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A year of giving back

Give back to your community all year long

As January rolls over people see the new year as an opportunity to be a better version of themselves. A great way to grow as an individual is by getting involved with your local community.

Many organizations often need volunteers throughout the year. By volunteering your time you can help your fellow neighbor, help an event run more smoothly and even boost a programs success.

Below are upcoming events and organizations that are in need of volunteers for 2018. Take some time to sit down and look through the list of opportunitys to give back and make a positive impact on your community!

Contact individual organizations to get started.

JANUARY

American Cancer Society needs volunteer drivers for the Road to Recovery. Volunteers will take people to and from cancer treatment appointments. Volunteers must be between 18 and 84, possess a valid driver’s license and insurance, be willing to complete a background and DMV check, and be able to select rides from a computer program. For more information, visit www.cancer.org/drive.

American Rescue Workers are in need of volunteers throughout the year to help out in its thrift stores, warehouse and in the shelter kitchen at 643 Elmira St. For more information, or to complete an online volunteer form, visit www.arwwilliamsport.org/volunteer.

Family Promise of Lycoming County Inc. is in continuous need of volunteers at the day center. Basic duties include office work, helping move guests into their homes, cleaning, organizing, data entry and website updates. For more information, call Melissa Magargle at 570-567-7103.

STEP Office of Aging Ombudsman Program has volunteers trained and certified by the state Department of Aging in the investigation and resolution of complaints made by, or on behalf of, consumers of long-term care services. Ombudsmen help consumers voice concerns and exercise their rights, in order to protect the dignity, well-being and quality of life for individuals age 60 and over, in various care settings. To become an Ombudsman this year, call 570-601-9557.

FEBRUARY

Feb. 6–Save lives by donating blood during one of he many blood drives in the area. Donate blood from 1-6 p.m. at Woodward Fire Company, 4147 North Route 220, Linden. Other blood drives in the area this month will be held at various locations Feb. 9, 14, 15, 19, 21, 22, 23, 27 and 28. For more information about American Red Cross, visit www.redcrossblood.org.

Feb. 13 — The Muscular Dystrophy Association will hold its annual MDA fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Benjamin Ballroom, 340 Hughes St. “Jailbirds” ask friends and family for “bail,” which will be donated to MDA to aid in its mission of curing muscular dystrophy, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and related diseases. To become a “jailbird,” call 610-391-1977 or visit www.mda.org.

American Rescue Workers are in need of donations for resale to fund homeless and hunger prevention programs. Household items, furniture and clothing can be donated and brought to 643 Elmira St., or call 570-323-8401 for pickup.

It is “Love My Little League” Month at the World of Little League Museum, 525 Route 15, South Williamsport. Help a local league win 100 free shoulder patches by showing love for your league.

The YWCA Northcentral PA, 815 W. Fourth St., is in need of Wise Options volunteers. Official training will be provided to become certified as a victim advocate and answer the 24/7 crisis hotline or meet victims at the emergency room or hospital. For more information, contact Anna Thompson, communications and development manager, at 570-322-4637, ext. 159 or email athompson@ywcawilliam sport.org.

Favors Forward Foundation receives requests throughout the year from various families and individuals who are facing life-changing hardships and do not receive government support. All clients are expected to “pay it forward” in some manner as soon as they are able to. For more information, call 272-209-2119 or visit favorsforward.weebly.com.

MARCH

March 2 — Save lives by donating blood during one of the many blood drives in the area. Donate blood from 1-6 p.m. at American Legion Post #1, 10 E. Third St. Other blood drives in the area this month will be held at various locations March 13, 16, 19, 20, 21, 23, 28 and 31. For more information about American Red Cross, visit, www.redcrossblood.org.

March 23 — The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Lock Haven University event will be held at 6 p.m. at Lock Haven University, 401 N. Fairview St., Lock Haven.

March 23 — The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Lycoming College event will be held from 5 p.m. March 23 to 5 a.m. March 24 at the Lycoming College Recreation Center, 700 College Place. Community members are welcome to attend and support the ACS.

American Rescue Workers recycles, refurbishes, resells and distributes donated items to benefit individuals and families who are in emergency situations. Volunteers are needed to help with pick-up, sorting, cleaning, repairing, retailing and logistics management. To help contact American Rescue Workers at 570-323-8401 ext. 117.

Favors Forward Foundations is in need of volunteers for Raise the Region throughout March. For more information call 272-209-2119 or visit favorsforward.weebly.com.

APRIL

April 1 — Recruitment for AmeriCorps Service Members for the 2018-2019 term begins. For more information, 570-326-0587 or view the listing on www.stepcorp.org.

April 2 — American Rescue Workers is in need of volunteers to serve a public Easter dinner. Dinner is served from 4 to 7 p.m. with volunteers needed for prep, serving and clean up from 3-7 p.m. Volunteers also are needed the week prior to Easter for dinner prep. To sign up, contact American Rescue Workers at 570-323-8401 ext. 117.

April 3 — American Rescue Workers will hold its spring charity auction at 5 p.m. in the warehouse at 643 Elmira St. Donations can be dropped off anytime. Proceeds benefit the ARW’s hunger and homelessness prevention programs. For more information, call 570-323-8401, ext. 111.

April 3 — Save lives by donating blood during one of the many blood drives in the area. Donate blood from 1-6 p.m. at Woodward Fire Company, 4147 N. Route 220, Linden. For more information about American Red Cross blood drives, visit www.redcrossblood.org.

April 6 — Relay For Life of Bucknell University event will be held from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Bucknell University, 701 Moore Ave., Lewisburg.

April 7 — The World of Little League Museum, 525 Route 15, South Williamsport, is hosting an Open House. Highlights include two Behind-the-Scenes tours giving visitors exclusive access to the Creighton J. Hale International Grove, Howard J. Lamade Stadium and Volunteer Stadium. There is no charge for admission for the museum and tours. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..

April 20 — The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Mansfield University event will be held at 5 p.m. at the Mansfield University Kelchner Fitness Center, 80 Clinton St., Mansfield.

April 21 — Favors Forward Foundation is in need of volunteers for Clean Up Day. For more information call 272-209-2119 or visit favorsforward.weebly.com

April 29 — The American Cancer Society’s Bark For Life at the South Williamsport Park Complex from 1-3 p.m. To register your dog, contact the ACS office at 570-326-4149 or email staff partner Ellen Bokeko at ellen.bokeko@cancer.org.

MAY

May 5 — Family Promise of Lycoming County Inc. is holding their Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast at First UMC, 604 Market St., from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call Melissa Magargle at 570-567-7103.

May 5 — The National Multiple Sclerosis Society will hold its Walk MS event at 11 a.m. at Pennsylvania College of Technology. Walk MS helps us team up with friends, loved ones and co-workers to change the world for everyone affected by MS. Registration starts 10 a.m. For more information, contact the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at 1-888-344-4867 or visit WalkMS.org.

May 13 — Bring your mother to the World of Little League Museum, 525 Route 15, South Williamsport, and she will receive free admission. The first 50 also will receive a surprise.

May 17-20 — The Keystone Trails Association’s Trail Care is in need of volunteers to improve Black Forest Trail through sidehill digging, brushcutting, lopping and freshening of painted blazes. The KTA will host a free day of camping at Black Forest Trail in northern Lycoming County at the Pump Station Fire Tower site off of PA 44N. For more information contact Jenn Ulmer at 570-854-8316, hawk2373@yahoo.com or visit www.kta-hike.org.

May 18 — The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Clinton County event will be held at 4 p.m. at the Riverview Park, Farrandsville Road, Lock Haven.

May 18 — Relay For Life of Tri Town event will be held from 4 p.m. at the Hughesville High School, 349 Cemetery St., Hughesville.

May 28-Sept. 3 — From Memorial Day through Labor Day the World of Little League Museum, 525 Route 15, South Williamsport, will join 2,000 museums nationwide that offer special rates or complimentary tickets for active military and up to five family members.

Favors Forward Foundation is looking for sponsors for their Send a Child to Camp program. For more information call 272-209-2119 or visit favorsforward.weebly.com.

It is “Love My Little League” Month at the World of Little League Museum, 525 Route 15, South Williamsport. Help a local league win 100 free shoulder patches by showing love for your league.

STEP is looking for volunteers to help distribute fruit and vegetable vouchers in Lycoming and Clinton counties. For more information, contact Jane Thompson at the STEP Office of Aging at 570-601-5828.

JUNE

June 1-2 — The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of River Valley event will be held at 4 p.m. at the South Williamsport Park Complex, Southern Ave., South Williamsport.

June 2 — The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Sullivan County event will be held at 10 a.m. at the Sullivan County Fairgrounds, RR 1, Forksville.

June 9 — The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Bradford County at Wyalusing event will be held at 10 a.m. at the Wyalusing Valley Junior Senior High School, 11364 Wyalusing New Albany Rd., Wyalusing.

June 9 — The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of The Coal Region event will be held at 10 a.m. at the MCA Silver Bowl, W. Third St., Mount Carmel.

June 15 — The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Susquehanna Valley event will be held at 2 p.m. at the Lewisburg MS Pawling Athletic Complex, 1 Fairground Road, Lewisburg.

June 17 — It is “Have a Catch for Father’s Day” at the World of Little League Museum, 525 Route 15, South Williamsport, for free admission. Dads, moms and children who have tickets to the museum will have the opportunity to play catch on Lamade Stadium, where the Little League Baseball World Series is held.

JULY

July 12 — American Rescue Workers is hosting a PM Exchange in conjunction with the Lycoming County Chamber of Commerce, 643 Elmira St. Register at www.williamsport.org.

July 14 — The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Tioga County event will be held at 10 a.m. at The Green, Wellsboro Park, Wellsboro.

July 12 — American Rescue Workers is hosting a PM Exchange in conjunction with the Lycoming County Chamber of Commerce at 643 Elmira St. Register at www.williamsport.org.

July 19, 20 and 21 — American Rescue Workers is in need of volunteers to help with their Parking Lot Sale to sell outdoor furniture and larger summer items to fund the hunger and homelessness prevention programs. Call 570-323-8401, ext. 117 for more information.

Meals on Wheels volunteers are needed throughout the year. Volunteer opportunities include runners, drivers and meal packers. The Meals on Wheels program operates Monday through Friday and provides hot home-delivered meals to more than 400 home-bound seniors in Lycoming and Clinton counties. Interested persons can contact the STEP Office of Aging, 2138 Lincoln St., at 570-323-3096 or email step@stepcorp.org.

AUGUST

Aug. 15 — Family Promise of Lycoming County Inc. is in need of volunteers for the Little League help setting up and walkers for the Little League parade. For more information, call Melissa Magargle at 570-567-7103.

Aug. 16-26 — Family Promise of Lycoming County Inc. needs volunteers all day, every day to help park cars at Beiter’s, 560 Montgomery Pike, South Williamsport. All proceeds benefit Family Promise. For more information, call Melissa Magargle at 570-567-7103.

Aug. 17-19 –The Mid State Trial Association’s Trail needs volunteers to help improve Pennsylvania’s longest and wildest trail in the Woolrich region through sidehill digging, brushcutting, lopping and freshening of painted blazes. There will be free camping available at Little Pine State Park near Waterville. For more information contact Joe Healey at jnlhealey@aol.com or visit www.hike-mst.org.

Favors Forward Foundation is looking for sponsors this month for its Send a Student Back to School program. It is estimated that it costs approximately $200 to adequately outfit a child (shoes, coat and school supplies) for school each year. To “adopt a student” or for more information call 272-209-2119 or visit favorsforward.weebly.com.

Road to Recovery volunteer drivers are needed all year long to transport cancer patients to and from doctor’s appointments and other daily activities. For more information, call the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345.

The YWCA Northcentral PA, 815 W. Fourth St., is in need of Liberty House volunteers to watch children for a few hours a week while their mothers are in class to learn budgeting, parenting skills, nutrition and other tools to work toward self-sufficiency. For more information, contact Anna Thompson, communications and development manager, at 570-322-4637, ext. 159.

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 22 — It is “Museum Day Live!” at the World of Little League Museum, 525 Route 15, South Williamsport. This is an annual celebration of boundless curiosity hosted by Smithsonian Magazine. Entry is free here and at other participating museums with a Museum Day Live! Visit www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/ for more information.

American Cancer Society needs office volunteers during the year to help work days or hours convenient to them from 9 a.m. to noon or noon to 3 p.m. at the Susquehanna Health Cancer Center, 1100 Grampian Blvd., or at the ACS office, 1948 E. Third St. For more information, call Jolie Gibson at 570-326-4140 or email at jolie.gibson@cancer.org.

Lycoming County Special Olympics is in need of volunteers for committee, coaching and fundraising events throughout the year. For more information, call 570-218-9661, email mfollmer19@gmail.com or visit www.solyco.org.

STEP Office of Aging volunteers are needed throughout the year to assist at senior centers or lead activities, including art classes, fitness classes, arts and crafts and more. For more information, call STEP Office of Aging, 2138 Lincoln St., at 570-323-3096 or email step@stepcorp.org.

Williamsport Bicycle Recycle, a non-profit community bicycle shop in the Pajama Factory, 1307 Park Ave., needs volunteers throughout the year to help with their teen and adult bicycle repair programs. For more information call 570-916-2940 or email williamsportbicyclerecy cle@gmail.com.

The YWCA Northcentral PA, 815 W. Fourth St., has volunteer opportunities year round in The Boutique helping customers, preparing items for sale and decorating the show windows and mannequins. Shop hours are 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The YWCA also is accepting donations of gently used women’s clothing and jewelry for the boutique. For more information, contact Anna Thompson, communications and development manager, at 570-322-4637 ext. 159 or visit www.ywcawilliamsport.org.

OCTOBER

Oct. 2 — American Rescue Workers will hold its fall charity auction at 5 p.m. in the warehouse on 643 Elmira St. Donations can be dropped off anytime. Proceeds benefit the ARW’s hunger and homelessness programs. For more information call 570-323-8401, ext. 111.

Oct. 15 — American Rescue Workers will hold the kickoff for Feed A Friend, a statewide food drive and fundraiser, which benefits families in need for the holidays. The American Rescue Workers is in need of volunteers to partner as hosts for food collection. For more information, call 570-323-8401, ext. 117.

Oct. 20-21 and 27-28 — At the World of Little League Museum, 525 Route 15, South Williamsport, there will be a Halloween Contest and the chance to have your photo taken for a Halloween Costume Contest. Entrants, 12 and younger, receive free admission.

Sept. 22 — It is “Museum Day Live!” at the World of Little League Museum, 525 Route 15, South Williamsport. This is an annual celebration of boundless curiosity hosted by Smithsonian Magazine. Entry is free here and at other participating museums with a Museum Day Live! Visit www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/ for more information.

The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K event will be held this month. To sign up for the walk or for more information, call 570-326-4149.

Favors Forward Foundation’s “Adopt a Family for the Holidays” program will begin accepting sponsors and clients this month. The goal is to provide gifts to those families that due to hardships are unable to afford the basics for a happy holiday for their children. To “adopt” a family for the holidays or for more information call 272-209-2119 or visit favorsforward.weebly.com.

North Central Sight Services Inc., 2121 Reach Road, offers a variety of ways to help prevent blindness and to help those with vision loss stay independent. They are looking for volunteers throughout the year to assist with helping clients go to the doctor or even grocery stores. Contact Tracy Haas, programs and services director, at 570-323-9401, ext. 124 or email tracyh@ncsight.org. Volunteer applications are available at www.ncsight.org.

NOVEMBER

Nov. 3 — Family Promise of Lycoming County is in need of volunteers for Box City at Lycoming College’s Intramural field, 700 College Place, the night of and weeks leading up to the event. For more information, call Melissa Magargle at 570-567-7103.

Nov. 3 and 4 — American Rescue Workers is hosting Box City 2018, a fundraiser for the Saving Grace Shelter. Participants will need to collect sponsorship and sleep in a box for the night to raise awareness and funding for ARW’s emergency family shelter. Visit www.arwwilliamsport.org for more information.

Nov. 12 through Dec. 24 — The American Rescue Workers is in need of volunteers for it’s bell-ringing season. Volunteers are needed to ring bells at the chimneys in order to raise money for Christmas food for families in need and for shelter for men women and children.

Nov. 16 –Family Promise of Lycoming County will be hosting the Fight to End Homelessness at Farrington Place, 416 W. Third St., from 6-11 p.m. and needs volunteers to help set up the auction, registration and to close. Family Promise will need volunteers prior to the event to help solicit donations and prepare for the upcoming event. For more information, call Melissa Magargle at 570-567-7103.

Nov. 17 — The World of Little League Museum, 525 Route 15, South Williamsport, will hold “Kids Day.” Take the opportunity to meet with non-profit youth organizations and learn about their programs and visit the museum for free. There will be a surprise guest sponsored by the WVIA and activities for children.

Nov. 17-Dec. 12 — The World of Little League Museum, 525 Route 15, South Williamsport will be partnering with Toys for Tots as a collection site. Bring a new, unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more before Dec. 12 to the museum and receive one free admission (a great stocking-stuffer!). All items benefit Lycoming County residents.

Nov. 22 — American Rescue Workers is in need of volunteers to serve Thanksgiving dinner from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 643 Elmira St. For more information call 570-323-8401, ext. 117.

At the World of Little League Museum, 525 Route 15, South Williamsport, “Every Day is Veterans Day.” Military active duty, veterans and their families are invited for free admissions throughout the year, with the exception of some Federal holidays.

Toys for Tots-American Rescue Workers need volunteers to assist with application intake, toy packaging and distribution throughout the entire month of November through mid-December. For more information, call 570-323-8401, ext 117.

The Salvation Army holds its annual Festival of Trees at the Lycoming Mall this month. Gather your family and-or friends and decorate a tree to be submitted into the event. For more information, call 570-326-9187.

DECEMBER

Dec. 9 — Visit with Santa from noon to 3 p.m. at the World of Little League Museum, 525 Route 15, South Williamsport and tour the Museum at no charge.

Dec. 17-21 — The American Rescue Workers is seeking the help of volunteers to assist with Christmas basket distribution. Call 570-323-8401, ext. 117 for more information.

Dec. 20-25 — American Rescue Workers are in need of volunteers to prepare Christmas dinner anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and serve from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 25 at 643 Elmira St. For more information, call 570-323-8401, ext. 117.

STEP is looking for volunteers for Santa’s Seniors to help sort and pack holiday gift/food items for over 400 homebound seniors. For more information, call 570-326-0587.

The Salvation Army holds several fundraisers this month and needs help with its annual Red Kettle campaign. Volunteers are needed to ring the bells at kettle locations in the county, along with companies willing to sponsor a “mini kettle” inside their office. Individuals also can host their own personal online kettle or participate in a team, church or company kettle campaign. For more information, call 570-326-9187.

The Salvation Army also partners with the Sun-Gazette for the annual Santa Fund, which helps to raise money over the holiday season for people in need. Community members can donate to the Santa Fund through The Salvation Army or the Sun-Gazette. Read the Santa letters during the campaign from Thanksgiving Day to Christmas Day for more information.

Charitable organizations, clubs and other groups are encouraged to send their volunteer needs and fundraising event information to the Sun-Gazette to be published throughout the year. Send future event information to thingstodo@sungazette.com, or send high quality photos from your events to life@sungazette.com for consideration to be published in a future edition.

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