The Sarah R. Neuman Center for Healthcare and Rehabilitation is in need of gentle and well-behaved animals of any kind (and their owners) to be pet visitors. Pet visitors are scheduled for an hour to an hour and a half on any day of the week to visit with residents. The residents enjoy visiting and playing with the pet, often reminiscing about having a pet of their own. On the first interview, please bring only the photographs of your pet. For the application, the Center requires a letter from a veterinarian stating that the animal is gentle, well-behaved, and would make a good pet visitor with the elderly. Contact Amy Lionheart at 864-5140 or ALionheart@jhha.org for information.

The Animal Defenders of Westchester is in need of people who want to help animals by writing letters, making phone calls, visiting schools, distributing literature and meeting with politicians to present information about animal-user circuses, rodeos, factory farms, puppy mills and all animal protection issues. The group advocates all over Westchester County. No special skills are required; volunteers need only have a sincere wish to help those who have no voice and no choice. People even have the opportunity to volunteer right from home. Contact Kiley Blackman at 595-6856 or adow@adow.org for more information.

The Central Westchester Humane Society Elmsford Animal Shelter is seeking volunteers to spend time holding and petting animals. Volunteers can come seven days a week, any time between 11:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. for a couple of hours a week. Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older and be dedicated and respectful of animals. For more information, contact the shelter at 592-7334, 592-7362, or info@elmsfordanimalshelter.com .   

This issue of Volunteer Connection was written by Elena Reyes, associate, community outreach and communications, The Volunteer Center of United Way. For a list of volunteer activities, visit volunteer-center.org or call The Volunteer Center at 948-4452.

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Other Volunteer Opportunities
The Lord’s Pantry is in dire need of volunteer drivers to deliver meals to people living with AIDS in White Plains and surrounding towns. Meals are picked up at St. Bernard’s Church in White Plains and delivered between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. For more information, call Joan McGovern at 328-0629.
St. Vincent’s Hospital Westchester in Harrison has volunteer opportunities available in both patient and non-patient-related areas for those wishing to donate their time. New opportunities are available in the hospital’s front-desk reception area, assisting with greeting and directing family members and visitors. Training and orientation are provided for all volunteer positions. For more information, contact Grace Mastoras at 925-5563. St. Vincent’s Westchester provides inpatient and outpatient mental health and chemical dependency services for children, adolescents, adults and their families.   

It is not easy living with HIV/AIDS, especially when you are just a kid. But thanks to over 60 volunteers, there is a place where families affected by HIV/AIDS can relax and be themselves.

Camp Viva is the kind of place where laughter and tears can happen within minutes of each other, and it is the kind of place where life-long friends are made. “Camp Viva gave me the opportunity to really make a difference in a child’s life. That’s what keeps me coming back as a volunteer every year. It’s what we at Viva call the Love Bomb!” said Anthony, who has been volunteering since 2003.

Five volunteers are still needed to participate in this one-week sleep-away camp. “We have volunteers who have participated every year since camp began 14 years ago…many of our long-term volunteers were unable to commit to the full week this year due to the start of some schools,” said Robert Cestone, the camp director.

Individuals who would like to volunteer for the week as counselors are currently being sought. Volunteers should be energetic individuals who like to work with youth and who have a big heart.

Camp week is from Friday, August 22 to Wednesday, August 27. There is also a full one-day training and orientation on Saturday, August 16. Volunteers should be interviewed and have an application completed no later than Thursday, August 14.

If interested, contact Cestone at 275-6771 or rcestone@fsw.org . Camp Viva is a program of Family Services of Westchester; you can learn more at fsw.org .   

This issue of Volunteer Connection was written by Shannon Cobb, director, community outreach and communications, The Volunteer Center of United Way. For more information about additional volunteer opportunities, visit volunteer-center.org or contact The Volunteer Center of United Way at 948-4452.

Without volunteer coaches, assistants and helpers, youth sports programs would not be able to function. Was playing sports as a kid one of the most memorable times of your life? Now you have the chance to let the younger generation have the same experience as you did and give something back to the sport you love. Although there are many opportunities, here are just a few in the area.

White Plains Y.T.L. is seeking volunteers who love sports and want to share their enthusiasm with kids. They are looking for people to be a part of their Pop Warner organization to work with youth ages five to 12 years. Volunteers can help out at practices and game days as concession workers, chain crew, and assistant coaches. On-the-job training is provided. Contact Darryl Francis at 815-0296 or Reality1747@yahoo.com .

South East Consortium is an agency that provides community-based therapeutic recreation programs and services for those with disabilities. It is starting its own Special Olympics, and needs volunteer coaches. Competitions will be in swimming, basketball, track and field, bowling, tennis and golf. Volunteers should love working and playing with kids. Basketball program helpers are also needed on weekdays in the mornings and/or afternoons to work consistently with 10 to 15 kids who have disabilities. Volunteers play and enjoy basketball exercises, drills and games with the kids. Contact Dawn Calle at 698-5232 or  dlopezcalle@secrec.org .    

For a list of volunteer activities, please go to volunteer-center.org or call The Volunteer Center at 948-4452. This issue of Volunteer Connection was written by Elena Reyes, associate, community outreach and communications, The Volunteer Center of United Way.