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Volunteer Center

Welcome to the Virginia Western Volunteer Centers page! The volunteer center is your connection to various volunteer and service learning opportunities in the Roanoke Valley. Working alongside several community organizations, the mission of the Volunteer Center is to encourage volunteerism and promote activities that improve the community. Volunteerism can provide students the opportunity to build their resume, explore a particular career, and enhance their educational and professional experience. The Volunteer Center offers opportunities for individual students, groups, faculty and staff.

How to become involved:

Upcoming volunteer opportunities will be posted on the student bulletin. If you would like to be added to the Volunteer Center email list to receive information on volunteer projects and events please send your name and email to lmier@virginiawestern.edu. Or you can contact Lori Mier at 857-6688 in the Student Activities Office (Room G210 in the Thomas Center) for more information.

Or, you can fill out the Volunteer Interest Form.

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

Early Childhood Literacy Awareness Days & Book Drive
Wednesday, April 3rd from 11am-2pm & Thursday, April 4th from 2pm-5pm
Craig Hall, outside the Campus bookstore
Stop by to get resources and learn about literacy needs in our community. Please bring gently used or new children's books (pre-kindergarten- 5th grade) to donate to TAP Head Start. Students will be able to purchase Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, one of Virginia's pre-selected Children's books, at a reduced price in the Campus bookstore to donate to the cause.

Feeding America Hunger Study Information Session
Monday, April 8th 12pm-1pm
Natural Science Center
Feeding America Southwest VA will be on campus to speak about VOLUNTEER AND INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES that are available! Volunteers are needed to help with the client survey by working in teams to visit assigned food distribution sites throughout Southwest Virginia to randomly select clients for a computer-based interview. Teams of 3 to 4 will be paired with a food pantry, shelter, or soup kitchen to conduct client interviews. This great opportunity allows volunteers to learn more about hunger in their community.

West End Center for Youth - After School Craft Activity Day Trip
Helping kids with limited resources find unlimited opportunities.
Friday, April 12th 3pm-6pm (depart VWCC at 2:30)
Transportation is available

Monthly Visits with Residents at South Roanoke Nursing Home
Play games and spend time with the residents!
Wednesday, April 24th 2pm-3pm (depart VWCC at 1:45)
Transportation is available

A Semester of Service Spring, 2013
The Virginia Western Volunteer Center's "A Semester of Service" will provide students the opportunity to serve their community through group involvement that builds relationships, expands the mind and enriches the spirit.
Each month one or two service project events will be coordinated, and the volunteer coordinator will take a small group of students to volunteer at the designated organization.
Service projects will typically be held on a weekday afternoon for one or two hours. The group will take a school vehicle and leave from campus. Projects will be posted once they are scheduled.
Students who wish to volunteer on a particular day will need to contact Lori Mier, Volunteer Coordinator at lmier@virginiawestern.edu or 857-6688 to sign up.

Commonwealth Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement
Interested in diversity and multiculturalism? Commonwealth Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement needs volunteers! Opportunities include ESL Instructor, ESL Tutor, Family Mentor, Legal Assistant, Casework Assistant, Appointment Transporter and Apartment Set-up. All volunteers will receive training. Please email Lori Mier for more information.

Goodwill Industries
Goodwill is looking for dedicated volunteers. Here are the main volunteer opportunities they have right now:

Goodwill's Resource Room is a free computer lab open to the public for those who are looking for employment. Volunteers assist clients in preparing cover letters and resumes and applying for jobs.
Goodwill's Day Support Services is a program to help adults with disabilities gain everyday life skills and interact with others. Volunteers help out by attending various activities throughout the month and assisting participants with the skills they are working on.
Goodwill GoodGuides: This is a mentor program that pairs middle and high schoolers with adult community members who can be a good influence on them. Mentors are asked to commit to at least four hours per month for at least one year of mentoring a youth.
Also seeking individuals who can play the piano for our new music therapy program with our Day Support participants. Volunteers would be asked to play the songs of their choice for about an hour during the week so that participants can dance, sing, and play musical instruments with them.

If you are interested in volunteering at Goodwill please contact the volunteer coordinator at lmier@virginiawestern.edu.

Presbyterian Community Center is looking for tutors, mentors, kitchen aides and fitness assistants. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator if you are interested in volunteering at the Presbyterian Community Center.