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 — Volunteers are needed to judge 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 at the Utah State Fairpark in Salt Lake City. For those in outlying regions, the Utah State Fair will provide mileage for carpooling and overnight lodging if needed.
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, starts Tuesday, Sept. 1. Meetings are every Tuesday and Wednesday during September and October.
American Diabetes Association — Volunteers are needed to help with Step Out for Diabetes, a walk on Sept. 26 at Hogle Zoo. Food, zoo admission and a T-shirt are provided. Four hours of service would be helpful.
The ESL Center — Volunteers are needed to teach English to adult immigrants and refugees three to five hours per week. Classes are taught at times and locations that are convenient to both the tutor and the student.
American Red Cross Blood Services — Volunteer Spanish interpreters are needed to assist Spanish-speaking blood donors. Interpreters will have the opportunity to help donors 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.
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.
National Ability Center — Volunteers are needed to help individuals with disabilities doing activities such as alpine and cross-country skiing, cycling, horseback riding and challenge-course activities. Volunteer orientation is at 5:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of every month. No experience is needed; volunteers will be trained.
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.
FRIENDS of Great Salt Lake — Volunteers are needed to assist with field trips on the Great Salt Lake. Field trips involve working with fourth-graders 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-50s are needed to bring music to seniors in care facilities who can't get out to hear a concert on their own.
Salt Lake County Aging Services — Volunteers are needed in the Alternatives Program to assist elderly 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 — Volunteers are needed to become vision screeners. Volunteers will receive training on how to check for glaucoma and visual acuity and will attend health fairs throughout the state.
People Helping People — Friendly and outgoing people are needed to maintain frequent contact with clients to encourage participation in the free Successful Employment Program.
Community Shares Utah — Volunteers are needed to help with public relations for organization and annual golf tournament.
Summer of Service 2009 — Youths ages 5-17 are invited to volunteer 211 minutes (3 1/2 hours) during the summer. Visit www.utahfoodbank.com for registration information. Youths who complete 211 minutes of service will receive a certificate and prizes at the SOS recognition awards on Sept. 10.