Volunteer Opportunities- Help in a crisis

When disaster strikes, as it did with Hurricane Ike, the safety of people throughout Harris County and surrounding areas depends in large part on the effective response of trained volunteers. You can become one of these crucially important volunteers by joining a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) supported by a network of city, county, state and private agencies. Register now for an upcoming 20-hour CERT training series.

Fight hunger
Fight poverty and hunger by assisting with distribution of food, clothing and other necessities at a social service agency's headquarters near Bissonnet and U.S. 59. Between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays of each month, volunteers help organize materials to be shared with needy families and assist with the actual distribution. You can participate on either a regular or occasional basis. The minimum age for volunteers is 18.

Czech it out
You don't have to be Czech to enjoy volunteering at a local museum devoted to Czech history and culture. Nestled in the Museum District, this facility abounds in artifacts and information conveying the richness of the Czech heritage. The museum is recruiting volunteers for any of three key functions: staffing its gift shop, leading visitors on tours or assisting with clerical duties. Shifts are available on weekdays or weekends.

Additional opportunities
• Nurse injured animals back to health at a southwest Houston wildlife shelter.

• Assist unemployed people with job-search activities at a west Houston social service office.

• Teach watercolor painting to adults at a Hockley community center.

• Attend training equipping you to serve as an ombudsman at a local nursing home.

• Interview clients for a southeast Houston organization serving the needy.

• Be a child care volunteer at a women's shelter near The Woodlands.

• Deliver lunches to shut-in senior citizens for a northwest Houston Meals on Wheels program.

HOUSTON CHRONICLE
July 10, 2010

Summer of Service Begins

Maria Shriver, California's first lady invited another first lady, Michelle Obama to join her in San Francisco Monday, June 22. The aim was to help finish a playgroung at Bret Harte Elementary school. What is wonderful about this story is the work done by volunteers.

"You don't have to be a first lady to make a difference, you don't have to be a president or a governor... You just have to be a patient, committed, and compassionate human being," said Maria Shriver.

This event was the beginning of a 12-week program entitled Summer of Service which is part of the President's United We Serve program. The goal is to encourage individuals to become involved in their community through service. Let's all find someway to join in and make a difference in our own community.