaze a new trail! If you enjoy hiking and exploration, then this
opportunity is for you! Hays Nature Preserve is in the process of
pioneering new trails and could use some courageous hikers to mark out
new paths.
Contact: Soos Weber at 427-5116 or
susan.weber@hsvcity.com.
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