Do you have some extra time on your calendar this summer? Fill it with volunteer opportunities that match your passions and talents for a meaningful season of service. Our community runs on volunteer power. From fundraisers to advocacy, there’s no shortage of opportunities to help.
Giving back to our neighbors and the place we call home even has health benefits. Beyond gaining a sense of purpose and better understanding of our community, generous people live longer and have better mental and physical health. Volunteers experience lower blood pressure, less stress and anxiety and increased happiness. Scientists call the feel-good side effects of generosity “Giver’s Glow.” Philanthropy alters brain chemistry, giving a sense of peace and calm.
A few hours can make a big impact in the lives of others and for yourself. Here’s a list of ways you can jump in to help.
VOA MetroPark
Voice of America MetroPark relies on volunteers to keep it beautifully maintained and staffed for daily use and special events. Calling all outdoors enthusiasts and green thumbs! Assist park staff with hands-on tasks like gardening and litter collection on Community Workdays, scheduled for each third Thursday of the month during May through November. If you enjoy the park’s trails, consider serving as a Biking Monitor, Hiking Monitor or Trail Steward through the Trail Ambassador Program (TAP). Volunteers monitor, maintain and promote the trail system on a flexible schedule. For those that don’t mind getting a little wet, volunteer at the annual Crazy Cardboard Regatta on July 16. Help is needed with setup, cleanup, registration, boat inspections, the award ceremony and more at this community favorite event. Learn more and apply online or contact Elise Moeller, Manager of Volunteer Resources at MetroParks: 513.867.5835, extension 221 or emoeller@yourmetroparks.net.
YourMetroParks.net/support-us/volunteering
Senior Transportation Services
If you enjoy interacting with senior citizens, give your time to operate a community-wide transportation service for West Chester seniors. Van volunteers take clients to doctor appointments, the grocery store, the pharmacy and for recreational and social gatherings. Both drivers and dispatchers are needed. Call Monica Dexter at 513.759.3960 for details. Learn about this and other volunteer spots online.
WestChesterOH.org/our-community/volunteer-opportunities
West Chester Hospital
Volunteer to help those who are ill and their loved ones and caregivers at UC Health’s West Chester Hospital. Give your time to assist with hospitality, patient visitation, as a musician, in the gift shop or in many other service roles as needed. There are two separate volunteer programs, one for adults and the other for teens; both are ongoing, year-round. Orientation and training are provided. Apply online or contact Volunteer Services with questions at 513.298.7728.
UCHealth.com/westchesterhospital/about/volunteer-opportunities/
Food Truck Rally
Jump into action at the Food Truck Rally, sponsored by the Union Centre Boulevard Merchant Association (UCBMA) on August 12. Whistle while you work to set up, pour and serve beverages, sell tickets or teardown this annual community event featuring dozens of food trucks and live music at the Clock Tower at The Square @ Union Centre, West Chester. This year, proceeds support Edge Teen Center. Sign up for a specific job and shift online.
Fitton Center for Creative Arts
Do you have an artistic spirit and enjoy teaching children? The Fitton Center for Creative Arts is partnering with Liberty Township for a summer art experience at Fort Liberty Playland Park. Assist with set up, teaching kids an arts + crafts activity and cleanup. These family-friendly events are for volunteers ages 13 + older. The Fitton Center offers other, ongoing volunteer roles by skill and availability. Apply online or contact Caroline Digiovenale with inquiries at caroline@fittoncenter.org.
Hands Against Hunger
This nonprofit, faith-based organization in Sharonville is committed to turning hunger into hope by making food and clean water available to children in need locally, regionally and internationally. Volunteer as a part of a team to pack, seal and box high-protein food packs to be sent where needed. Spots fill quickly. See the online schedule for upcoming public sessions, offered twice each month on Saturdays, or schedule a private or mobile session for a group.
