Ever get the urge to volunteer, but then get held back by thinking, “I don’t have time?” Don’t let that stop you. Even putting in a few hours here and there can make a world of difference in our communities. Remember, a lot of a little can really add up! To that end, we get you started with some ideas for how to help right here in Berks, be it by giving a few hours or something more.
Groups of no more than six volunteers are needed to cook dinner for Safe House residents Monday through Thursday evenings. Dinner is served at 6pm; volunteers usually arrive around 4pm. Volunteers should plan to cook for 40 people, including children.
On-campus clean-up in spring and fall; sorting and wrapping gifts during the Christmas season; parking and snack bar assistants for Summer Concert Series are needed.
Join the City of Reading's 25th annual Great American Cleanup on Saturday, April 27, from 8am-1pm. Friends, family, co-workers and neighbors are all welcome to volunteer on this day of community commitment. Volunteers under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Have a kiddo that likes kitties? Stop in during regular hours and sign him or her up to be a Book Buddy and read to the cats. The cats get attention; the kids get reading time. It’s a win-win. Open to those in grades 1-8. For more info visit berksarl.org/programs/book-buddies
Help distribute snacks and drinks with a smile, while monitoring donors and making sure they are doing well after giving blood. Opportunities are available in the Blood Center and at Community Blood Drives. You choose when, where and how often you would like to volunteer.
Art for Arf's Sake Art Auction volunteers are needed to assist with check in/check out, live auction, silent auction, raffle ticket sales, bartending, and much more at the event on Saturday, April 27, 4-10pm.
Helpers are needed for Wednesday night youth events in June, July & August (serving food, decorating, hosting games, interacting with youth). Also needed in September are Over The Edge Fundraising event volunteers (a variety of roles will be available).
Looking for artists, musicians, fitness instructors, yoga instructors and more to share their talents and insights with individuals living with mental illness or dual diagnoses. Many residents do not have the means to go to live shows and classes, so staff is looking to bring the fun to them! Artists of all ages welcome. Anyone under the age of 18 should be accompanied by an adult.
Volunteers are needed to help with packaging toiletries, re-bagging pet food, and distribution of pantry materials the third Thursday of the month from 5:30-7:30pm.
Help teach financial management to those that receive financial/emergency assistance. Classes are 5 weeks long and go over a variety of topics that include making a budget. Friend needs mentors to work individually with each client to help them make a budget, create goals, and figure out ways to make their income stretch.
Work as little as three hours a month or as much as several times a week. The ReStore is open Wed-Sat, 9am to 6pm, and Sun, Noon to 6pm. Why not get a workout in while giving back? Ride along with truck drivers to pick up donations or stay in-house to help with loading and unloading customers' and donors' vehicles. It’s a great way to burn calories and stay in shape! Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. Customer service and pleasant, professional demeanor are essential for interacting with Habitat donors of goods.
Docents volunteer at least one weekend day per month; welcome visitors, staff Museum store, lead tours of rail yard, operate Munchkin Railroad, assist in interpreting Museum exhibits.
Girls on the Run Berks volunteer coaches are the heart and soul of our organization. They are women and men who take great pride in role modeling caring, connectedness, and inner strength. Coaches are from all backgrounds and communities, all ages and professions, and often, are not runners! They reflect the girls and communities we serve and can be parents/guardians, teachers, support staff, administrators or community members. Anyone who shares a common belief in the inherent strength, bravery, and limitless potential of all girls is encouraged to get involved!
Are you good at reading, writing, math or science? Want to make a difference in a child's life? Consider giving an hour of your time to a child or teen each week. Your time, compassion and knowledge can help them with homework, studying and the tools needed for a successful learning experience.
Helpers are needed for dog walking/animal enrichment, kennel and cat cage cleaning, community outreach/events, and front desk/customer service. Individuals interested in joining the volunteer team should visit humanepa.org and complete a volunteer application.
Volunteers are needed to assist with grocery shopping for Berks homebound residents ages 50 years and older at local Redner’s Warehouse Market locations. Meals on Wheels delivery drivers are also needed.
Assist participants in the Rock Steady Boxing program, an international, non-contact, boxing-inspired fitness program for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Volunteers will aid participants by helping them get stronger and feel better, supporting all aspects of classes from set-up and breakdown to providing exercise assistance and more.
A perfect opportunity for school youth ages 15 and up to gain community service hours for school. Teens can help at the Blue Mountain Camp, which runs approximately eight weeks during the summer. Volunteers play a leadership role to Olivet children ages 6-14 with everything from arts & crafts to canoeing, hiking and swimming.
