There are many opportunities to share your time and talents with others. Listed here are opportunities provided by the 2-1-1 Information and Referral at 1025 S. 700 West, Salt Lake City. For more information, go to www.211ut.org.
Utah 4-H — Share your expertise by judging 4-H state fair exhibits. Lunch and two passes to come back and enjoy the fair will be provided. Orientation begins at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, in the Deseret Building of the state fairgrounds in Salt Lake City. For those in outlying regions, the Utah State Fair will provide mileage for carpooling and overnight lodging if needed. These are limited.
Splore — Rock On, an eight-week, indoor rock-climbing program that addresses the physical, social, emotional and psychological needs of children with autism spectrum disorders begins Sept. 1. Meetings are every Tuesday and Wednesday during September and October. Training is Aug. 25.
U.S. Dream Academy — Responsible, caring adults are needed to serve as mentors and/or volunteers for youths at risk of incarceration in a variety of capacities: homework tutor, reading tutor, Spanish tutor, help with Girl Scouts or teaching a lesson. Volunteers must pass a background check.
American Red Cross Blood Services — Spanish-speaking volunteer interpreters are needed to assist with blood donors. As interpreters, volunteers will have the opportunity to help the donor feel secure and comfortable as they escort them through the blood-donation process. The need is ongoing both during daytime and evening hours. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
FRIENDS of Great Salt Lake — Volunteers are needed to assist with field trips on the Great Salt Lake. Field trips involve working with fourth-grade children and spending approximately three hours outside at Antelope Island State Park. Trips run in fall and spring.
Heart & Soul — Individual performers, duos or trios that have a solid set of 45 minutes of live music from the 1930s, '40s and '50s are needed to bring music to seniors in care facilities who can't get out to hear a concert on their own.
Hospice Specialists — Volunteers are needed to sit with hospice patients and give caregivers a much-needed break. Volunteers must complete an orientation/training process, background check and TB test prior to visiting with patients.
Salt Lake County Aging Services — Volunteers are needed for the Alternatives Program to assist elderly people who are low income and medically frail in remaining in their home by providing activities such as friendly visiting, errands, transportation and other tasks as needed.
Friends for Sight — Become a vision screener. Volunteers will receive training to check for glaucoma and visual acuity and attend health fairs throughout the state.
People Helping People — Friendly and outgoing people are needed to maintain frequent contact with clients to encourage their participation in the free Successful Employment Program.
Community Shares Utah — Volunteers are needed to help with public relations for organization and annual golf tournament.
National Ability Center — Volunteers are needed to assist in helping individuals with disabilities do activities we offer, including alpine and cross-country skiing, cycling, horseback riding and challenge-course activities. Volunteer orientation is held at 5:30 on the third Wednesday of every month. No experience is needed.
Summer of Service 2009 — Youths ages 5-17 are invited to volunteer 211 minutes (3.5 hours) during the summer. Visit www.utahfoodbank.org for registration information. Youths who complete 211 minutes of service will receive a certificate and prizes at the SOS recognition awards on Sept. 10.