Tyler

Volunteer Corner — where volunteering through Directors of Volunteers in Agencies (DOVIA) makes the difference in the community.

United Way: “Change Your Luck on Friday the 13th” of June by volunteering. Join the United Way for Day of Caring and pick the “done in a day project” you want to help with at a local nonprofit. The day starts with breakfast, a free T-shirt; lunch is delivered to your worksite, plus a closing celebration with food, fun and door prizes. Families, teens, community groups, employee teams from local businesses are all part of the day. To volunteer, contact Vicki Harvey at 903-581-6376, Ext. 211. Deadline to volunteer is June 6.

Cancer Foundation for Life needs enthusiastic, caring volunteers to be an integral part of its program. CFFL is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for persons living with cancer and other chronic conditions by providing a physical conditioning (exercise) and psychological support (friendship) program. Volunteer opportunities include motivational support to patients, assistance to clinical staff and office/clerical tasks. If you can spare a few hours a week, or even a month, and would like to lend a hand to help participants attain their goal of improved strength and health, call Emily Voss or Lindsay Grubbs at 903-561-0149. Visit the Web site at http://cancerfoundationforlife.org.

Andrews Angels: Have you ever had the opportunity to help someone with a disability? Andrews Angels is a volunteer program that allows volunteers to work with the Andrews Center Community mental retardation/mental health treatment center. Many people with disabilities find themselves struggling in everyday activities that many take for granted. The Andrews Center needs volunteers to be mentors, tutors, life skills trainers and friends to children and adults with mental retardation or mental illness. Available also are clerical tasks, such as filing, copying, imaging, answering phones, etc. If you are interested, contact Elwyn Welch or Samantha Schofield at 903-535-7377 or e-mail ewelch@andrews-center.com. For more information, call or visit www.andrewscenter.com/angels.htm.

Parents Anonymous of Tyler needs volunteers to help strengthen families by facilitating 10-week classes provided to parents and teens. Parenting classes help parents learn to be effective and to alleviate problems in the home. Facilitators are also needed to work with teens to end disruptive behaviors and change the direction of their lives. Volunteer training is required and an onsite staff person supports volunteers. For information, call Parents Anonymous of Tyler at 903-597-1831 or come by 717 W. Houston St., Tyler.

The East Texas Food Bank works daily to feed people in the community. Volunteers are needed to sort donated products Monday through Friday. This is a great opportunity for groups, families, friends and business associates to work as a team. Individuals are always welcome as well. A volunteer is also needed on Tuesdays to answer phones and do some light office work. If you are interested in any of the volunteer opportunities, contact Robyn at 903-597-3663 or e-mail robyn.squyres@second-harvest.org.

East Texas Crisis Center is a nonprofit charitable organization, providing safety, shelter and education to victims of family violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes, and helping clients restore dignity and purpose in their lives, while promoting public compassion and awareness to reduce violence in our community. Many opportunities are available to volunteers who desire to help end the cycle of violence by donating their time and talents. ETCC is also in great need of children’s one-piece swim suits, backpacks, ladies warm-ups, hairbrushes, ladies and children’s personal items. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Angela L. Rowell, volunteer program coordinator at 903- 579-2530, or visit the Web site at http://www.etcc.org/volunteers.htm

For other volunteering opportunities, go to “Volunteer East Texas” at http://www.-uwtyler.com/directory.