Madison County is full of opportunities to volunteer time or donate materials. Many of those possibilities are listed below.
Adult Basic Literacy Education
179 S. Main St., London 43140
Phone: 740-852-9843
Contact: Lynne Alexander
Volunteers needed: Assisting clients with computer skills, filling out forms, computing simple math problems, answering telephones, reading to and with clients, grading tests, upgrading general skills.
Wish list: Pens, pencils, tablets, computer disks, copy paper, notebooks and binders, cartridges for printers, computer programs, and magazines with labels removed.
American Red Cross
Phone: 740-845-9939 or 740-837-0153
Contact: Kathy Beekman
Volunteers needed:
1. Platelet drivers pick up coolers of blood at mobile locations for delivery to the lab in Columbus; drivers are reimbursed for most mileage and work one or two times a month for about three hours.
2. Registration workers greet blood donors, control flow of the drive, assist donors with sign-in, and book appointments for future drives.
3. Donor Diner Support volunteers supply homemade baked goods or prepare and serve food to donors at the blood drive location.
4. Disaster Response Team members respond to local disasters. They train and prepare to work in shelters and provide mass care.
5. Mental health or medical personnel who hold approprate certification train to respond as Red Cross volunteers.
6. Disaster Services Human Resources volunteers are available for response to national relief assignments covering 23 functions. Must be available for three-week assignment.
7. Instructors and Leaders to promote safety through workplace and community education, providing courses and programs that teach skills people need in emergencies to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, babysitting training, sports safety and “Together We Prepare.”
Volunteer Notes: You can work as little or as much as you like. All volunteers must pass a criminal background check. Some positions require a minimum age of 17, though many positions are available for youths with parental consent.
Arbors at London
218 Elm St., London 43140
Phone: 740-852-3100
Contact: Jane Braithwaite
Volunteers needed: To interact with residents by reading to them, talking, playing games, walking around the facility, and helping them get around by wheelchair.
Wish list: Crafts and bingo prizes (jewelry, lotions, aftershave, perfume, puzzle books, stuffed animals, bath supplies.)
Arbors West
375 W. Main St., West Jefferson 43162
Phone: 614-879-7661
Contact: Marci Darlington
Volunteers needed: To help gather residents for group activities; share a talent, occupation, recent vacation; help with crafts and games; decorate the facility for the holidays; do one-on-one visits with residents.
Wish list: Bingo prizes, word search books, large print Bibles, greeting cards, playing cards, games (new or gently used), pens, pencils, crayons, markers, stuffed animals, lotions, colognes, small or medium gift bags, general craft supplies, plastic storage totes, CDs or DVDs.
Armory Youth Center
15 E. Second St., London 43140
Phone: 740-852-1595
Contact: Debra Hay
Volunteers needed: All volunteers are interviewed, have background checks performed and references checked. Must enjoy working with youth and be available after school hours. Tasks can vary, including general supervision and playing table games, tutoring and homework help, preparing after-school snacks, serving and clean-up, gymnasium/basketball/recreation assistance and crafts.
Wish list: Foam cups, paper plates, plastic spoons, toilet paper, Febreeze, solid air fresheners for bathroom, 8.5×11 white and color paper, flourescent light bulbs, ping pong balls/paddles, music CDs and supplies for radio station. Drop off at Armory between 2 and 5:30 p.m. weekdays.
Elizabeth’s Hope Pregnancy Resources
42 W. First St., London 43140
Phone: 740-852-9150
Contact: Linda Lehman
Volunteers needed: To help with receptionist duties. Volunteer counselors needed with training requirement. The center provides free pregnancy tests, peer counseling, information about abortion alternatives, post-abortion support, adoption information and more. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays.
Wish list: Maternity and baby clothes, diapers, formula, monetary donations, baby supplies, bassinets, cribs.
Food Thru Faith Cupboard
51 W. Center St., London 43140
Phone: 740-852-4735
Contact: Nancy Penix
Hours: 9 .m.-noon Tuesday and Thursday
Wish list: Monetary donations; food donations of cold cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, macaroni and cheese, jelly, pancake mix and syrup, pork and beans, tuna, kidney beans, corn muffin mix, coffee, teabags, hot chocolate, sugar, flour; bar soap, bathroom tissues, paper towels.
Free Health Clinic
210 N. Main St., London 43140
(Professional Office Building next to Madison County Hospital Emergency Room)
Phone: 740-845-7286
Contact: Melissa Canney, executive director
Volunteers needed: This free clinic is open to clients on most Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. Medical volunteers are needed, as well as non-medical people to help with clerical work and greeting patients.
