Volunteer Opportunities for September 4, 2010 WISCONSIN RAPIDS PARK & RECREATION Need some volunteer hours? Like to gain some GREAT work experience? Enjoy working with children? If YES… we have the perfect program for you! Become part of the Wisconsin Rapids Park & Recreation gymnastics team through the “Teen for Kids” Program! Training and seasonal [...]

Factory workers and community leaders, bank tellers, engineers, top executives and small business owners, all are stepping into classrooms. In cities, suburbs, throughout the rural communities in Wisconsin, and around the world, these volunteers change students' lives as Junior Achievement volunteers. Since 1988, Wisconsin students in kindergarten through 12th grade have been brought face to face with volunteers who have opened their eyes to business and economics through Junior Achievement. Thanks to a growing number of contributors, volunteers, and educators, 4,461 Portage & Wood County students benefited from Junior Achievement last year. We rely on the participation of community volunteers. Because of you, students across the state are learning and achieving. And to us, there is nothing more inspiring. Thank you! Volunteers should be 18+ years of age.

LOVE HORSES? LOVE KIDS? Jeremiah's Crossing may be the place for you. Jeremiah's Crossing is a therapeutic horseback-riding ranch for children with special needs. Volunteers help make this opportunity available at no cost to families. We are currently accepting applications for Side Walkers and Horse Leaders! Side Walkers need to be comfortable walking alongside a horse, assisting children in their effort to stay in the saddle and follow instructions given by the instructor. Horse Leaders are responsible for taking care of the horse, grooming, tacking, leading and helping the horse help the children. The horses are well trained. The ranch staff will train you in handling techniques specific to our horses. Volunteers must be 15 years and older to be a Horse Leader and 14+ to be a Side Walker. Training will be provided for all volunteers. A background check will be requested.

Volunteers are needed for the Harvest Fair on September 18, 2010. The Harvest Fair will include fall harvest produce. There will be apple cider and sauerkraut making. Old time tractors and farm equipment will be on the site. All buildings on site will be open for touring. Volunteers are needed to be gate keepers. They will take the money from our guests. No special requirements are needed.

The Lowell Center is looking for someone who is willing to teach a class how to play contract bridge. A class session is offered once or twice a year and lesson books are provided. Class participants are recruited by office staff. Lessons are prepared by instructor. Instructor should be able to speak clearly and some standing is necessary.

Event volunteers are needed for the “Cruise In to Benefit Jeremiah’s Crossing, Saturday August 29, 2010 from 9am-5pm at Dexter Park. Jeremiah's Crossing is holding a fundraiser to benefit the ranch. If you volunteer to help with this event you will be helping Jeremiah's Crossing continue its commitment to provide horseback-riding lessons to kids with special needs at no cost to their families. The Cruise In is open to any custom or classic car, truck, motorcycle, or tractor. The public is welcome to attend, as well. Volunteers are needed to help park cars, hand out information, keep the grounds clean, and any other duties that will keep this event running smoothly. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old.

Volunteers are needed for the Harvest Fair on September 18, 2010. The Harvest Fair will include fall harvest produce. There will be apple cider and sauerkraut making. Old time tractors and farm equipment will be on the site. All buildings on site will be open for touring. Volunteers are needed to be gate keepers. They will take the money from our guests. No special requirements are needed.

The Family Center, Inc. is in need of kitchen items, including: silverware and cooking utensils, pots and pans that are dishwasher safe, and a small counter-top microwave; the Family Center also needs paper products such as paper towels, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products and baby wipes.

Dance volunteers are needed to set up, do food preparation and serve food, to ticket sales and check-in, and to help with clean up. Each volunteer position requires only 1-2 hours of commitment. There is a dance held occasionally at the Lowell Center and volunteers are needed to: arrange tables and chairs, set up supplies, make coffee, arrange snacks, sell soda, distribute refreshments, sell tickets, clear and wash dishes, clean the kitchen and put away tables and chairs. Volunteers need to be 50 years or better.

The Cultural Center has a wonderful opportunity for those interested in supporting the Arts in a very social setting. The reception volunteer has shifts at 10am-12:30 or 12:30-3pm, Monday, Wednesday or Friday; 5:00 – 7:00pm on Thursdays; or 10:00am – 12:00pm on Saturday. This need requires a friendly and helpful personality. Volunteer will be answering phones, greeting visitors, sharing information on upcoming gallery exhibits, workshops and classes, and some ticket sales to the area Arts performances. All volunteers participate in an annual 2 hour workshop. All other training is done at the Center on the volunteer's shift. The position requires very little training.