Volunteers are needed to help mentally ill individuals with daily physical therapy at the Utah State Hospital, said Keith Horton, volunteer coordinator.
The Physical Therapy Department is looking for volunteers who are willing to come in once or twice a week for about an hour or two and provide the extra pair of helping hands the therapists desperately need, Horton said."We have really enjoyed the great volunteer support from the BYU students," Horton said. "But what we really need is community citizens to help because many of the students graduate and leave or they don't attend spring and summer semesters."
Volunteers will be working either with small groups or one-on-one. Volunteers will receive an orientation. Volunteers are needed from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday.
The Youth Unit at the Utah State Hospital also needs volunteers to donate clothes, men's and women's sweats of all sizes, nightgowns/pajamas, single size quilts, and personal hygiene items. Puzzles, board games, cards, paperback books and current magazines are also needed.
"We are also looking toward utilizing more volunteers in other departments and services in the hospital," Horton said.
Other community volunteer opportunities include:
- The Professional Clothing Source is a shop for women who are forced to enter the workplace but do not have the appropriate attire. They need volunteers to help staff the shop every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. After training, volunteers will assist clients in planning a professional wardrobe and instruct them how to care for the clothing. Volunteers are also needed to help sort, mend and iron donated clothes, and repair jewelry. Donations of professional attire (especially large sizes), steamer, television and dry cleaning services are needed.
- Payson Read, a literacy program for adults, needs volunteers to help with clerical work. Volunteers are also needed for public relations, speakers bureau, and student/tutor coordinator.
- Volunteers are needed to collect and donate personal hygiene kits for the S.P.I.E.D. program.
For more information on these and other volunteer opportunities, call the United Way Volunteer Center at 374-8108.