Wish list: Office supplies, medical supplies and monetary donations.
Free Legal Clinic
62 E. Second St., London 43140
(Crossroads Community Church)
Phone: 614-224-8374
Contact: Fred Ballam, local coordinator
Volunteers needed: Lawyers or paralegals willing to donate time to provide legal advice to low-income people.
A Friend’s House
Afriendshouse209@sbcglobal.net
Phone: 740-852-7761
Contact: Diane G. Spradlin
Volunteers needed: To help with fundraisers, receive and organize material donations, complete handyman tasks (carpentry, painting, minor shelter repairs), tutor children and adults for GED, teach basic computer skills, mentor for life skills (job search, budgeting, cooking), do public relations, maintain the shelter (yardwork, gardening, cleaning), provide on-site clerical support, lead counseling sessions, provide child care. Volunteers must be 18 or older. Those who work at the shelter or directly with clients must get a background check at the Sheriff’s Office.
Wish list: Safety/Security—weather band radio, driveway salt, snow blower; cleaners—disinfectant wipes/sprays, bleach, liquid laundry detergent, Pinesol, Murphy’s Oil Soap, bathroom cleaners, dish soap; outdoor supplies—outdoor furniture, tools/spade, resin chairs/bench, wheelbarrow; baby supplies—shampoo, lotion, wipes, rash creams, pull-ups, diapers (size 4-5); women’s supplies—manicure kits, umbrellas, underwear, shampoo, conditioner, facial cleansers, deodorant, toothpaste; household items—storage totes, trash bags/leaf bags, batteries, toilet paper, paper towels, pillows; children’s items—new toys for all ages, games for teenagers; construction—driveway repaved, gutter guard; office supplies—inkjet cartridges, letter-size paper in white and lavendar, postage stamps; misc.—Kroger, Kmart, Wal-mart and gas cards, haircut certificates.
Friends of Madison County Parks and Trails
Phone: 740-852-0077
Web site: www.fmcpt.com
Contact: Wayne Roberts
Volunteers needed: Trail sentinel program; annual auction planning and organization; trail cleanup.
Wish list: Financial help to purchase First Aid kits, repair tools and vest/helmet liners for volunteer trail sentinels; new and gently used items for the spring auction (May 3); membership donations to finance trail-related projects and activities throughout the year.
Good Samaritan Food Pantry
36 S. Center St., West Jefferson 43162
Phone: 614-879-8130
Contact: Susan Maggard, 614-879-5633
Volunteers needed: Every Tuesday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. to help put away food supply. We also need helpers to locate and pick up bread products and to help when the pantry is open. Help with repackaging. A substitute list of box packers is being made out as well. The pantry is open to clients on the second Tuesday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m., every Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m., and the last Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon.
Wish list: Food donations with a special need for canned fruit, tuna, soup, vegetables and fresh meat. Also, the pantry needs more monthly supporters and corporate sponsors.
Habitat for Humanity
P.O. Box 679, London 43140
Phone: 740-845-0653
www.madison-habitat.org
E-mail: habitat_madison@yahoo.com
Contact: Jeff Kitchen
Volunteers needed: Home construction, site preparation, landscaping, fundraising, family support committee, family selection committee, board of directors, volunteer recruitment, office/clerical, newsletter, public relations, church relations.
Wish list: Carpentry tools, scaffolding, storage space for building materials, power tools, portable generator, yard tools, tool box, building site.
HELP House
122 E. Center St., London 43140
Phone: 740-852-1980 or 852-4844
Contact: Dee Heilman
Volunteers needed: Year-round to sort and hang clothes on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers must be at least 9 years old.
Wish list: New children’s hats, gloves, scarves, socks, boots, sweatshirts, coats and underwear; new or used children’s toys for Christmas for ages infant to 18 years old; batteries for toys; shopping bags, gift certificates; money; non-perishable food.
Historical Society
260 E. High St., London 43140
Phone: 740-852-2977
Contact: Dorothy Richmond
Volunteers needed: To lead museum tours. The museum is open from 1 to 4 p.m. every Wednesday and Sunday.
Humane Society
1357 State Rte. 38 SE, London 43140
www.hsmcohio.com
Phone: 740-852-7387
Contact: Cathy Leistikow or Betty Peyton
Hours: Monday – Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.
Volunteers needed: To make follow-up calls to see how pets and their owners are doing. Feed pets, clean kennels, take pets to Petsmart and screen potential adoptive humans, groom, bathe or interact with pets, take in homeless pets as foster parents for a few days or weeks to relieve shelter overcrowding, fundraising, data entry, records maintenance, clerical, walk dogs. Volunteer hours are flexible.
