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Holyoke Elementary School volunteer crossing guard Jim Gribben, at left, pauses for a picture with fourth-grader Maelynn Frost. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

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Alice Mathew, in front, and Barb Fisher work on Sew Caring quilting projects for a variety of community needs. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications

Give Back.

With so many opportunities, there’s no excuse not to volunteer

    They say it’s better to give than to receive, but those who give will often find they receive more in return than they ever thought they would.
    It’s easy to think of “giving” as donating money to a worthy cause, but volunteering one’s time and skills is just as important.
    According to indepen dentsector.org, the estimated value of volunteer time in Colorado in 2017 was $26.78 per hour.
    With over 1.4 million volunteers across the state, nationalservice.gov estimated the service is worth $2.9 billion. Colorado ranks 26th in the nation, with 32.4 percent of residents volunteering.
    Since volunteering comes in so many shapes and sizes, there’s no reason why volunteer numbers can’t increase in 2019.
    A wide variety of volunteer opportunities are available in Holyoke and the surrounding area. Some require training; others don’t. Some have an age requirement; others don’t. Some include a certain time commitment; others don’t. In other words, there’s something for everyone!
    Here’s a list of 10 reasons why it’s a good idea to volunteer.
    1. Contribute to a worthy cause without dipping into your wallet.
    2. Connect with and uplift your community in new ways.
    3. Meet new people and enjoy meaningful conversations.
    4. Explore new areas of interest and learn new skills.
    5. Make a difference in someone else’s life.
    6. Gain work experience for a future career.
    7. Find a purpose for your life.
    8. Get out of the house.
    9. Bring a sense of teamwork and camaraderie to an organization.
    10. Experience health benefits from increased physical and social activity.

 

Holyoke has a variety of opportunities for individuals to volunteer and give back some of their time and talents. Here is a small sample of organizations who utilize volunteers.
There is something for all ages, with a wide variety of needs and time commitments.
Stop making excuses and  make the phone call to get involved now!

AMHERST VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
    The Amherst community is always looking for more men and women to serve on the volunteer fire department. Firefighters are especially needed right now because membership is down and the department needs a full roster to do the best possible job.
    CONTACT David Dirks, 970-520-4144.
    
    
BABY BEAR HUGS
    A diverse representation is needed on the advisory committee that meets monthly to ensure the viability of the home visitation program in Phillips County. Other valuable volunteers can assist in fundraising, projects and celebrations as needed.
    CONTACT Pam Gibbs, 970-854-2921, pam.gibbs@babybearhugs.org.
    
    
CAMP MACHASAY
    Whatever gifts or talents a volunteer has can certainly be used at Camp Machasay this summer. The biggest need is for counselors (age 18 and older) who love and care for kids. Other needs are kitchen help, horse wranglers, ATV instructor, sports director and grounds/maintenance workers. Volunteers must fill out an application at youthchallenge.us and attend the June 22-23 training. 2019 camps include grades K-2 June 26, grades 5-8 July 8-11 and grades 2-4 July 15-17.
    CONTACT Zac White, 308-352-6728, zacwhite827@gmail.com.
    
    
CITY OF HOLYOKE RECREATION DEPARTMENT
    The youth soccer program in April and May utilizes volunteer coaches, age 16 and up. Opportunities with the June baseball/softball program include coaching, running the scoreboard and announcing at games. The summer youth golf tourney needs people to help kids carry bags, choose the right club, etc. Both the Rockies and Nuggets skills challenges need help running the stopwatch, etc., and the 3-on-3 basketball tournament uses volunteers to check in participants, keep score, etc. Additionally, the rec department is looking for people to volunteer to teach classes on interests/hobbies (i.e. photography).
    CONTACT Victoria Dunker, 970-854-2230, 970-580-3659, recdirector@cityofholyoke-co.gov, or visit the rec department’s Facebook page.
    
    
FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES
    Volunteers are needed to help with junior high and high school students on Wednesday nights during the school year. They run games, set up snacks and lead small group Bible studies. Outside of Wednesdays, volunteers could also be used behind the scenes to coordinate snack signups, location hosts, etc.
    CONTACT Ashley Sullivan, 970-466-3551; Brittany Krueger, 970-520-4437; or visit FCA’s Facebook page.
    
    
HOLYOKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
    The elementary has a form for potential volunteers to fill out before working directly with students. Opportunities could include crossing guards before and after school, and supervising in the cafeteria during lunch. It’s also nice for the school to have a list of tutors in math or reading when parents ask about help outside of school.
    CONTACT Andrea Kammer, 970-854-3411.
    
