Adult mentors needed for Little Friends

Big Friends Little Friends, formerly Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lawrence, matches children and youth with caring adults who serve as role models and friends. It is a one-year program in which the Big and Little consistently meet two to four times a month and spend between two and five hours together each time. Matches are made with considerations to such things as geographic location, interests and personalities. Six mentoring programs are offered: Traditional/community-based mentoring, site-based mentoring, mentoring out loud (a program for deaf and hard of hearing children), couples as bigs, family matches, and cross-gender matches. By spending time with a child or youth, the volunteers help to increase their Little's self-confidence and create a more positive outlook for the future. For more information, call Big Friends Little Friends at 978-327-6600 or visit www.familyserviceinc.com.

and click on "Programs & Services" then on "Big Friends Little Friends."

Ruth's House needs winter clothing

Ruth's House, a nonprofit, nondenominational thrift store at 30 LaFayette Square in Haverhill, needs winter clothing in all sizes, heavy winter coats, infant's and children's snowsuits, all sizes of men's jeans, children's underwear of all sizes, hats, mittens, gloves and boots. Bedding, towels, pots and pans, lamps and small furniture would also be welcomed. Summer clothing is not being accepted at this time. Volunteers are also needed; all hours are available. With only four paid employees, volunteers are extremely important to Ruth's House.

Volunteer opportunities

The Haverhill Trails Committee: Volunteers are invited to join the organization to help maintain Haverhill's network of trails and conservation areas. Most trail maintenance is done in the spring and fall, lasts for a few hours and usually does not require any heavy lifting. Tools are provided. Attendance at all trail maintenance events is not required. For more information, call 978-374-2334 or email conservation@cityofhaverhill.com.

Hospice Volunteer Training: A terminal diagnosis can be a lonely experience. At a time when understanding is needed most, many hospice patients find themselves isolated even from family and friends. You can help end that isolation by becoming a hospice volunteer with the Rockingham VNA & Hospice. They will teach you how to provide compasionate support to those patients at the end of life and their families. To find out when the next session begins at the offices of Rockingham VNA & Hospice at 137 Epping Road, Exeter, N.H., call Martha Chandler, Hospice volunteer coordinator, at 603-772-2981 or 800-540-2981, ext. 140.

Penacook Place opportunities: Penacook Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is looking for community service volunteers. Volunteers opportunities include holiday crafting and decorating. Penacook is a nonprofit facility at 150 Water St. in Haverhill. For more information, call Director of Human Resources Leah Doherty at 978-374-0707.

Allegiance Hospice: Allegiance Hospice seeks compassionate individuals to provide companionship to patients in local nursing homes. As part of an interdisciplinary team, volunteers have the opportunity for a rewarding volunteer experience. Training and support are provided in exchange for a weekly commitment of one to two hours. Call Amy Cirigliano at 877-255-4623.

Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley: 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence, seeks volunteers to work as companions for elders living alone and who need help with day-to-day tasks. Volunteer drivers are needed to drive elders to medical appointments. Mileage reimbursement is available. Orientation, training and support are provided. Call 800-892-0890, ext. 463 or 445. Volunteers are also needed to help distribute food for the Brown Bag Program on the first Tuesday of every month from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. The program operates from the Pentucket Lake School at 252 Concord St. Call Janice Boyd at 800-892-0890, ext. 1321.

The Merrimack Valley Jewish Coalition for Literacy: For more than six years, this organization has helped children in Haverhill, Lawrence, Andover and North Andover learn to read or improve their reading skills. To learn more or volunteer to help children learn to become better readers, call Sherry Comerchero at 978-975-0006.

Parents Helping Parents: A network of support groups for parents who want to improve relationships with their children, needs volunteers to act as group facilitators. Volunteers must commit to three hours a week for at least one year. Training and ongoing supervision are provided. For more information, call 800-882-1250.

John Greenleaf Whittier Birthplace seeks volunteer docents: The prospective tour guides will need to attend a one-hour training session. To register or for more information, call 978-407-1955.

Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society: MRFRS needs wet and dry cat and kitten food to feed more than 250 cats and kittens. Canned food is most needed. Ground or classic style food is preferred rather than sliced, chunks or shredded food. Items may be dropped off at anytime at the MRFRS adoption centers in Salisbury, Danvers and Danville, N.H. To access a complete wish list or for more information, call 978-462-0760 or visit www.mrfrs.org.

Horizons for Homeless Children: The organization is looking for volunteers to play with some great kids for two hours a week. Your time can make a world of difference for the children living in homeless shelters in Massachusetts. A commitment of six months and attendance at a training session are required. For more information, call Sheila Carman at 978-557-2182.

Home Health VNA volunteer program, Home Health Partners, seeks volunteers: Tasks include assisting with fundraising, clerical duties and calling homebound elders. For information, call 978-552-4186.

VNA Care Network & Hospice is looking for volunteers: To provide practical and emotional support to terminally ill patients and their families in the Merrimack Valley. Volunteers receive training, ongoing supervision and support. For information, call 888-663-3688, ext. 1402, or visit www.vnacarenetwork.org.