Wish list: Paper towels, dish soap, Ziploc bags, cat litter, kitten food, dog treats, leashes, collars, dog and cat toys, blankets, gallons of bleach, newspapers and copy paper. Recyclable cans also may be dropped off at the shelter.
Hurt-Battelle Memorial Library
270 Lilly Chapel Rd., West Jefferson 43162
Phone: 614-879-8448
Contact: Cathy Allen
Volunteers needed: To help as needed with summer reading, crafts and book sales; read to children; serve as after-school mentors.
Wish list: Gently used books; board games; complete puzzles or puzzles with pieces missing (be sure to label as such); craft materials; new toys for giveaways and drawings.
London Public Library
20 E. First St., London 43140
Phone: 740-852-9543
Contact: Ruth Gorman
Volunteers needed: To deliver to homebound; assist with programs and other events; organize mailings. Volunteer activities range from two hours a month to four hours once a year.
Loving Care Hospice
56 S. Oak St., London 43140
Phone: 740-852-7755
Contact: Sherry Doggett
Volunteers needed: Adults to do in-home visits, spending time reading, watching television with and talking to patients and their caregivers, as well as provide respite for caregivers. Training required; regular courses provided.
Wish list: Monetary donations accepted anytime, along with used medical and home care supplies, such as wheelchairs and bedside tables.
Loving Kindness Kitchen
122 E. Center St., London 43140
Phone: 740-852-1980 or 852-4844
Contact: Dee or Linda
Volunteers needed: To help open and close the soup kitchen on Mondays, as well as provide, prepare and serve meals on Mondays. Any amount of time is appreciated. Volunteers must be 14 years old or older.
Wish list: Coffee, tea bags, gallons of milk, margarine, salad dressing, paper towels, toilet tissues, dish soap, serving gloves, storage bags, aluminum foil, plastic bags for carryout meals.
Madison County Food Pantry
137 Maple St., London 43140
Phone: 740-852-5822
Contact: Jim Witwer, volunteer coordinator
Volunteers needed: Strong men with a truck are needed to pick up food at various locations.
Wish list: Hygiene items and canned food.
Madison County Home Health and Hospice
212 N. Main St., London 43140
Phone: 740-845-7550
Contact: Mike Gulvas
Volunteers needed: Clerical, fundraising and supportive services to patients and their families, such as running errands, companionship and respite/relief for the caregiver. Hours are very flexible.
Wish list: Volunteer who enjoys working outdoors with flowers.
Madison County Hospital
210 N. Main St., London 43140
Phone: 740-845-7012 for Darla Bires or 845-7056 for Kelly Snyder
Volunteers needed: Delivering mail or working in the gift shop, front desk, emergency department, extended care unit, ambulatory care, or as a patient aide liaison. Teen volunteers 14 and up are welcome.
Auxiliary projects: Contact Kelly Snyder to support Auxiliary projects that fund the purchase of equipment for patient care. Possibilities include working for a few hours to a few weeks on events such as book sales, flower sales, Bake-nic, Hospice Holidays and Lights of Love. The gift shop, which is a joint effort between volunteer services and the Auxiliary, could use help, too, with anything from staffing to setting up displays.
Madison County 4-H
c/o OSU Extension, Box 230, London 43140
Phone: 740-852-0975
Contact: Janet Wasko Myers
Volunteers needed: 4-H advisors and assistants for year-round help, 18 and older.
Wish list: Monetary donations.
Madison County Senior Center
280 W. High St., London 43140
Phone: 740-852-7323
Contact: Jim Holland
Volunteers needed: Kitchen, dining room, adies with Adult Day Care clients Monday through Thursday, friendly visitors to lonely seniors, telephone callers to shut-ins, bingo helpers, office helpers, newsletter assistance and summer gardeners. Minimum age 18.
Madison Medical Reserve Corps
271 Elm St., London 43140
Phone: 740-852-4200
Contact: Kellie Portman
Volunteers needed: Licensed medical professionals (nurses, doctors, veterinarians, EMTs) to supplement current health set-up in case of emergencies or disasters. Non-medical volunteers to get information and greet people. Both to work at educational outreach programs, such as health fairs, Safety Day and the Madison County Fair.
Wish list: Giveaways for educational outreach events (candy, balloons, popcorn).
Meals on Wheels
Lifecare Alliance
P.O. Box 187, London 43140
Phone: 740-845-7325
Contact: Leah Baird
Volunteers needed: Urgent need for volunteer drivers and riders to deliver meals. Deliver lunches to shut-ins and senior citizens in Madison County. Various routes available. Any schedule can be accommodated, from once a month to five times a week. Volunteers receive reimbursement for mileage. Flexible, one to two hours per route. Minimum age: driving age (though ride-along helpers may be younger).
