Lend a Hand (12/16/12)

Volunteers are needed for special events:

• SALVATION ARMY — CHRISTMAS KETTLE CAMPAIGN 2012 DATE: Nov. 18 - Dec. 24

NEEDED: Friendly, enthusiastic individuals are needed to help raise funds for the Salvation Army Christmas and Senior Basket programs and January relief efforts. Individuals, families and groups are invited to be a part of this traditional holiday campaign by staffing a Christmas Kettle and ringing the bell to solicit donations from holiday shoppers outside of local businesses through Dec. 24. Agency staff will do set up, provide training and pick up the kettle and donations. Flexible four-hour shifts are available throughout the holiday season.

• SALVATION ARMY MODESTO CITADEL — ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DINNER DATE: Thursday

NEEDED: Volunteers 16 years and older are needed to assist with set up, dinner service, gift distribution and clean up from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monetary donations, traditional holiday dinner items, candy, new toys for children of all ages, baby items, toiletries, warm clothing, etc. are needed and appreciated. The Salvation Army is a not-for-profit, charitable and religious agency that provides assistance with emergency food, noon meals, information and referral, disaster aid, tax preparation services, youth programs, and senior services.

• SALVATION ARMY MODESTO CITADEL — 22ND COATS FOR KIDS PREPARATION & DISTRIBUTION DATE: Dec. 26 - Dec. 28

NEEDED: Volunteers 16 and older needed on Dec. 26 and 27 to help sort, organize and hang donated coats for distribution. Volunteers are also needed on Dec. 28 to assist families with the selection, sizing and distribution of coats. Flexible shifts available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monetary donations and new or gently used coats in all sizes are needed and can be dropped off at the Salvation Army or at any participating dry cleaner.

• SOROPTIMIST COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE — 27TH SOROPTIMIST COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE DATE: Through Wednesday

NEEDED: Volunteers 16 and older are needed to assist shoppers with the selection, tracking paperwork, receiving, tagging and organizing gifts by agency as they are returned. This event will take place at Vintage Faire Mall across from the food court. There gift-request tags for 3,400 needy children, newborns to those 17. Everyone is invited to select a tag, check it out at the adjacent kiosk, shop for the child from the child's wish list (usually warm clothing, shoes, etc.) and return the gifts with the tag to the kiosk. Volunteers are needed to wrap the gifts through Thursday. Shifts available daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monetary donations are also appreciated to buy gifts for children whose tags are not selected.

Volunteers are needed for these ongoing programs:

• AARP TAX-AIDE PROGRAM NEEDED: Volunteers 18 and older are needed to prepare federal and state income tax returns for seniors, 50 and older in Modesto, Newman, Patterson and Turlock. Volunteers are especially needed on the west side. Volunteers should be comfortable working with numbers, have some familiarity with simple tax returns and computer experience. All volunteers receive a 40-hour comprehensive training in early January and are asked to volunteer at least four hours per week from Feb. 1 through April 15. The AARP Tax-Aide Program is the nation's largest free, volunteer-run tax counseling and preparation service; it helped more than 3 million people nationwide file tax returns last year.

• DOCTORS MEDICAL CENTER NEEDED: Volunteers over age 25 for the Service League Volunteers, who have time to work at least two 3½-hour shifts per month. All Volunteers will get a 25-hour training orientation. 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. If you would like to be a part of a dynamic group of dedicated individuals who complement the functions of many hospital departments and possess a willingness to spread joy and encouragement to those we serve, Doctors Medical Center is the place to volunteer.

• UNITED WAY OF STANISLAUS COUNTY, VITA NEEDED: Volunteers 18 years and older are needed to assist individuals with tax returns and help clients claim their Earned Income Tax and Child tax credits. VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is an expanding program that helps low-income residents get free tax preparation. Volunteer positions include preparer, greeter, screener and child care. Flexible schedules are available at sites throughout Stanislaus County with opportunities through April 2013. Some positions require training sanctioned by the IRS. The training program will be in December and January.

• VOLUNTEER CENTER OF UNITED WAY OF STANISLAUS COUNTY NEEDED: Volunteers 18 and older to translate current brochures and other materials from English to Spanish. Volunteers should have strong English and Spanish writing skills, good attention to detail, the ability to meet deadlines and computer skills.

• WATERFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT NEEDED: Female volunteers 18 and older to mentor middle school and high school girls in their school district. Mentors must commit 8 to 12 hours per month and be available from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Mentors must be responsible, be able to maintain appropriate boundaries, committed, friendly, understanding, supportive, encouraging and respectful of cultural differences. The mentors will be provided with a small stipend.