Children waiting to be X-rayed at area hospitals will have age-appropriate reading materials, thanks to radiologic technology students at Northern Essex Community College.
Students of Professor Carol Wallace collected more than 100 used children's books and distributed them to six local radiology department waiting rooms.
Some of the books were delivered to Merrimack Valley Hospital in Haverhill, while equal numbers were taken to Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport, Caritas Holy Family Hospital and Medical Center in Methuen, Lawrence General Hospital in Lawrence, Lowell General Hospital in Lowell and Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer.
A segment of Wallace's curriculum includes pediatric imaging. The 21 radiologic technology students enrolled in the six-week course noticed the lack of reading materials for young patients in most hospital waiting areas and saw an opportunity for a community service project.
The radiologic managers of the six hospitals sit on NECC's radiologic technology advisory board and were receptive to the project, according to Wallace, clinical coordinator and professor in the radiologic technology program.
Wallace, NECC radiologic technology clinical coordinator, is available at cwallace@necc.mass.edu. For information on the radiologic technology program, contact Enrollment Services at NECC, 978 556-3700 or visit the Web site www.necc.mass.edu.
Helping hands
Allegiance Hospice seeks compassionate individuals to provide companionship to patients in local nursing homes. As part of an interdisciplinary team you will have the opportunity for a rewarding volunteer experience. Training and support provided, 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 is beginning its sixth year of helping school children in Haverhill, Lawrence, Andover and North Andover with reading. 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.
Ruth's House, a nonprofit, nondenominational thrift store at 28 Lafayette Square, is in need of clothing and shoes for children and youth. Also needed are new sheets, blankets, pillows and new underwear, and socks for women, men, teens, children and plus sizes. Donations may be brought to the store Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Financial donations are always welcome. Both financial and material donations are tax-deductible. For more information, contact Christine at 978-521-5575.
Horizons for Homeless Children 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 is 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.
