VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

FOR THE SHERBURNE COUNTY, MINNESOTA AREA

 

For more information, including individual agency contacts, direct questions to

The Volunteer Bridge/RSVP

763-635-4505 OR 1-877-560-RSVP (7787)

OR email: charlotte.strei@ci.stcloud.mn.us

 

Scan the whole list or Click on a desired category :

MOST RECENTLY ADDED OPPORTUNITIES

CHILDREN & YOUTH MENTORING/AFTER SCHOOL

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/HISTORY/OUTDOORS

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS & RELIEF

EDUCATION – ADULT/COMMUNITY

EDUCATION – CHILDREN/YOUTH

FOOD & CLOTHING DISTRBUTION & COLLECTION

HEALTH CARE

HUMAN SERIVCES

LAW ENFORCEMENT/GOVERNMENT

MEAL SERVICE & DELIVERY

SENIOR SERVICES

 

MOST RECENTLY ADDED OPPORTUNITIES

Guardian Angels Housing

v     Recycling – Help Guardian Angels Housing Senior Apartments be eco-friendly.  Collect recyclables from each floor of the apartments on Wednesdays.  1-2  hours per week. (5/08)

 

Monticello-Big Lake Community Hospital

v     Classroom Clinic Greeter – Welcome and guide participants to the Classroom Clinic program site and provide direftions to the restroom and other areas as requested.  2 hours/mo. (7/08)

v     Crisis Care Team Volunteer Provide support, education, resources and photography services to patients and family at the time of a prenatal loss.  On-call rotation.  Training provided. (7/08)

v     Gift Shop Sales – Welcome patients and guests, assist customers purchasing items and provide information and directions.  4 hour shifts, weekdays.  (7/08)

v     Patient and Family Hospitality Desk Coordinator – Welcome patients, family and guests, provide information, patient updates, directions and assist with registration.  4 hour shifts, weekdays.  (7/08)

v     Mobility Assistant – Welcome patients and guests, assist patients/residents using wheelchairs or needing directions to and from appointments within MBLH District facilities. 4 hour shifts, weekdays.  (7/08)

v     Office Assist – Help with clerical activities including stuffing envelopes, mailings, labeling brochures, and preparing materials for staff and patients.  4 hour shifts, weekdays.  (7/08)

v     Popcorn Sales – Make popcorn, bag it and collect funds from sales.  Tues or Fri morning. (07/08)

 

Monticello-Big Lake Community Nursing Home

v     Bingo Caller and Assistant – Call bingo games, check for accurate bingos, distribute prizes to winning residents and/or assist residents to play bingo.  2 hours/ mo. (7/08)

v     Card Game Instructors – Teach residents to play cards or board games, organize weekly games for residents, assist residents needing help with the game and keep score.  3 hrs/week (7/08)

v     Feeding Assistants – Help staff to feed residents requiring assistance with their evening meals.  2 hr shifts. (7/08)

v     Musicians – Provide entertainment to residents by playing musical instruments or singing.  1 hr/visit. (7/08)

v     Nail Care Assistants – Help staff to provide manicures and pampering for residents.  3 hr/week. (7/08)

v     Shopping Assistants – Assist staff to help residents get in and out of the nursing home van and assist a resident or two with purchases in a local store.  3 hrs/mo.  (7/08)

v     Van Driver – Operate a 10 passenger van and wheelchair lift to transport residents to and from activities in the surrounding communities.  4 hrs/week. (7/08)

 

Senior Dining Sites (Becker)

v     Bingo Caller - If you ever wanted many people to look forward to seeing you, now is  your chance!  Help with Bingo games at the Becker Senior Dining Site on Thursday mornings at 10 AM.  Equipment provided.  Individuals or a group welcome. (7/08)

 

