The Volunteer Center of Reno County, a United Way Agency, is a central clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities in Reno County. Area non-profit and governmental organizations have submitted the following requests for help. To pursue one of these or one of our other many volunteer opportunities listed with THE VOLUNTEER CENTER call 665-4960 or e-mail volunteercenter@hutchcc.edu

The FOOD BANK OF RENO COUNTY needs a clerk for Fridays. Volunteers work with two others filling food orders. Clients are screened by the Salvation Army and then bring a voucher to the Food Bank stating how much food they will receive. The volunteers at the Food Bank check the voucher and assist clients in filling their food order. Volunteers must be non-judgmental and able to keep information confidential. Some lifting is required to retrieve additional food from the coolers and to weigh donations when received.

HUTCHINSON ZOO is seeking animal care volunteers, at least 18 years of age, to assist keepers with daily animal husbandry and special projects as needed. Education assistants are also needed, at least 18 years of age, to assist with camps, classes, public programs/events, and general visitor education as needed. A marketing/events assistant volunteer is needed as well, must be at least 18 years of age. Camp assistant volunteers will also be needed for the upcoming spring break camps, March 19 to 23 and March 26 to 30.

EARLY EDUCATION CENTER will be holding their annual PTO Carnival April 7th from 2 to 4 p.m. Children ages 2 to 5 with their caregivers will be attending the carnival. Volunteers are needed to help run various games or other activities at the carnival. Must be 16 years of age to volunteer.

CIRCLES OF HOPE is a proven, comprehensive approach to ending poverty through empowering circles of relationships. The goal is to help families leave poverty by surrounding them with a network of training, encouragement and support. CIRCLE ALLIES are needed to be matched with a family to offer encouragement, guidance and friendship. Allies meet with their family at least one time per month, participate in a monthly meeting focused on eliminating community barriers to self-sufficiency and are invited to join in the weekly Community Meetings. Training is provided

AMERICAN RED CROSS needs volunteers to help during local blood drives by registering donors, escorting donors or serving lunches in the canteen. All volunteers will be contacted approximately two weeks before each blood drive to choose their work times. Volunteers must be sociable, able to walk and stand for a two to three-hour shift and be responsible and trustworthy. The next blood drive is January 29th to 31st.

SEXUAL ASSAULT AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CENTER is looking for direct responder volunteers. Volunteers are responsible for responding to calls received by shelter staff in a timely fashion and to the best of their ability. Volunteers will have a background check, direct response training, maintain confidentiality, and complete necessary logs and paperwork. Volunteers must be 18 years of age. SADVC is also looking for an events assistant to help plan/hold events in the community, as well as an office support volunteer who would provide emotional encouragement to the staff by helping with birthday parties, party planning, etc.

 SPECIAL PROJECT VOLUNTEERS are needed to help with one-time community events. The Volunteer Center assists many organizations with their events and needs additional volunteers to call on. Volunteers must be able to follow directions, be friendly, and enjoy working with groups of people.

 BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF RENO COUNTY is seeking several individuals and families to be matched with at-risk girls and boys between the ages of 5 and 17 to serve as positive influences in their lives. Volunteers are asked to make a six month to one-year commitment and meet with their little brother/sister once a week for two to four hours. Qualifications include the ability to successfully complete the application process.

STRATACA is seeking volunteer docents. Docents are responsible for all aspects of visitor tours. Volunteers provide safety instructions, operate the hoist to take visitors underground, provide information in the Gallery tour, provide a 30-minute scripted Dark Ride tour all while driving an electric cart and pulling three trailers. Volunteers must enjoy meeting new people, be comfortable speaking in front of groups, be reliable, and be able to learn the materials, safety procedures and protocol.

FRIENDSHIP MEALS is seeking several volunteer drivers to drive an agency car for the delivery of meals to homebound persons. These volunteers would only be driving; another volunteer takes the meals to the doors. A valid driver’s license and a good driving record are required for this position.

MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES is seeking volunteers to help deliver/read mail, the newspaper, stories, etc. to residents. Volunteers are also wanted for helping with manicures, scrap-booking, shopping with residents, visiting residents, helping with BINGO, and helping assist residents at the State Fair. They are also seeking a volunteer to lead their hand chimes choir. Volunteers must be willing to be flexible and accepting of people.

BUHLER SUNSHINE MEADOWS is looking for volunteers to attend and chat at men's coffee on Wednesdays, be an activities assistant any day of the week, being a one on one visitor with residents, help with gardening and planting activities, or have volunteers help with woodworking activities.

MEALS ON WHEELS needs volunteers to drive and deliver hot meals to homebound persons one day per week. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Volunteers must provide their own transportation. Training is provided.