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GreaterUpperValley.com

13 Places To Volunteer In The Upper Valley

Jun 06, 2018 02:29PM ● By Linda Ditch
Summer is a great time to give back to your community and the causes that are important to you. If you have time to spare—or maybe a teen who needs volunteer hours for school—here are some places in the Upper Valley who would be glad to receive help.

American Red Cross

Anytime disaster—fire, flood, ice storm, blizzard, hurricane, etc.—happens in the Upper Valley, the local American Red Cross chapter is there to help. They have volunteer opportunities for both adults and youth. For more information and to fill out an application, go to their website www.redcross.org/local/new-hampshire-vermont/volunteer or email [email protected].


AVA Gallery and Art Center

If art is your thing, then consider volunteering at  AVA Gallery and Art Center. You can help with gallery openings, receptions, the plein air studio at the Lebanon Farmers’ Market, the teaching studios, and much more. Go to avagallery.org/about-ava/volunteering/ for more information and a volunteer form or email [email protected].


Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire

Want to help a kid in a tough situation have the confidence and inspiration he or she needs to see their dreams come true? Then consider being a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire. Just spending a fun day with a child can make a world of difference. Go to www.bbbsnh.org to apply or get more information.


Billings Farm and Museum

If spending time on a farm sounds like a fun way to spend the summer, then consider volunteering at this historic farm museum. There are a lot of different volunteer opportunities, from working in the archives or research library to being an arts and crafts, collections and exhibitions, or education volunteer. Billings Farm & Museum also has volunteer positions for kids 11 to 18 years old. Go to billingsfarm.org/volunteer/ for more info.


Bugbee Senior Center

Most senior centers in the Upper Valley need volunteers. Bugbee Senior Center in White River Junction offers meals and fun for area seniors. You can help in the dining room, deliver home meals, or drive seniors to medical appointments and errands. Go to www.bugbeecenter.org for more details.


David’s House

David's House allows families to stay together while a child is receiving treatment at the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. According to the website, “Our volunteers bake, cook, answer phones, check guests in and out, chat with families, participate in events, make quilts, and do everything possible to bring a little sunshine into our guests’ lives.” Go to davids-house.org/volunteer/ to sign up.


Enfield Shaker Museum

Be a tour guide or show off your skills as a gardener or craftsperson by volunteering at this   Enfield Shaker Museum. You can also provide office support, maintenance, landscaping, curatorial help, historical research, and event or exhibit development. Go to shakermuseum.org/volunteering.htm for info.


Lake Sunapee Region VNA and Hospice

There are a number of ways to volunteer for The Lake Sunapee Region VNA —help with administrative tasks, flu clinics, the Good Day respite program for people with memory loss, hospice, parent-child program, and the Renaissance Shoppe. To read about each of these programs in detail and fill out the volunteer form, go to lakesunapeevna.org/giving/volunteers.


Lebanon Opera House

If you enjoy the theater, this may be the place for you. Lebanon Opera House volunteers welcome guests to performances, provide directions, and help in the box office and as ushers. To sign up, log on to lebanonoperahouse.org/loh-volunteers/ or contact Assistant Director Mark Bradley at (603) 448-0400 ext. 183.


Libraries

If you love books, then contact your local library. Most are looking for volunteers to help with tasks like shelving books or assisting with special events. Check out Norwich Bookstore.


Medical Facilities

Almost every hospital and medical center uses volunteers in a number of ways, such as helping at information desks, providing clerical support, and assisting with special clinics. Log onto the websites for Dartmouth–Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC), Veterans Affairs Medical Center, or Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital to see where they need volunteers and how to sign up.


Montshire Museum of Science

Lovers of science will find a home volunteering for the Montshire Museum of Science. Opportunities include working with the programs, exhibits, fundraising, museum operations, and the annual auction. Go to www.montshire.org/about/join-our-team/volunteer for more details. If you have questions, call (802) 649-2200 or email [email protected].


Woodstock Community Food Shelf

Help eliminate hunger in your community by working at Woodstock Community Food Shelf, which is 100-percent volunteer-run. Call (802) 457-1185 to sign up or go to http://woodstockfoodshelf.org/ for more details.




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