    
HOLYOKE JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL
    Two areas volunteers are traditionally used at the JR/SR high are to chaperone trips and to serve as volunteer athletic coaches.
    CONTACT Shane Walkinshaw (chaperones) or John Baumgartner (coaches), 970-854-2284.
    
    
HOLYOKE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
    HVFD is looking for people who are willing to serve the community by responding to calls of fires, accidents and other emergencies. Members will receive training throughout the year on the best ways to respond to calls. HVFD also provides many community services during the year.
    CONTACT Steve Young, steve.young2@chsinc.com, or any firefighter.
    
    
MEET-N-EAT
    The Area Agency on Aging Meet-N-Eat Program is a service provided through the agency with state and federal funds to provide meals and home delivered meals to those 60 years of age and older at several locations in six counties. Volunteers can be used Monday-Friday from roughly 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at SunSet View in Holyoke. The biggest need is for volunteers to deliver meals to homes. They are on a rotation and serve for one week at a time. Drivers must register and pass a background check. Volunteers helping in the kitchen prep food for home delivery or to be served on site. (Food is cooked at another location.) Desk help is needed one day a week to do paperwork. All volunteers must be approved, and training is provided at SunSet View.
    CONTACT Sherry Jones, 970-867-9409, ext. 231.
    
    
MELISSA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
    All ages are invited to volunteer at the hospital by greeting people and giving directions in the front lobby. People also have the option of interacting with swing bed patients through games, puzzles, etc. Volunteering would ideally happen on weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. for as many hours as the volunteer wants to commit.
    CONTACT Elizabeth Hutches, 970-854-2241, elizabeth.hutches@banner health.com.
    
    
PEERLESS THEATRE
    The Peerless Theatre relies heavily on volunteers to assist in the concessions stand prior to a movie showing, usually Friday through Monday evenings. Some volunteer on the same weekend each month while others fill in the gaps. Volunteers arrive 30 minutes prior to the movie to serve drinks and popcorn. When finished, around the time the movie is starting, they receive free admission, a medium popcorn and soft drink. Or they can attend a different upcoming movie of their choice. To sign up, fill in an open slot on the schedule located in the theater lobby.
    CONTACT Erin LeBlanc, 970-854-2949.

PHILLIPS COUNTY 4-H
    Each year, Phillips County has an average of 20-25 adults who dedicate their time and talents to 4-H youth. Volunteers help lead 4-H clubs, provide expertise and mentoring in a large variety of project areas, assist with leadership opportunities, chaperone youth events and much more. There are no prerequisites to serve. Volunteers do not have to be 4-H alumni, live on a farm or have an agriculture background!
    CONTACT Phillips County Extension Office, 970-854-3616.
    
    
PHILLIPS COUNTY FAIR BOARD
    All ages can be utilized during the July fair for general setup and teardown, including the open show and bullriding event. Adults, especially those who are bilingual, are needed at the fair ticket booth.
    CONTACT Kayla Kafka, 970-580-8019, kaylakafka24@hotmail.com, or any fair board member.
    
    
PHILLIPS COUNTY MUSEUM
    On Wednesday afternoons, the museum could use help with computer work, cataloging items and assisting people with genealogy research. There are also opportunities throughout the year to help with special tours and programs at the museum.
    CONTACT Carol Haynes, 970-854-3494, or Hilda Hassler, 970-854-3311.
    
    
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
    The day of the blood drive, volunteers are needed to help with check-in, communication with donors, the canteen, lunch for the donors and childcare. Prior to that, help is needed to coordinate lunch donations and to recruit donors.
    CONTACT Sara Krueger, sarakkrueger@gmail.com.
    
    
REGENT PARK & CARRIAGE HOUSE
    The residents at Holyoke’s nursing home and assisted living facility would love to have people come spend time with them. One-on-one opportunities could include going for a walk at the park, reading a book aloud or going out for lunch. Group activities include helping with bingo, assisting with exercise class, playing cards, taking residents to a monthly movie at the theater and bringing in pets for residents to see. Those who prefer to be behind the scenes can make cards, etc. Volunteers should be age 16 and up unless accompanied by an adult.
    CONTACT Shirlee Patten, 970-854-2251.
    
    
SEW CARING
    The purpose of this group is to use sewing to help and provide for others in the community. They have made everything from book bags and pillowcases to placemats and quilts for a variety of different people and organizations. Volunteers can be used to not only sew but also to iron, cut and sort fabric as well as make deliveries. Sew Caring meets at Creative Traditions on the first and third Thursdays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
    CONTACT Maureen Waite, 970-520-0838, or Creative Traditions, 970-854-3699.
   

Holyoke Enterprise

970-854-2811 (Phone)

130 N Interocean Ave
PO Box 297
Holyoke CO 80734