WORTHINGTON -- The holidays are often referred to as the season of giving, and what greater gift can a person give than the gift of time?
Local volunteer agencies including RSVP and Community Education rely heavily on volunteers to perform needed services in Worthington and throughout Nobles County.
Right now, both agencies are seeing a shortage in helpers.
Susan Fratzke, an AmeriCorps VISTA coordinator through District 518 Community Education, seeks volunteers to help with some new literacy programs being offered for both children and adults.
With more than 940 people served through community education last year, Fratzke said her goal is to increase the number of volunteers to provide classroom aid in after-school programs and with adults in the English, GED and citizenship classes.
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"No prior tutoring or teaching experience is needed," Fratzke said. Volunteers are asked to take part in a training session, however, with the next one scheduled for Nov. 16. Pre-registration for the training is requested by calling Fratzke at 372-1219.
"Anyone who is open to working with people, is patient and has an open mind (is welcome)," she said. Retired teachers, members of service organizations and youth group participants are especially encouraged to volunteer.
"A lot of volunteers are retired and looking for a way to get involved," Fratzke said.
The time commitment can range from one hour to several hours per week. After school classes are offered Monday through Thursday, tutors are needed for about two hours per week and volunteer drivers are needed approximately once per month.
Fratzke is working with RSVP coordinator Joanne Bartosh in the quest to find volunteers. RSVP is part of the Senior Corps.
"We're kind of a new partnership," said Bartosh. "It's good for us to be collaborating."
Among the volunteer opportunities available through RSVP are:
* Individuals are needed to help deliver meals to clients of Worthington Senior Dining after a third route was added. The time commitment is approximately one hour per day, Monday through Friday.
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* The ARC Thrift Store needs volunteers to help sort and display donations, operate the cash register and do some cleaning.
* People with experience operating a cash register are needed to help at Bibles for Missions and Recycled Treasures.
* Volunteer drivers are needed to deliver clients of local agencies to medical appointments, job interviews and work-related activities. Drivers must attend a volunteer driver training, and submit to a criminal background check, health screen and automobile screen. Mileage reimbursements are offered.
* People who like to do quilting and sewing projects are needed to help prepare quilts and fleece blankets for Nobles County residents in need. Donations of quilting materials are available to registered RSVP volunteers to make the quilts.
* Individuals are needed for RSVP's respite program. Volunteers will help family caregivers take time for themselves. Volunteers must complete a respite volunteer training, submit to a background check and agree to respect the confidentiality of clients.
* The RSVP Bone Builders program seeks volunteers interested in starting another group within Nobles County.
To volunteer with RSVP, call Bartosh at 295-5262.
