VCCV Thanks Community for Supporting Appetite for Service

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley hosted the twelfth annual “Appetite for Service” dinner on March 24 at Sunnyside Country Club as it celebrated 17 years serving our community. Local businesses and individuals sponsored tables. Luke Schaefer of LNS Sounds and Aaron Santini of Q92.3 served as emcees.

Highlights of the evening included elaborately decorated tables and 17 celebrity servers who sang, danced, and negotiated the purchase and sale of tableware, centerpieces, prizes and drinks in order to raise money for the Volunteer Center! 34 silent auction, three planned live auction packages and many unprompted live auction items were offered to the more than 130 guests who enjoyed a four-course meal and spontaneous entertainment throughout the evening. Sponsors included: MidWestOne Bank, GMAC, Isle Casino Hotel, Wal-Mart, John Deere Waterloo Operations, VGM Group, CBE Group, StruXture Architects, University of Northern Iowa, Veridian Credit Union, and the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley.

The 2012 “Golden Heart Award” was awarded to Veridian Credit Union for their commitment to volunteerism throughout the Cedar Valley. Tips were tabulated by the team of accountants and Funny Money Staff (volunteers provided by Veridian) and tracked very closely to see who won the coveted 2012 “Silver Tray of Service Award.” The “Silver Tray” was awarded to GMAC for the most tips earned. The “Best Decorated Table” was awarded to CBE Group.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley staff and Board of Directors gratefully thank the hundreds of supporters who participated in this successful fundraising effort which raised over $43,000!

Businesses or individuals interested in participating next year contact Lauren Finke at 272-2087 or lauren_finke@vccv.org.

GMAC - Silver Tray of Service Winners!

Weekly Volunteer Opportunity Update

• The Waterloo Center for the Arts is hosting Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on April 7^th from 8:30 until 11 a.m. Volunteers will be serving a light breakfast, helping with craft projects and playing games with the youth. Education staff will be available to assist. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.
  
  
• The Black Hawk Soil and Water Conservation District needs volunteers to assist with a water quality “snapshot” event to gather data from the four branches of Dry Run Creek on April 21^st from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Volunteers age 21 and over are welcome.
  
  
• Hartman Reserve Nature Center will be holding Earth Day on April 22 from 1 – 5 p.m. Volunteers will facilitate kayaking, canoeing, fishing, art activities, recycling activities, and a large service project. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.
  
  
• On Saturday, April 28, the Cedar Valley Volunteer Emergency Club will assist with traffic control for the March of Dimes' March for Babies from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.
  
  

Call 272-2087 to volunteer! 

Urgent Volunteer Need

The Iowa Parks & Recreation Association Conference is in town April 2 – 4 and volunteers are needed to assist at the registration desk.  We still have the following times open. 

Monday, April 2^nd – 11:30 – 5 p.m. (need 2 people)

Tuesday, April 3^rd – 7:30 – 10 a.m. (1 person needed)

Please contact Erin Schmitz at 233-8350 if you are interested in volunteering. 

Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service - Volunteers With Disabilities

DEADLINE TO REGISTER -- Serve Iowa Mini Conference to be held April 12 in Dubuque

The last day to register is Monday, April 2, 2012!

The programs of Volunteer Iowa, Serve Illinois, and Volunteer Wisconsin invite you to attend this free mini conference to explore relevant and meaningful service opportunities for people with disabilities.

As a person with a disability, you know you have talent, energy and enthusiasm to offer. National service and community volunteer opportunities can help you build a resume, a professional network and employable skills while making a real difference in your own community. This conference will help you find service opportunities that match your skills and abilities, apply for the volunteer position you want, and ask for what you need to reach your full potential in the organization.

Persons of working age with disabilities, educators, students, service providers, parents and guardians are all encouraged to attend this conference. Two tracks will be available: one for volunteers/students and the other for professionals/parents. Certificates of training completion will be issued for those seeking CEU credit.

There is no cost to attend this conference! View the full agenda, speaker information and register at http://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/promotions/2012serveiowa/

For more information, contact Sarah Hinzman at 515.725.3091 or 1.800.308.5987 or Email sarah.hinzman@iowa.gov

Donate Your Stuff to the VCCV

Start your spring cleaning now and raise funds for the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley. Drop off your items at Stuff, Etc. and put it on our account! Stuff, Etc. is located at 1210 Flammang Dr., Waterloo, IA 50702, (319) 233-8009. Hours are Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon – 5 p.m.

Donating your items is easy and can be done year round.

ASPIRE Therapeutic Riding Program Needs Your Help!

