Residents Can Donate Valuable Time to Groups and Organizations

By Allison Canter

During tough economic times, it's not only individuals that suffer. Organizations, charities and other groups that depend on donations take a big hit as well. When money gets tight, an individuals' charitable donations are one of the first things they are forced to cut; however, those who wish to give to groups, but don't have the financial means, can offer something just as valuable: their time as a volunteer.

Ashe County Volunteer Coordinator Dawn Goodman works locally to match individuals or groups who are interested in volunteering with an organization, business, church, etc. that needs volunteer services. A variety of opportunities are available and some are included below.

"Ashe County Habitat for Humanity is a ministry that is about more than building homes for people in need," said a newsletter from Goodman. The group says they "build hope, and we need volunteers to help us." Anyone interested in helping the group or making a donation may call (336) 846-1251 or mail to PO Box 392, West Jefferson, NC 28694. The group is currently qualifying a family and looking for land for the first home.

If you know of a parcel that could be donated, call the number above.

The Ashe Services for Aging Foundation will hold their annual "Taste of the Mountains" Fundraiser for the Home Delivered Meals program in August. Participating restaurants will donate 10 percent of one day's proceeds to the program. If you enjoy fundraising and would like to help, contact Bevin South at (336) 246-2461.

For high school students who need to complete their hours of community service, the Adult Day Health Center at Ashe Services for Aging welcomes volunteers to work with adult clients, as well as children in the adjacent day care. For details, call Gillian Hampton at (336) 246-2461.

The 4-H Advisory Council includes elected and appointed citizens who work with the county 4-H staff and are responsible for studying current 4-H programs and identifying unmet needs that are within the mission of Cooperative Extension.

The council also assists with resource identification and program development and delivery.

4-H Afterschool is programming conducted in all three elementary schools and the middle school. Responsibilities include tutoring, assisting in special events, carrying out creative programming implemented for age appropriate activities assist 4-H staff in completing necessary activities for high quality youth programs.

The 4-H Ashe Youth Connection offers the opportunity to mentor referred youth. Responsibilities include tutoring, modeling positive behavior, exposing youth to new opportunities and developing positive self esteem and increasing the number of "successes" in a youth's life.

The 4-H Migrant Education is bilingual programming reaching migrant families in Ashe County. Responsibilities include tutoring, translating and assistance.

The 4-H Summer Parks is a day camp which focuses on age appropriate activities during the summer months.

For information about 4-H volunteer opportunities, call (336) 846-5850.

Fundraisers are being planned currently to help refurbish the swimming pool at Ashe County Middle School. On Saturday, March 14, a chicken barbecue will be held at the Lansing Fire Department.

To place an order or for more information, call Brandon Shepherd at (336) 877-0521. The chicken barbecues go fast, so those interested should order as soon as possible.

For details on other pool fundraisers, contact Melonie Church at (336) 877-3635 or Rachel Shepherd at Rachel.Shepherd@aske.k12.nc.us.

Spring Fest, a hands on art festival for all ages, is set for Saturday, April 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at West Jefferson School. Volunteers are needed to assist with set up, art activities and clean up. For details, call Rebecca Herman at the Arts Council at (336) 846-ARTS.

The Ashe County Library Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program needs volunteers to file income tax returns for low income families and individuals. To volunteer, call Laura Baumgardner, Adult Services Librarian, at the Ashe County Library at (336) 846-2041.

A Guardian Ad Litem is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by a district court judge to investigate and determine the needs of abused and neglected children petitioned into the court system by the Department of Social Services.

The volunteer makes independent recommendations to the court for services, which focus on the needs of each child.

The Guardian Ad Litem advocates for a permanent and safe home for every child within the shortest time possible. Amanda Swift, Guardian Ad Litem Volunteer Recruiter District 23, and Goodman are planning a training in the fall. For details, contact Goodman at (336) 246-2461 or e-mail Swift at Amanda.C.Swift@nccourts.org.

With questions concerning volunteer opportunities, call Goodman at (336) 246-2461 or e-mail goodman_dawn@yahoo.com.