Want to lend a hand to a cause — the Berks community in general or residents in need — but don’t know where to start? We’ve put together a list of some ideas to consider. Whether you’re looking to make a monetary donation, to drop off goods or to offer up your time, there’s something for everyone here, many suggested by our Facebook followers.
Families & Community
Friend Inc. Community Services658 Noble St., Kutztown610.683.7790friendinc.org
The multi-service social agency supports the well-being of families and individuals living in Northeastern Berks County. Volunteer help is needed with special events and to run the Northeastern Berks Food Pantry.
Goodwill Keystone Area3001 St. Lawrence Avenue, Reading800.432.GIVEyourgoodwill.org
When you shop or donate at your local Goodwill Store or Donation Center, you are giving a hand up. Goodwill Keystone Area, a nonprofit organization, oversees operations and programs in 22 Pa. counties, including Berks. Goodwill thrift stores fund programs and services for people with disabilities who are seeking independence. Goodwill helps people transform their lives through life skills training and job coaching.
It’s a Gift! Woman’s Exchange of Reading720 Penn Avenue, West Reading610.373.0960itsagift.org
It’s a Gift! is the organization that gives twice. All purchases at the store benefit artisans and the organization’s benefit nonprofit of the year – this year Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks. Help is needed with manning the shop, graphic design, photography and more. Email info@itsagift.org.
Junior League of Reading1520 Penn Avenue, Wyomissing610.374.9811jlreading.org
The organization of women is committed to improving communities through effective action, developing the potential of women and more. For info on joining, email info@jlreading.org.
March of Dimes Foundation610.814.7006marchforbabies.org/event/reading
Volunteers are needed at the annual March for Babies on Sunday, May 21, at Penn State Berks Campus. Email sschulberger@marchofdimes.org for more information. The March of Dimes' Mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.
Opportunity House430 N. Second St., Reading610.374.4696opphouse.org
Visit their website and click their “Ways to Help” tab. Volunteers are needed in a variety of areas, including to help serve shelter meals, to assist at the Second Street Learning Center, to serve on committees and more.
United Way of Berks County501 Washington St., Ste. 601, Reading610.685.4550uwberks.org
Aims to link individuals and Berks groups to community service and volunteer opportunities throughout the county.
Health Services
Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks529 Reading Avenue C, Reading610.478.1447bcssberks.org
The nonprofit is always looking for volunteers to help and join in the fun. Programs include Pink Power Nights, support groups, educational seminars, comfort bags, a lending library and more.
The Berks County American Cancer Society498 Bellevue Avenue, Reading610.921.2329Facebook.com/berkscountyamericancancersociety
The Society is the main contact for local Relay For Life events and more.
Berks T1D Connection Wernersville610.636.1432berkstd1connection.org
The community-based organization works to improve the lives of those impacted by Type 1 Diabetes through support, education, advocacy and awareness. For more info email info@berkstd1connection.org.
Children's Alopecia Project906 Penn Avenue, Wyomissing610.468.1011childrensalopeciaproject.org
Fostering awareness for alopecia, CAP also brings children suffering from the incurable autoimmune hair loss disease together through an International Camp, Alopeciapalooza, and regional CAP Kid Camps in California, Texas, Ohio and North Carolina at no charge to children with alopecia. The nonprofit is looking for members to become part of an awareness team to help raise funds for the organization and its mission. For more info email Jeff.Woytovich@ChildrensAlopeciaProject.org.
Lifeline of Berks County, Inc.612 Reading Avenue, West Reading610.374.8545lifelineofberks.org
The nonprofit provides guidance for those facing an unplanned pregnancy. Monetary donations help to fund counseling, formula and diaper needs, and more.
Animal Causes
Grey Muzzle ManorFleetwood610.655.5271facebook.com/greymuzzlemanorfarm
Volunteers are needed to help with property enhancement and improvements at the hobby farm that serves to heal and provide sanctuary for unwanted animals and to help the visitors who benefit from spending time with the farm residents. For more info email marcyb411@hotmail.com.
Humane Society of Berks County1801 N. 11th St., Reading610.921.2348berkshumane.org
Individuals are needed to assist with animal care, dog walking, clerical work, event support, fundraising, adoption promotion and more. For more info contact Kristi Rodriguez, volunteer coordinator, at krodriguez@humanepa.org.
One by One Cat RescueTempleEmail: volunteer@1by1catrescue.org1by1catrescue.org
The all-volunteer, nonprofit cat rescue looks for helpers for fundraising, fostering cats, transporting cats to vet appointments, and more.
Arts & Entertainment
Berks Arts Council201 Washington St., Ste. 523, Reading610.898.1930berksarts.org
Presenting the Berks Jazz Fest, Bandshell Concert Series, Fast Lane Art, and Pagoda Awards, as well as providing arts grants to Berks County nonprofit organizations, the Berks Arts Council is looking for volunteers to help with events and occasional office work.
Berks Community Television – BCTV1900 N. 13th St., Reading610.374.3065bctv.org
The nonprofit community media organization is looking for volunteers to help with camera operations, event coordination, phone help, mailing preparation and more. For more information contact Tyler Washington at 610.374.3065 or email twashington@bctv.org.
Education & Youth
Berks County Foster Grandparent Program (Sponsored by Alvernia University) 400 Saint Bernardine St., Reading 610.790.2884 alyssa.slade@alvernia.edu
As part of an intergenerational volunteer program, Foster Grandparents are regarded as role models, mentors, tutors and friends to disadvantaged youth and children with exceptional needs. The program provides a way for volunteers aged 55+ to stay active by serving the children and youth in their communities. Foster Grandparents serve an allotted amount of hours per week and receive hourly stipends. More than 30 volunteer stations include elementary schools, Head Start Centers, Olivet Boys & Girls Clubs, Family Literacy Program Centers and afterschool programs. For more information, contact Alyssa Slade, program manager, at 610.790.2884 or at alyssa.slade@alvernia.edu.
Olivet Boys & Girls Club1161 Pershing Blvd., Reading610.373.1314olivetbgc.org
The organization helps youth in need, providing them with a safe, positive environment in which to thrive. Volunteers are needed to assist with tasks such as homework help, mentoring and sports activities. Background checks are required prior to being approved as a volunteer. Contact Tracy Lockhart, volunteer coordinator, at 610.373.1314 or tracy.lockhart@olivetbgc.org.
Senior Services
Berks Encore40 N. 9th St., Reading610.374.3195berksencore.org
Organization volunteers help with such services as packing and delivering Meals on Wheels, preparing taxes, grocery shopping, labeling monthly newsletters and more, aimed at aiding the Berks aging community.
Little Acts of Love Wernersville484.258.2086littleactsoflove.net
Home repairs are completed for elderly, disabled and low income homeowners at no cost by volunteers. All materials are purchased with donations from local businesses, churches and the groups attending LAL Summer Service Camps.
Environmental
Berks Nature25 N. 11th St., Reading610.372.4992berksnature.org
Become a member or donate today to help protect our environment and connect more children to nature. For more information contact Becca Gregg, communications specialist, at becca.gregg@berksnature.org.