The Carriage Barn Equestrian Center in Newton, N.H.: Seeks for volunteers to assist with therapeutic riding lessons and hippotherapy sessions. Volunteers are needed Monday and Tuesday afternoons and Fridays between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Programs provide services to people of all ages who have physical, mental or emotional disabilities. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. For information, call 603-378-0140, e-mail carriagebarn6@earthlink.net or visit www.carriage-barn.com.

Children's Friend and Family Services: In need of adult mentors to serve as positive role models and friends for children in the Haverhill area. Volunteers agree to commit to one year of service. Training and ongoing support are provided for volunteers. For information, call 978-372-8516, ext. 634.

Merrimack Valley Pioneer Clown Troupe seeks volunteers: Send full name, address, e-mail and home telephone number and days you are available to Merrimack Valley Pioneer Clowns, P.O. Box 123, Kingston, NH 03848.

Haverhill Boys Club: Needs volunteers willing to serve as tutors, homework helpers, computer instructors, woodworking instructors, a game room attendant, supper hour supervisor, a teen group adviser and basketball referees. For information, call 978-374-6171.

Substance Abuse Helpline seeks volunteers: For its 24-hour, seven-day-a-week information and education phone service to those affected by alcoholism and substance abuse. For information, call 617-536-0501, ext. 201 or visit www.helpline-online.com.

The Haverhill Historical Society seeks volunteer tour guides: Inside the Buttonwoods Museum and for general office help with such duties as filing and data entry. A person is also needed to help with a major reorganization project. Ideal for retirees. For information, call 978-374-4626.

Northern Essex Elder Transport needs volunteer drivers to get seniors to medical appointments: Drivers receive a reimbursement of 32 cents a mile and have supplemental liability insurance. Drivers provide door-to-door service for essential shopping and social interaction as well. For details, call 978-388-7474.

Big Brother/Big Sister needs volunteers: For northern Essex County and southern New Hampshire to provide consistent one-on-one mentoring and support to children ages 6 to 14 for a few hours a week. Training and ongoing support provided for volunteers. For information, call 978-372-8126.

Court Appointed Special Advocate program: Needs adult volunteers from the Merrimack Valley and southern New Hampshire to advocate for child victims of abuse and neglect. Training is provided to those who commit to serving 15 to 20 hours a month for two years. For information, call 978-685-0502, ext. 511, or 978-683-9505, ext. 17.

Emmaus Inc.: A family shelter, needs volunteers to provide meals for homeless guests. For information, call 978-241-3500.

Habitat for Humanity seeks skilled and unskilled volunteers: To assist with a variety of building project needs. People are also needed to act as greeters in the Lawrence office to assist with registration of volunteers. For information, call 978-681-8858.

Literacy Aid for Youth and Family Literacy Program of the Haverhill Public Schools: Needs tutors for students and volunteers to assist with their adult education classes. For information, call 978-469-8706.

Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of the Cruelty to Animals: Needs volunteers for its shelter at Nevins Farm and Equine Center, Methuen. Minimum age is 14. For information, call 978-687-7453.

Meals on Wheels: Needs drivers to deliver hot meals to the elderly. A daily stipend is paid for one to two hours of work at lunchtime. You must have your own car. For details, call 978-686-1422.

Merrimack Valley Chapter of the Red Cross: Needs volunteers to help disaster victims and those in need of emergency medical attention. Office receptionist volunteers are also needed. For information, call 978-683-2465.

Samaritans of the Merrimack Valley: Needs volunteers to staff its 24-hour crisis hot line. Training is provided. For information, call 978-688-0030.

Trauma Intervention Programs of Merrimack Valley: Provide emotional and practical support to victims of traumatic events. Volunteers are called in by police, firefighters and paramedics to help out in a crisis. To take part, write to TIP at 167 East St., Methuen, MA 01844. For information, call 978-975-8471.

Home Health VNA opportunities

Visiting resource volunteers: Work one-on-one with patients and families providing companionship, respite, advocacy and help with routine errands. Matches can be short or long term depending on need. Patients reside throughout the service area. Volunteers can expect complete orientation, ongoing training and support, and the chance to make a difference in their own community. A vehicle, good driving record and proof of insurance is required.

Administrative volunteers: Help the administrative staff in the Lawrence site copy and collate documents, tally evaluation results, prepare bulk mailings and input data. Great organizational skills, typing/keyboarding, familiarity with PC, copier and fax a plus, but will train.

Patient satisfaction surveyors with solid communication skills and/or bilingual capability who wish to speak with newly admitted home care patients regarding service delivery and quality. Assignment will include automated survey tool, communicating survey results to staff and developing systems for follow up.

Community health clinic assistants to help register patients at health clinics at senior centers and housing sites in the Merrimack Valley. Greet participants and help them complete registration forms and help nursing staff with setup, literature and supplies. Vehicle, good driving record and proof of insurance is required.

These programs require a weekly commitment of four hours at one of four offices in Newburyport, Lawrence, Peabody or Chelmsford. All volunteers must complete a written application, attend an interview, consent to a CORI and participate in an eight-hour orientation. For information, call Beth Dimitruk at 978-552-4186.