Shepherds of Grace

v     Visitor - Be the bright spot in someone’s day at Shepherds of Grace memory care apartments!  Visit one hour per week or more with residents that enjoy a craft project, a game, manicure or just a friendly, listening ear.  Share good conversation or a small project as you learn about one another. (7/08)

v     Visitor – A couple gentlemen in the Shepherds of Grace independent apartments would enjoy a regular visit with another gentleman from the community.  Simply sharing your time, a good conversation, a game or an activity would be the highlight of the day for one of these men!  (7/08)

v     Dice Game – Tuesdays are the day for the men at Shepherds of Grace independent apartments to toss dice.  They would enjoy for a male volunteer or two from the community to join them to share the game and the fun. (7/08)

v     Pet Visitors – Shepherds of Grace independent and memory care apartments in Becker welcome any community pets that are trained therapy visitors to join their residents for some time together one or more times per week. (7/08)

v     Driver - Drive Shepherds of Grace residents who have no other way to get to destinations in the community.  Perhaps a medical appointment, shopping or church.  Drivers use their own cars and are notified in advance.  Days and times needed vary and are flexible.  Training provided and background check conducted.  (7/08)

 

Twice As Nice -

v     Sales Associate – Twice As Nice, a non-profit second hand store in Zimmerman, needs volunteer sales associates to assist staff and workers-in-training to operate the store.  Volunteers will be involved in sorting donations, displaying donated items, helping customers, and completing sales.  May involve lifting of up to 25 lbs and extended standing/walking.  Needed for 3-4 hour shifts once per week, especially Wednesdays.   Store in opened Mon – Thurs.  Customer service and money handling skills needed, retail experience is a plus. (7/08)

 

CHILDREN & YOUTH MENTORING/AFTER SCHOOL

Big Brothers/Big Sisters/Big Couple/Big Families

v  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN is looking for male and female adults or high school students who can commit to volunteering their time with a child in this community for up to one year.  The adults, which we call “Bigs” (Big Sister, Big Brother) would go to the “Little's” (Little Sister, Little Brother) home or school and fun playing games, doing activities, or just talking.  A “Big” is a friend to a youth, is someone who accepts the “Little” for the individual they are, and is a good listener. The gifts of time and friendship are priceless, especially to a young child.  As of late 2007 there is a waiting list of Little Brothers in Sherburne County. (11/07)

Boys and Girls Club of Elk River (also Zimmerman branch location)

v     Driver – Be the first smile a kids sees after school!  Use the Boys and Girls Club mini-van to make shuttle runs from Elk River area schools to the Boys and Girls Club after school on school days.  Needed one or more school days from 2:30 – 4:15 PM. (3/08)

v     Coach – Needed summer of 2008.  Build an in-house basketball or baseball team for boys and/or girls ages 6-18 at the Elk River Boys and Girls Club.  Come share your passion for the sport and for kids! (3/08)

v     Computer Instructor/Supervisor – Computer use is a key to the future!  Assist youth ages 6-18 in the Boys and Girls Club computer lab.  Must have knowledge of basic PC programs and a willingness to help club members use the computers and programs in productive ways. (3/08)

v     Mentor- Bring yourself as another supportive adult into the life of a child by assisting members of the Boys and Girls Club in Elk River with their homework after school, playing a game, or simply listening to tales of their day.  1-2 hours per week after school – between 2 and 6 PM weekdays. (11/07)

v     Arts/Crafts- Help kids at the Boys and Girls Club of Elk River go beyond painting and drawing.  If you enjoy crafting and have ideas about how to assist kids make or build something to take home, you’re just who is needed.  Messy projects are OK, too!  Once per week or once per month.  Give it a try! (11/07) 

v     Get Active- If you like all things active, perhaps some gym time at the Boys and Girls Club is for you.  Teach new games, run tournaments, play along or supervise gym activities, all while providing fun and fitness for club members.  (11/07)

v     Environmental Education- Use your creativity to promote environmental awareness among Boys and Girls Club members.  Whether it’s recycling, discussion or environmental art work, these activities will develop an appreciation or our natural resources. (11/07)

v     Homework Help- Do you have experience with and enjoy helping youth with their homework? The Boys and Girls Club has a quiet education room for just that.  Help children 1-2 hours after school, one or more times per week. (11/07)

 

Rivers of Hope

v     Play Time- Rivers of Hope, a support center for those dealing with domestic violence, needs volunteers to play with and supervise children in a nursery while parents attend a support group.  One or more Tuesday evenings per month from 6:30 – 8:00 PM - Elk River location. Permission for Rivers Of Hope to conduct a criminal background is required. (11/07)

 

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/HISTORY/OUTDOORS

RSVP- Retired and Senior Volunteer Program

v     Volunteers- If you are 55+, this is your invitation to volunteer service!  Start with a discussion about your individual interests, skills and time available to volunteer.  Explore the possibilities for service through a wide variety of local agencies, including many projects with limited or flexible commitments.  End with a rewarding volunteer experience that fits perfectly into your lifestyle and comes with some additional perks because you’re experienced at life! 

v     One time events- RSVP volunteers are asked to assist for a couple hours at a variety of one-time events in the community.  From ticket taking at a performance to helping at a blood drive, from a school book sale to counting patrons at the public library.  Pick and choose what fits for you.

