published: Friday, October 30, 2009

Volunteer Calendar

-- Volunteers are urgently needed by The American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program here in Clermont/South Lake County. The volunteers will answer phones, stuff envelopes, secure Road to Recovery Drivers, manage the scrap book and gift closet as well as other fun and easy duties. Call Carol Borrelli at 326-9599, ext. 112.

-- Superior Residences of Clermont needs volunteers who can offer time, love and experience to enrich the lives of the residents. Training will be provided. To learn more about Helping Hands Volunteers, call Len Spatafore at 394-5549.

-- The local Community Emergency Response Team is a group of community minded volunteers from all walks of life who train together to assist local authorities such as the sheriff's department, local police departments and fire departments during times of natural or manmade disasters. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and have a willingness to help in the community. E-mail Mike Peterson at mpeterson.floridaguard@yahoo.com

-- Green Isle Children's Ranch is in need of volunteers, both individuals and groups, for the spring and summer to help in a number of ways such as tutoring, teaching woodworking skills, coaching, messenger/drivers or repair and upkeep of the buildings and grounds. The Ranch is also in need of donations. For more information, call 429-4341 or visit office@greenisleranch.org.

-- Friends of Lake Louisa State Park is looking for volunteers with administrative skills to work in their office, everything from accounting to the website and newsletter. For more information about joining the Friends of Lake Louisa State Park, call Melanie at 468-6329 or go to floridastateparks.org/lakelouisa

-- Green Isle Children's Ranch is in urgent need of volunteers to help clear and build a "Field of Dreams" baseball diamond for the residents. For more information, call 429-4341 or visit office@greenisleranch.org.

-- The Ronald McDonald House is in urgent need of volunteers to help provide a home away from home for families faced with a medical crisis for a child; they served more than 1700 families in the past year. For more information, call 407-898-6127.

-- The Zion World Wide Mission, a 501(C)(3) Public Charity, is in need of volunteers in south Lake County. Many Zion volunteers consider volunteering as their mission and are called to improve the living conditions of others around the world. Local volunteer opportunities are available in the Clermont office assisting with the administration and the reception. College Students are more than welcome.

-- Volunteer opportunities are available at the Building Blocks Ministries, Inc. Learning Center at 835 7th St., Bldg B, Suites 1 & 2 in Clermont. The Learning Center is dedicated to serving adults with developmental disabilities and is hoping to share their mission with the community. For more information, call Dr. Paula Whetro, Executive Director at 536-9264.

-- Trout Lake Nature Center needs volunteers for a variety of activities at the Nature Center. For more information or a reservation, call 357-7536.

-- Florida LAKEWATCH is looking for boating volunteers to monitor our lakes. Individualized training is provided, but is on a first come, first served basis. LAKEWATCH is coordinated through the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at the University of Florida. Call David Watson at 1-800-525-3928 for more information.

-- Give a Kid a Backpack Foundation is looking for volunteers to help with mailing, packing and events. Give a Kid a Backpack is a nonprofit organization is helping children in need around the world by providing backpacks. For more information, call 877-452-7225.

To update, delete or add items in this column, e-mail peggyrasor@dailycommercial or fax to 394-8001.