Any volunteer opportunities?

[purpless77.livejournal.com]

Tis the season. I figured this would be a great thread to have not only for myself but others.
Does anybody know of any volunteering opportunities in the area?
Preferably Cambridge/Somerville.
Thanks.

Comments

[purpless77.livejournal.com]

Sorry about the tag. I didn't tag this so I have no idea how it got a "parking" tag. I did try to edit it but it hasn't changed.

[ron_newman]

Some other mod already removed it, but I actually don't see an appropriate tag to add. I guess we need one for 'volunteer'.

Greater Boston Food Bank

[upsidown.livejournal.com]

http://www.gbfb.org/volunteer/individuals.cfm

Not local, but close to the red line and with lots of availability.

Red Cross?

[first-clark.livejournal.com]

The local chapter supports local, regional, national, and international relief efforts of many kinds. Volunteers are an integral part of all operations. You choose how and when to serve. Peruse options at

http://www.bostonredcross.org/volunteer/ongoing_needs.cfm

Or sponsor a blood drive! I run five a year in Arlington Center plus another for MGH. It's great fun! http://www.newenglandblood.org/sponsoradrive.htm

Or become a donor yourself: http://www.newenglandblood.org/mass/giveeast.htm
If you want a local with you, I'll be donating platelets Friday morning at the Boston Donor Center: http://www.newenglandblood.org/mass/boston.htm

Bravo for thinking along these lines. Enjoy!

Re: Red Cross?

[maelithil.livejournal.com]

Man, I wish I could still donate blood, it was one of those things that were easy to do and incredibly helpful.

Re: Red Cross?

[purpless77.livejournal.com]

You have to be a particular weight so I can't donate but I wouldn't mind volunteering at an event. Putting a drive together might be too time consuming for me at this time.

Re: Red Cross?

[maelithil.livejournal.com]

I'm a perfect candidate, physically, I'm just European. It's sad.

Re: Red Cross?

[purpless77.livejournal.com]

If I gain 10 pounds I'll be around the right weight. So I'm sure then I will donate and maybe go on a diet since I have a very small frame, lol.

[trtls.livejournal.com]

Ten Thousand Villages needs volunteers. They are a non-profit fair trade organization that works with a small staff, so volunteers really help this time of year. There's a store in Central Square right by the T. 617-876-2414. www.tenthousandvillages.com.

[publius513.livejournal.com]

Boston Cares is another good place to find all kinds of volunteer stuff to do. They could always use another set of hands

[obie119.livejournal.com]

The latest "Lola" magazine (freebie from the Globe) had some good suggestions. Also, think about considering some longer-term commitments, as people are in need all year long :)

[fefie.livejournal.com]

Too bad Lola does not have their issue online, as so many places need help and this list would would be so beneficial. At each Thanksgiving the Globe has published a list of orgs in need of volunteers, so I assume they did so this year. A quick search of boston.com did not yield the list for me, but it might be on there......

[purpless77.livejournal.com]

Thank you for letting us know. I didn't know they did that. I'll keep that in mind.

[purpless77.livejournal.com]

I couldn't agree more. I'd love to do something more long term at some point. I just don't have the time to commit right now. But have some time to do my share.

[obie119.livejournal.com]

I would post the stuff that was in there, but the magazine is at home and I'm at work!

[purpless77.livejournal.com]

Please post some if you can. I'm not sure I've even seen that magazine.

volunteer opportunity listings

[2ndchancesinc.livejournal.com]

Boston.com has this resource called the Do Good Channel:

http://dogood.boston.com/?p1=Well_Do_Good_Banner

Second Chances has listed events and opportunities with them and gotten great exposure. Hopefully they'll have something that matches your interests as well.

I have a ton of leaves in my yard.

[nvidia99999.livejournal.com]

I'd need a volunteer to gather them and put them into the proper paper bags. When are you available? :)

[birdmaddgirl.livejournal.com]

It's off the beaten path for many people, but 826Boston (http://www.826boston.org) is a wonderful free tutoring center for K-12 students. They have volunteer needs during weekdays, afternoons, evenings, and weekends, so any schedule can potentially work. They also do not require a commitment of a specific number of hours. If you get on their email list, they will let you know about upcoming events and volunteer dates, and you can sign up or not, as you like.

I live in Cambridge, but don't mind the trek on the T to get out there because the students are truly engaged. Plus, they have a Big Foot-themed storefront to help fund their programs!