These volunteer opportunities were shared by contributors in the August/September 2018 issue.
East High School Mathematics
Do you want to make a difference at East? Community members who can assist East students at any level of mathematics are welcome as volunteers.
Get involved: To assist a student one-on-one in algebra or geometry, use the Achievement Connections direct email achievementconnections.east@gmail.com.
Contact Cynthia Chin 204-1603 ext. 41534 or cchin@madison.k12.wi.us to inquire about volunteer placements in the classroom or assisting students with advanced coursework.
Learn more: Volunteer opportunities in mathematics and in other subject areas can be viewed on the school website and at volunteeryourtime.org (find “Opportunity,” search by “Agency,” select “Madison East High School”). Listings will be updated in September for the 2017-18 academic year.
East Madison Community Center
East Madison Community Center (EMCC) will undergo a complete interior makeover thanks to Design for a Difference-Madison. The renovation will include new flooring, paint, furniture and decorative finishes. The work will be done by hundreds of businesses and individuals who volunteer time, materials and manpower to implement the design.
Get involved: If you’re interested in helping EMCC prepare for the remodel, contact De’Kendrea Stamps at dstamps@eastmadisoncc.com to volunteer.
FEED Bakery Training Program
The FEED Bakery Training Program provides vocational training to un/underemployed individuals seeking new job skills and connects graduates of the program with living wage jobs. FEED Bakery sells its products at local retailers to help cover the cost of the training program. Volunteer to help staff a booth at the Northside Farmers Market on Sundays (8 am–12 pm through Oct. 21) with Bakery students and staff.
Get involved: Email Brendon at manager@feedbakery.org.
Learn more: Visit feedbakery.org.
NESCO Home Chore Program
Since 1986, NESCO’s Home Chore Program has matched volunteers with limited-income senior adults to assist with basic home chores to help them remain independent and in their own homes. This is a free service for adults 60 and older.
There are many ways to get involved with this program: doing light housecleaning, grocery and pet food delivery, yard work, friendly visits and much more. We welcome anyone willing to commit their time, skills and energy to make a difference in someone’s life. Our volunteers say this opportunity often flourishes into a lasting friendship. This opportunity can be flexible with your schedule because we work with you and the older adult to find times and days that work best for both of you.
Apply: nescoinc.org/volunteer or pick up an application at the NESCO office at Warner Park Community Recreation Center
Learn more: Contact volunteer coordinator Larry Jolon, 243-5252, ljolon@nescoinc.org
NorthGate Neighbors Market
A new Northside market began this summer bringing food carts, local vendors and live music to FEED Kitchens on Wednesday evenings from 4–8 pm. The market will run through Wednesday, August 22.
Get involved: Contact Martee at feedmanager@northsidemadison.org to help with set-up, clean-up or get involved in winter planning for next year’s market.
Northside Farmers Market
Have you have ever wondered how the dining and information booth tents, tables, chairs, cones and signs along Northport Drive and Sherman Avenue are set up each week? It starts at 7:30 am each Sunday with a dedicated group of volunteers —your neighbors, friends and some who don’t actually live on the Northside.
Our list of volunteers is getting shorter, but our need to keep the market well organized and running smoothly is as great as ever. Please consider joining our volunteer team and making a difference for this important Northside asset.
The Northside Farmers Market happens every Sunday from May 6‒Oct. 21, 8:30 am–12:30 pm, at the Northside TownCenter. Our location makes it easy to get to by walking, bus, bicycle or car, with plenty of parking available.
Get involved: Stop by the information booth at the next market and put your name and email on the volunteer sheet. Our treasurer, Winnie, sends a reminder email each week and people sign up for the various shifts. You can also visit northsidefarmersmarket.org/get-involved.
Learn more: Sign up for our newsletter and find us on Facebook to join our page and receive updates.
Northside News Delivery
Help your local neighborhood newspaper reach Northside businesses. Volunteer delivery routes run once every two months. Volunteers must have their own vehicle and be able to carry newspapers into local businesses.
Get involved: Contact editor@northsidenews.org to learn more.
River Food Pantry
In the past year, The River has provided 33,012 household visits, distributed 2.4 million pounds of food and 65,946 nutritional lunches to children and teens on non-school days and served 33,323 community meals. Every pantry session requires 25–30 volunteers and 50–70 volunteers for Friday night dinners. In all, over 45,000 volunteer hours were logged last year.
The River has been out of space for years in the old warehouse and they want to move to a larger and more adequate facility. They envision becoming a holistic services hub, providing food and connecting clients with other essential services that promote household stability.
Get involved: Community partners and volunteers interested in helping The River move to the next chapter are encouraged to contact Charles McLimans at 442-8815 or charles@riverfoodpantry.org.
Learn more: Visit www.riverfoodpantry.org to volunteer, support or donate.
RSVP Driver Services
As an RSVP driver, you’ll provide rides to medical appointments for older adults in Dane County who don’t have access to car, bus, family or friends to transport them. Volunteer drivers use their own vehicles and are reimbursed for mileage. The driving schedule is very flexible. You can choose to drive as often as you like and select the days that work best for you. You’ll receive a call when we have a ride request and can accept or decline based on your schedule.
In Dane County communities outside of Madison, RSVP works with local senior centers to deliver hot, nutritious meals. This program improves the health and quality of life of older adults and allows them to remain in their homes. Drivers who deliver meals also enjoy flexible scheduling.
Get involved: If you are interested in driving for RSVP, contact Mary Schmelzer, driver services co-manager, at 441-7896 or mschmelzer@rsvpdane.org.
Learn more: www.rsvpdane.org/volunteer
Warner Park Community Recreation Center – Circle of Friends
The CoF will be selling cookies on Election Day, Aug. 14. We always need more volunteer cookie bakers. If you have a couple of hours and want to help raise money for the feasibility studies and to keep the WPCRC the best it can be, we welcome your help.
Membership in the CoF is open to all residents that use the WPCRC and want to be a part of its continuing growth and success. Board members are selected from CoF members that have volunteered to help and have the time to participate on a working board. Our board members are all volunteers, we have no paid staff. New members and volunteers are always welcome.
Get involved: Contact dborchardt1@charter.net.