Project Read, an organization that encourages the development of basic literacy skills through one-on-one instruction in reading and writing, needs volunteers to tutor adults and children.
Volunteers are asked to give an eight-month commitment to coming twice a week for one to 1 1/2 hours each time. Training is provided for all volunteers.Participating with Project Read changes the lives of the students as it raises their literacy level, self-esteem and improves their reading and writing skills so they can become more productive and function well within society. Volunteers should have a love of reading they want to share with others.
Volunteers affect eternity, never knowing where their influence stops. They change lives, open locked doors and give freedom of choice to those trapped in prisons of illiteracy, said Lynne Shumway , director of Project Read.
Kay Hatch, Project Read volunteer said, "It is a marvelous opportunity. I've loved it! I have tutored three Korean students. I would not give up this opportunity for anything. I was not aware of how many people need help."
If you want to get away from daily problems, get involved with Project Read and give.
Other volunteer opportunities available throughout Utah County include the following:
- Help can food for homeless and low-income families and individuals. Volunteers are needed to can chili Thursday, June 27, and Friday, June 28, from 1 to 4 p.m., 4 to 8 p.m. or 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- Volunteers are also needed Monday, July 1 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. or 9 a.m. to noon. Individuals and groups of up to 18 are needed. Volunteers must be at least 16. The chili will be donated to agencies that serve individuals and families who are in need of help. Some of these agencies include Community Action Services, which provides food for low-income families; Food and Care Coalition which serves hot meals to the homeless; and the Family Support and Treatment Center, which treats potentially abused children.
Volunteer shift leaders are also needed during this humanitarian project. Shift leaders would show new volunteers the tasks to be completed and will participate in the canning process.
- Volunteer with the Family Friends Program.
The Family Friends Program matches volunteers age 55 and older with children who are 12 years and younger who have special needs. Volunteers must be caring and want an ongoing relationship with a child and family. Volunteers visit once a week and share time and affection with children. Those awaiting family friends include a 4-year-old Orem girl who loves to do puzzles and read books, and a 3-year-old boy with epilepsy, who loves animals and baseball.
Volunteers can read stories, play games, listen to music, help with homework, assist with personal care skills, support an overworked parent, talk with the children and truly make a difference in the lives of others.
For more information about these and other volunteer opportunities throughout Utah County, call the United Way Volunteer Center at 374-8108.