April is recognized as National Volunteer Month, offering opportunities for residents to give their time and skills to local organizations and get involved in community initiatives.
According to volunteer.gov, the month is a reminder “that even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact.”
From sorting food at CHOW to building raised garden beds with VINES, there are numerous ways to get involved in the Binghamton area this spring. Sign up to spread kindness with a neighbor for National Volunteer Month.
Here are eight places in the Binghamton area seeking volunteers for April and beyond.
CHOW
CHOW volunteers will run the concession stand at the Mirabito Stadium on April 24, with a percentage of the proceeds going directly to the volunteers. Participants must be 18 or older to sign up.
As of April 17, there are six slots available, according to CHOW Community Impact Coordinator Colin Kelly.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities at CHOW and ways to help fight food insecurity, visit broomecouncil.net/volunteer1/
United Way of Broome County
Multiple organizations are partnered with United Way of Broome County to provide short- and long-term volunteer opportunities. There are more than 70 listings available each day, from After School Program Mentor at the Bridge Community Center to Meals on Wheels volunteer for the Office of Aging.
United Way of Broome County has partnered with 111 local organizations throughout the Broome County area.
To learn more about the various volunteer opportunities at United Way of Broome County, visit uwbroomevolunteers.org/
VINES
All volunteers interested in working with VINES are required to fill out a general information form. Volunteer notices are sent out via social media accounts and a bi-weekly e-newsletter.
Visit vinesgardens.org under the “Support VINES” tab and click on “Volunteer with VINES’ to see a full list of VINES volunteer opportunities.
Project Concern
Project Concern is a non-profit organization serving residents in the Broome County area with clothing bank and food pantry services.
The food pantry operates from noon to 3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9- 11:30 a.m. Saturday.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Project Concern, visit facebook.com/projectconcernboard to stay up to date on community needs.
Friends of the Vestal Public Library
Volunteers who can donate an hour or more are needed for the upcoming Book Sale Fundraiser happening April 30-May 2 at the Vestal Public Library.
As of April 17, there are multiple shifts still available.
Visit vestalpubliclibrary.org/volunteer-vpl to read the volunteer policy and submit a volunteer application online.
Crime Victims Assistance Center
CVAC offers a 40-hour training course for those interested in becoming a certified crisis response officer.
Volunteers will work the 24-hour crisis hotline, respond to hospitals as a medical advocate, and also assist with duties around social media, IT and office administration.
Visit cvac.us under the “Get Involved” tab to learn more about the volunteer role and access the application.
Broome County Humane Society
The Broome County Humane Society has several different tasks interested participants can choose to sign up for, such as dog walking and working the pet food pantry. Read the volunteer handbook before submitting a volunteer application.
Visit bchumanesoc.com under the volunteer tab to learn more about the available opportunities.
UHS
There are four UHS branches that offer volunteer opportunities for adults, summer programs for youth 15 and older, college students and professional volunteer programs.
Volunteers can lend a hand working in the gift shop, as a greeter, in the dietary department, clinical and patient escorts.
Contact the Volunteer Services Office for the hospital of your choice directly to learn more about the volunteer process.
UHS Wilson Medical Center: 607-763-6149
UHS Binghamton General Hospital: 607-762-2319
UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital: 607-337-4151
UHS Delaware Valley Hospital: 607-865-2409
Kalyn Grant reports on public service issues for the Press & Sun-Bulletin, focusing on schools and community impact. Have a story to share? Follow her on Instagram @KalynCarmen and on Facebook under Kalyn Kearney. Get in touch at KCGrant@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Where to lend a hand this ‘National Volunteer Month’ in Binghamton
Reporting by Kalyn Grant, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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