Ministry for Community
P.O. Box 162, London 43140
ministryforcommunity@yahoo.com
Phone: 614-309-9265
Contact: Twyla McNamara
Volunteers needed: Benefit Bank; Volunteer Central, linking volunteers to outreaches.
Mt. Sterling Community Center
164 E. Main St., Mount Sterling 43143
Phone: 740-869-2453
Contact: Annie Tomlinson
Hours: Monday-Tuesday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Wednesday, 9-6:30; Thursday-Friday, 9-5
Volunteers needed: To help sort and arrange donated clothing, stock shelves, work the reception desk, tutor, lead children’s activities, monitor open gym.
Wish list: Bibles, new board games, dish towels, tissues, toiletries (toothpaste, soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, razors), financial donations, and non-perishable food donations to the food pantry.
Mt. Sterling Community Museum
60 W. Columbus St., Mount Sterling 43143
Phone: 740-869-2430
Contact: Dennis Morris, director
E-mail: museum@mtsterlingpubliclibrary.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays
Volunteers needed: In addition to special projects, the museum has planned these programs: Remembrance Day May 24; Good Old Fashioned Days Sept. 19-21; Old Fashioned Christmas Dec. 20.
Wish list: Donated or loaned artifacts. Subject display periods will be announced throughout the year. Monetary donations welcome.
Mount Sterling Public Library
60 W. Columbus St., Mount Sterling 43143
Phone: 740-869-2430
Contact: Heidi Fletcher
Volunteers needed: Summer reading and story hour. Other volunteers could provide classes for patrons or put away materials. Minimum age 15, but families are welcome.
Wish list: Monetary or material donations.
Plain City Library
305 W. Main St., Plain City 43064
Phone: 614-873-4912, ext. 30
Contact: Amanda Green
Volunteers needed: The library has various events throughout the year for which volunteers are needed. Events range from children’s programs to theatrical events.
Wish list: Monetary donations are always appreciated and may be applied to specific programs or services.
Relay For Life
American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 411, West Jefferson 43162
Phone: 1-888-ACS-OHIO
Contact: Sue Pairan or Jess Gross (740-604-0005)
Volunteers needed: The 2008 Relay For Life to benefit the American Cancer Society is June 13-14 at West Jefferson High School. We need people to help with concessions, team registration, entertainment, survivors’ reception, public relations, logistics, corporate sponsorships and luminaries.
Wish list: We keep an active database of Madison County cancer survivors, so we need names of survivors to invite to the Relay. Donations can be made to the ACS at the address listed above. Teams can sign up by calling Gina Newsome at 740-852-5532.
Retired and Senior Volunteers
P.O. Box 82, London 43140
Phone: 937-324-5705 (Norma Knowlton) or 614-456-6493 (Shana Smith)
Volunteers needed: Anyone 55 years and older to provide volunteer service for the Madison County Health Dept., Emergency Management Agency, Senior Center, Loving Care Hospice, Food Thru Faith, Friends of Madison County Parks and Trails, Habitat for Humanity, Family Council, Mt. Sterling Community Center, Good Samaritan Food Pantry, Madison County Food Pantry. Benefits include mileage reimbursement and supplemental insurance.
Senior Companion Program
3377 W. Broad St., Columbus 43204
Phone: 614-274-0095, ext. 12
Contact: Tara Cox
Volunteers needed: Senior companions are healthy older adults who help other adults live independently. Senior companions provide support to family caregivers. They assist with grocery shopping and other daily tasks. They are 60 or older, can volunteer 20 hours a week, and love to help their neighbors. Benefits include a small stipend, transportation costs and supplemental insurance.
Special Olympics
P.O. Box 88, London 43140
Phone: 740-852-7050
Contact: Lincoln Comer
Volunteers needed: Coaches, chaperones, and unified partners to assist with Special Olympics events. Madison County competes year round in softball, bocce, volleyball, golf, bowling, basketball, alpine skiing and track.
Wish list: Monetary donations for uniforms, equipment, ski jackets and tournament expenses.
Welcome Table
Dine-in meals served at St. Paul AME Church, 11 W. Center St., London 43140
P.O. Box 162, London
Phone: 740-845-0175
Contact: Laura Johnson
Volunteers needed: To set up, serve or clean up meals on Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Wish list: Paper supplies, styrofoam cups, plates, large and small bowls, utensils, Reynold’s Wrap, salad dressing, paper towels, cash donations, coffee, creamer, and drinks such as Kool-aid and soda.
