Lend a Hand: Places to volunteer (Oct. 21)

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

• VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SPECIAL EVENTSSTANISLAUS COUNTY ELECTIONS OFFICE:

Presidential general election

DATE: Nov. 6

NEEDED: Volunteers 18 and older who are registered California voters are encouraged to serve as election officers at the polls. Election officers set up the voter precinct, maintain ballot security, voting equipment and assist voters as necessary. Bilingual and on-call election officers also are needed. Election officers receive a $95 stipend for their time and commitment, which runs from 6 a.m. to10 p.m. on Election Day and includes a mandatory two-to-three-hour training class. Training classes in Modesto, Oakdale and Turlock are offered between Oct. 9 and Oct. 20. For more information, go to www.stanvote.com.

UNITED SAMARITANS FOUNDATION:

Halloween Candy Pack Out

DATE: Oct. 29

NEEDED:Volunteers are needed to count and bag Halloween candies from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Turlock site. Treat bags will be included in the holiday lunches for needy families to be distributed from all sites on Oct. 31. Volunteers are asked to sign up by Oct. 24 to participate. Monetary and individually wrapped candy donations are needed. Donations should be dropped off at the Turlock site by Oct. 29. Volunteers are always needed to assist with meal preparation, distribute meals from the United Samaritans lunch trucks, and general clean up at all Hughson, Modesto, and Turlock sites, or assist with the Clothes Closet at the Turlock site.

• ONGOING VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

READINGWORKS — Tele-Tutor

NEEDED: Volunteers 18 years and older to tutor students from 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 an Internet service similar to Skype. Volunteers are needed Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be matched with a student who has a compatible schedule. A minimum commitment is required.

READING WORKS — Adult Literacy Program

NEEDED: Volunteer 16 and older are asked to meet twice a week for 90 minutes with an adult needing help with their reading and writing skills. The location of the meeting must be a public building such as one of the library branches. Tutor orientation is Nov. 7, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; tutor training Nov. 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., both at ReadingWorks Learning Center, 1032 11th St., Modesto. $10 for training materials; fee can be waived if requested.

DOCTORS MEDICAL CENTERNEEDED: Committed Service League Volunteers over the age of 25, who have time to work at least two 3½ hour shifts per month. All volunteers will receive a 25-hour training orientation in the areas of service selected. Prospective volunteers must be dependable, organized, work well with people, commit to one year of service, complete the application process and pass a background check.

UNITED WAY OF STANISLAUS COUNTY — VITA Program

NEEDED: Volunteers 18 and older to assist individuals with tax returns and help clients claim their Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit money. VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is an expanding program that helps low-income residents obtain free tax preparation services. Volunteer positions include preparer, greeter, screener and child care assist. Flexible schedules are available. Some will need to participate in a training program sanctioned by the IRS, to be held in December and January.

UNITED WAY OF STANISLAUS COUNTY

NEEDED: Volunteers 18 and older to help administer a community health assessment face-to-face survey. Surveys will be administered mid-October through Nov. 31. Volunteers will be responsible for collecting face-to-face surveys in one or more of the following ways: at public events or festivals, door to door outreach, and in front of businesses such as grocery stores (with permission). Volunteers will be asked to collect surveys from specific regions of Stanislaus County and will be matched to a region of their choice. Requirements include having reliable transportation, being physically able to walk or maneuver a wheelchair around for at least 1 hour, and sign and adhere to a code of conduct, HIPPA self-study and safety self-study forms. Training will be held Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon.