Want to lend a hand? Here's how to volunteer
What sort of helping heart does this community have?
A week after a tornado ripped through portions of western and northern Fayetteville on April 16, a group of volunteers set up shop at a home improvement store, hoping to fill a semi-trailer truck with donations.
They quit counting after donations filled 10 semis.
Fayetteville is a giving place - perhaps sparked from the common sense of self-sacrifice of our military families, or the long-established willingness to help a neighbor in need.
Cumberland County has more than 150 charitable organizations, offering help and eager to accept volunteers. Here are some of them:
Better Health of Cumberland County: Better Health seeks volunteers to welcome and check-in diabetic clinic clients, help with administrative duties, perform indoor maintenance and repairs, lead exercise classes and assist with bulk mailings. Health care professionals who can teach diabetic-management classes are needed. 483-7534.
Cape Fear Valley Medical Center: Adult volunteers are needed in many areas of Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and Highsmith-Rainey Specialty Hospital. Duties vary, from assisting patients and family members in the emergency department to escorting patients and providing clerical support. Day, evening and weekend shifts are available. 609-6747.
The CARE Clinic: Volunteers provide free basic medical and dental care for uninsured, low-income adult residents of Cumberland County. 485-0555.
The Child Advocacy Center: Volunteers are needed to help with events, programs and office tasks. The center is a safe place for families suffering from child abuse. The center also provides education on detecting and preventing child abuse. 486-9700.
Community Home Care and Hospice: Volunteers are needed to visit patients with life-limiting illness. Training is provided and volunteer schedules are flexible. 323-9816.
Contact of Fayetteville: Telephone help is needed with 24-hour crisis line. Training is provided. 483-8970.
Cumberland County Coordinating Council on Older Adults: Volunteers are needed for telephone assurance and to deliver meals. 484-0111.
The Fairy Godmothers: Volunteers are needed to knit, crochet and sew tiny garments for premature babies at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and Womack Army Medical Center. 717-2164.
Fayetteville Animal Protection Society (FAPS): The no-kill animal shelter seeks volunteers to care for dogs and cats. 864-9040.
Fayetteville Urban Ministry: The Adult Literacy Program of Fayetteville Urban Ministry needs volunteers to teach basic reading and writing skills. Classes and training are provided. All classes must be attended to become a tutor. 483-5944.
First Home Health and Hospice: Spiritual volunteers are needed to spend time with hospice patients. Training is provided. Hospice speakers are available for church and civic groups. 860-7178.
Friends of the Cancer Center: Mission is to support, guide and nurture patients and their families during their treatment. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Cancer Center at Health Pavilion North on Ramsey Street. You must be at least 18 years old, complete the application and interview process and attend an orientation session. 609-7618.
Guardian ad Litem of Cumberland County: This volunteer-based program advocates for children who have been taken out of their homes by the Department of Social Services because of abuse or neglect. 475-3021.
Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills: Volunteers are needed to build homes in Moore County. The Habitat Moore Store is an additional volunteer opportunity. Weekday and Saturday positions are available. 295-1934.
Liberty Hospice: Volunteers are needed to sit with hospice patients and to make hospital gowns. 864-8411.
Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex: History-loving volunteers are needed to serve as reception desk attendants and tour guides. Training is provided. 486-1330, ext. 212.
Partnership for the Children of Cumberland County: Volunteers are needed to assist with planning and working at events for families with young children, to work in the lending library and to greet guests at the Omni Family Resource Center. 867-9700, ext. 2509.
Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP): This organization serves 75 volunteer locations throughout Fayetteville and Cumberland County, in addition to local schools. Benefits are available. There is no cost to join, and once you become a member, you are invited to all RSVP events. 433-1136.
Southeastern Radio Reading Service: Volunteers are needed to read newspapers on the radio and to make phone calls, clip newspapers, participate in a letter-writing campaign, use computer skills or participate in fundraising events. 672-1600.
United Way of Cumberland County: The volunteer-driven organization features dozens of programs made up of volunteers from Cumberland County. 483-1179 or unitedway-cc.org.
Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Volunteers fulfill many roles, such as greeting, filing and checking-in, transporting and feeding patients. 822-7929.
Womack Army Medical Center: Volunteers answer phones, perform clerical duties, provide transportation and deliver Red Cross messages. 907-7124, or the Red Cross office on Fort Bragg at 396-1231.