Sand Dunes State Forest

v     Trail Clearing- Groups with their own trail clearing equipment are needed to tidy up assigned trails in the Sand Dunes State Forest.  Youth groups need to have adult supervision provided by the group. (11/06)

 

Sherburne County Extension Service

v     Master Gardener- Do you have an active interest in gardening?  Do you have a desire to share your gardening interest with others?  If you answered yes, you might be interested in becoming a Master Gardener through the University of Minnesota Extension Service in Sherburne County. Complete 48 hours training this winter, in St. Paul or on line, to be ready for the 2008 growing season.  There is a fee for the extensive materials provided for the volunteers to keep.  Volunteers must then serve 50 volunteer hours as an intern to earn the full Master Gardener certification. (11/07)

Sherburne History Center

v     Library and Archives Assistant- Assist the Sherburne History Center with large projects in the Eddy Library.  Projects may take 6 month to one year to complete with a regular, weekly volunteer commitment of 3 or more hours per week.  Work will be done during History Center office hours. Volunteers may use a variety of library resources and office equipment during the project.  Ability to use a computer a plus.  Attention to details and ability to follow safe archival handling instructions a must. (11/07)

v     Collections Cataloger- Volunteer four hours per week or more as an artifact cataloger for the Sherburne History Center.  Write descriptions of historic objects following specific guidelines.  Ability to follow detailed instructions and handle artifacts with great care.  Good eyesight and neat handwriting necessary, as well as attention to detail.  Training provided.  (11/07)

v     Event Host- Serve as an ambassador of the History Center at a variety of special events on campus or at community fairs or expos as your time allows.  Duties may include greeting visitors, serving refreshments, giving directions or answering questions. (11/07)

v     Front Desk/Gift Shop- Staff the entrance area at the History Center.  Greet visitors, answer phones, direct calls, oversee gift shop, conduct sales, provide a variety of clerical services while staffing front desk. (11/07)

v     Tour Guide- Receive training from the Sherburne History Center about conducting tours on an on-call basis.  Guide may choose adult or children’s tours, outdoors or in the exhibit gallery.  Must be friendly, outgoing and able to master information to be covered and make a clear presentation. (11/07)

v     Computer Data Entry- Use your typing skills and basic knowledge of Word or Excel programs to enter History Center data in a variety of forms.  Commitment is flexible during History Center hours. (11/07)

v     General Office Work- Assist the History Center to run smoothly by completing basic, but necessary clerical tasks.  Make copies, file, assist with mailings.  Flexible schedule. (11/07)

v     Fundraising/Marketing Committee- Assist the History Center with the annual Fund Fest by participating as a committee member.  Attend regular committee meetings.  Duties to choose from include food planning, auction item solicitation, publicity, event set-up, among others. (11/07)

v     Research Assistant- Volunteer to be on-call for when the History Center receives a request for information from a member of the public which requires research in the History Center or Government Center records.  Volunteer would then reply to requestor.  Attention to detail is a must. (11/07)

v     Carpenter/Woodworking- Be on-call to assist with various projects at the History Center, including exhibit or education program prop creation and general maintenance of historic building exteriors.  Some work may be done on-site, but home woodshop will be necessary for other projects. (11/07)

v     Site Maintenance Volunteer- Help the Sherburne History Center to upkeep outdoor landscaping and public areas at the site.  Serve two or more hours per week on tasks such as sweeping the plaza and sidewalk, cleaning outdoor interpretive panels and pulling weeds around building landscaping.  Other duties could include weed reduction along the building and on the trails, watering outdoor plants and trees, or general grounds upkeep.  A regular, weekly schedule is preferred.  Candidates will need a strong back.  Seasonal - April to October (11/07)         

 

