Lend A Hand (9/9/12)

Call the Volunteer Center of United Way at 524-1307 or e-mail volunteer@uwaystan.org.

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SPECIAL EVENTS

LOVE MODESTO: A community-wide service day for volunteers to participate in helping those who are in need

DATE: Sept. 29

NEEDED: Volunteers of all ages (depending upon the activity) are invited to take part this year in family-friendly projects in Modesto and throughout Stanislaus County (Love Ceres, Love Turlock, Love Waterford, etc.) and the Central Valley. More than 60 different projects offer a variety of opportunities to provide food to the hungry, collect toys for foster children, visit seniors, build a home, deliver baked goods and thanks to public servants such as fire or police departments, clean a park, donate blood to save lives, and much more! This inspiring event will kick off at a 9 a.m. rally in downtown Modesto in front of the Gallo Center for the Arts on I Street before volunteer groups disperse throughout the city. Visit www.lovemodesto.com.

SOCIETY FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AND ADULTS: A Wild West Gala Fund-raiser

DATE: Sept. 15

NEEDED: Volunteers 21 and older are needed for various duties including event setup and cleanup, registration, beer and wine serving, game operation, assistance with pig race and raffle ticket sales. Volunteers are asked to dress in Western-style clothing, and some volunteers will be asked to wear a costume. The event starts at 6 p.m. and ends at midnight at the Durrer Dairy Barn in Modesto. Youth volunteers are needed starting now to get the word out about the event by posting flyers in various businesses. Visit www.societyforhandicapped.org.

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ONGOING VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

NEEDED: Volunteers 18 and older are needed to become long-term care ombudsmen by investigating and resolving complaints, including reports of elder abuse and neglect, and advocate for the quality of life and quality of care on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities. All volunteers complete a 36-hour training course, are certified by the California Department of Aging, and receive guidance from trained staff and experienced ombudsmen. The next volunteer training will be held Sept. 11, 13, 17, 18 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, pass a background check, and commit to volunteering at least 15 flexible hours per month. Volunteers also are needed to transport seniors with special needs to and from medical appointments and grocery shopping. Catholic Charities provides supportive services to seniors throughout Stanislaus County. Visit http://ccstockton.org/main/stanislaus.

READINGWORKS — Adult Literacy Program

NEEDED: Volunteers 16 and older are sought to meet twice a week for 90 minutes with adults needing help with their reading and writing skills. There are currently 23 adults waiting to be matched with a tutor. The location of the meeting must be a public building such as one of the library branches. The ReadingWorks staff takes the availability of the tutor and student into consideration when putting them together for tutoring services. ReadingWorks is providing a tutor orientation Sept. 19, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., with tutor training to follow on Sept. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the ReadingWorks Learning Center, 1032 11th Street, Modesto. There is a cost of $10 for training materials; however, this fee can be waived if requested.

READINGWORKS — Tele-Tutor

NEEDED: Volunteers 18 years and older to tutor students from all around California who need a tutor and do not have any available in their area. Tele-Tutoring is a form of face-to-face tutoring that uses the Internet, similar to Skype. The equipment is located in the ReadingWorks office, inside the Modesto Library. Volunteers are needed Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will be matched with a student who has the same time availability. A minimum of 6 months' commitment is required.