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge

v     Wildlife Interpreter – Do you love the outdoors? Are you a bird watcher?  Would you like to encourage others to see the joy in nature?  If so, come spend 3 hours per week at the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge doing just that.  Volunteers should have some knowledge of birds, good communication skills and the ability to help a variety of people visiting the Refuge.   (4/08)

v     Invasive Plant Work Crew – Volunteers work in teams for the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge to remove invasive plants such as buckthorn from the refuge.  Training given on plant identification. Work sessions average 3 hours, one time per month June - October. (4/08)

v     Wildflower Gardener – Nurture a 3’ X 15’ plot at the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.  Weed and water plot weekly on a flexible schedule.  Watch the flowers grow, bloom and produce seed.  Harvest the seed for replanting on the Refuge to spread the beauty! (2/08)

v     Litter “Ridder” – Do you enjoy walking in the outdoors? Consider helping Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge be clear from litter by “adopting” an area of the refuge in which to do litter pick-up. Your commitment can be during spring, summer or fall on an annual or one time basis.  You may also commit to monthly clean up on a year round basis. Choose a section of road, a trail, a fishing area, a parking area, a river, or an information kiosk.  Can be done individually or in groups.(2/08)

v     Seed Collector – Assist in the collection of native, flowering seeds or grasses growing on the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.  Training provided.  Flexible schedule.  Individuals or small groups.  1 – 2 hours, twice per month, June – September. (2/08)

v     Special Events Assistant – Do you enjoy the fun of a festival?  Assist at one of the special events offered at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.  Help out for a couple hours or all day.  The refuge has two festivals: the Wildlife Festival held on October and Winterfest held in February. Activities needing helpers include nature crafts, parking, hospitality, lunch, and snowshoe check-out, just to name a few.  (2/08)

 

 

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS & RELIEF

American Red Cross

v     Disaster Volunteer- Be on call to help with American Red Cross services when disaster strikes.  Volunteers choose whether they are able to serve locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.  Local Disaster Team Volunteers attend monthly evening meetings in St. Cloud and are placed on a one week 24/7 on call rotation for disaster notification.  Ongoing training provided. (5/07)

 

Sherburne County Public Health

v     Preparedness Volunteer- Assist Sherburne County Public Health as they plan for a potential public health emergency.  Register to be called to use your medical, clerical, administrative or organizational skills to assist in the event of a public health emergency. (11/07)

 

EDUCATION – ADULT/COMMUNITY

 

Elk River Community Education

v                 Adult Basic Education Classroom Assistant- Assist adults in Elk River who are learning to read, working on their GED certification or learning English as a second language.  Volunteer works along with classroom instructor at the Handke Family Center.  Variety of topics to assist with, including reading, math, science or social studies.  Special short-term projects may also be discussed.  Training provided.  2 – 3 hours per week, day or evening, following training.  (W & Th 9 AM - Noon; M & Tu  1-4 PM; M & W 6:30-8:30 PM) (11/07)

v     Woodworker- As the remodeling project continues at the Elk River Community Education building, special woodworking projects will arise.  Volunteers who are handy with woodworking projects will be needed to complete each of these projects.  Do one project or many as your timeline allows.  All supplies furnished. (11/07)

v     Clerical Assistant- Assist Community Education and Early Child Family Education with

miscellaneous clerical and special project tasks.  Flexible daytime/weekday hours. (11/07) 

v  Advisory Council Members – Community Education's goal is to provide all residents within District 728 with courses and programming to meet their needs. Currently we are seeking Community Education Advisory Council members from both the Rogers and Otsego area. As a Advisory member, you would provide valuable input into our programming and policies while representing your community. The Advisory Council meets the third Monday of each month from 630pm-830pm. (11/07)

 

 

EDUCATION – CHILDREN/YOUTH

 

Reader’s Theatre – Becker/Elk River

v     Cast Member- Bring your expressive voice and help show children how important and fun reading can be!  Readers will do events as a group in local elementary schools.   Must be available for daytime practices and events. (8/07)

 

Elk River Early Childhood/Special Education

v     Preschool Speech Assistant – Work with preschool age children (3-5 years old) who have the need to work on their speech patterns before entering kindergarten.  While a Speech Therapist is conducting a session with a small group of children, the volunteer will be working with the other children.  Volunteer may lead children through a craft project, read a story, or help with snack time.  Needed 2-3 hours Monday AM or PM on school days. (11/07)

Foster Grandparent Program

v     Foster Grandparent- Make a Difference in the Life of a Child!  Experience every day the love and wonder of children eager to tell you their special stories!  At local schools or day care centers, Foster Grandparents become friends and mentors to children. They connect with kids by sharing experiences, supporting learning, and offering encouragement.  Serve 15 or more hours per week. Training, benefits and tax-free stipend ($2.65 per hour - that does NOT affect Social Security, housing subsidies, or other assistance) provided.   Especially needed in Becker. (7/07)

 

 

FOOD & CLOTHING DISTRBUTION & COLLECTION

 

Big Lake Community Food Shelf

v     Food Shelf Food Drive- Help stock the food shelf by conducting a food or monetary donation drive.  Food shelf is opened Monday and Thursday evenings, 5:30 – 7:30 PM.  Extra help may be needed in March to intake Food Share Month goods. (10/06)

v     Food Shelf Assistant- Assist with packing food boxes for food shelf clients during food shelf hours.  Food shelf is opened Monday and Thursday evenings, 5:30 – 7:30 PM. (10/06)

 

HEALTH CARE

 

Fairview Home Care and Hospice

v     Hospice- Fairview Hospice is looking for energetic, competent and dedicated volunteers to enjoy the rewarding experience of assisting our hospice patients and their families. Volunteers are a vital link to the patient’s life, soul and spirit. After completing a comprehensive training program, volunteers provide services by offering support to caregivers, running errands, making bereavement calls, office work, special event planning and more.  Most needed are volunteers to serve clients in the nursing home setting.  Your life will be forever changed by making friends, laughing, smiles, warm conversations and nurturing hearts. (11/07)

 

Fairview Northland Hospital

v     Greeter – Emergency Room – Greet and direct patients in the emergency room area of Fairview Northland Hospital in Princeton.  Volunteer will also complete hospitality tasks – making coffee, tidying the area, sanitizing toys.  Volunteer must have outgoing personality and good communication skills.  4 hour shifts available: AM, PM or eves, 7 days per week.  (2/08)

v     Clinic Desk Service – Greet and direct patients and answer questions at the Fairview Northland Princeton Clinic.  Good customer service and communications skills a must.  4 hour shifts available, AM or PM, weekdays. (4/08)

v     Mail Room Assistant – Complete mailing projects and supply restocking in the Fairview Northland Hospital.  Attention to detail is very important.  2 hour shifts available: days or evenings, weekdays. (2/08)

v     Nutrition Services Assistant – Deliver food with a smile to patients and their families at Fairview Northland Hospital!  Needed weekdays from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM.  (2/08)

v     Patient Escort – Be a part of the Cardiac Rehabilitation department to transport patients between rehab and other hospital departments, assist with clerical functions and family support as needed.  3 ½ hour shifts, Tues or Thurs, AM or PM. (2/08)

v     Clerical Assistant – Help with general, basic clerical tasks in the Administration Department at the Fairview Northland Hospital.  Volunteers needed for 2 hour shifts only on an occasional, pre-arranged basis.  (2/08)

v     Hospitality Cart – Make a stay at the Fairview Northland Hospital more pleasant for patients by offering reading materials, games, movies, play time for children or simply your company for a time.  May also deliver refreshments and assist nurses with clerical tasks.  2-4 hours shifts available each day. (2/08)

v     Surgery Lounge Volunteer – Provide patient family members at the Fairview Northland Hospital with hospitality items in the surgery lounge, and a means of communication about the patient’s progress in surgery.  Complete necessary clerical tasks.  4 hours shifts, early AM and PM, weekdays. (2/08)

v     Special Events – Help Fairview Northland Hospital on a sporadic, flexible basis when a special event will be occurring.  Might be a golf outing, a hospital tour, or a car seat clinic – just bring your outgoing personality.  (2/08)

v     Rehab Assistant – Perform necessary clerical duties (filing, copying, organizing) for the Fairview Northland Hospital Rehabilitation Department.  2-4 hours shifts, AM, weekdays. (2/08)

v     Hospital Information Desk – Be the initial, warm greeter for patients and visitors to Fairview Northland Hospital.  Answer questions, give directions, deliver flowers and gifts, provide escort, as necessary.  2-4 hour shifts, AM and PM, weekdays. (4/08)

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