ASPIRE Therapeutic Riding Program is in dire need of more volunteers for classes. Classes are almost filled and they would love to have more volunteers. Orientation is March 27 and 28 from 5 - 7:00 p.m. at 8100 Kimball Ave. Classes begin on April 2nd. Opportunities exist Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4 - 7:00 p.m.  Friday classes will begin April 20 from 4 - 7:00 p.m.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

A Global Company Values Service

Mary Kay Global Month of Service

“Individuals sometimes feel insignificant and doubt that one person can make a difference in this world. We believe one person can.” -Mary Kay Ash

In celebration of International Women's Day, Mary Kay once again honors women worldwide with the Mary Kay Global Month of Service. We invite you to join us as we unite in the goal of volunteering one million hours of community service around the world from March 8 - April 8, 2012. Together, we can make a difference in people's lives - carrying on Mary Kay's mission of service.

Your volunteering can take any shape. Get creative!

• Volunteer at a charity you already work with.
• Incorporate a volunteer activity into your Mary Kay Business, such as creating hygiene kits with shampoo and soap for homeless shelters.
• Volunteer at the local food pantry or homeless shelter.
• Team up with a new charity, learn about a new cause and meet new people.
• Help others in your daily life. Volunteer at your child’s school or sports organization or make dinner for a new mother or elderly neighbor.

Mary Kay Corporation appreciates your participation in the Mary Kay Global Month of Service!  

Call the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 272-2087 to volunteer.

Weekly Volunteer Opportunity Update

• Volunteers are needed to help with Culture Fest March 29 at the Waterloo Center for the Arts. People are needed to serve as guides, hand out brochures, serve food, and help with set up, clean up, etc. from 5 – 8 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and above are welcome.

• The Family and Children’s Council needs volunteers to assist with the Fool’s 5K race on March 31 from 9 a.m. until noon. Volunteers may be asked to assist with registration, food preparation, handing out water bottles, and help at the finish line. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

• The Waterloo Center for the Arts is hosting Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on April 7^th from 8:30 until 11 a.m. Volunteers will be serving a light breakfast, helping with craft projects and playing games with the youth. Education staff will be available to assist. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

• The Black Hawk Soil and Water Conservation District needs volunteers to assist with a water quality “snapshot” event to gather data from the four branches of Dry Run Creek on April 21^st from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Volunteers age 21 and over are welcome.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

YWCA 2012 Women of Persimmon Awards

Celebrating women whose lives, talents and passions shape the Cedar Valley community is at the heart of the YWCA of Black Hawk County.  Beginning in 1911, the YWCA has empowered women and girls, advocated for equal opportunities for all people, developed young female leaders and promoted cultural appreciation.  Since 2007, we have recognized and honored women whose lives, talents and passions shape the Cedar Valley community

Cedar Valley Women of Persimmon candidates exemplify the YWCA mission and make a difference in their community.  Please take this opportunity to nominate a friend, relative or colleague for this special honor.  Winners will be announced at our luncheon on Wednesday, April 11 at the Waterloo Center for the Arts.

The deadline for nominations was Friday, February 17, 2012.  We request that the nominator escort the nominee to the luncheon.  A special package for the nominee and nominator (two tickets) for $50 is available.  Additional tickets are available for $35 per person.  Group reservations and tables are available.

Proceeds from this event will financially support the mission and programs of the YWCA of Black Hawk County. 

For more information regarding 2012 Women of Persimmon nominations please contact Cindy Mohr, Executive Director at (319) 234-7589 or lmohr@ywcabhc.org.  For information about event sponsorship or to make a reservation, please contact Tonya Ledvina, Marketing and Development Director at (319)234-7589 or tledvina@ywcabhc.org.

Doing Good Together

Doing Good Together, a Minneapolis based E-Newsletter comes up with great ideas to engage children in service. This month the topic is web based games that create an understanding of life needs throughout the world and how we can make a difference.

Doing Good Together has different kind of "computer" games to recommend this month. Like all good games, they are fun and painlessly educational. But these online games go a step further. They also allow youth to make a real-world difference while they play. (Often, correct answers result in donations on their behalf.)  Each game has a theme, such as hunger, water scarcity or malaria prevention. While playing, parents will have a great opportunity to talk with their children about these issues, making parent/child time together even richer. We also provide corresponding resources to bolster conversation.

Make a Difference..... 

These online games enable participants to make small donations while youth play - at no cost. They can be played individually or as a family team if you want to give even more.

· Free Rice An irresistible vocabulary game for all skill  levels. Players earn grains of rice that are donated for every correct answer.

· Charitii This game is similar to a crossword puzzle, except that your answers are multiple-choice. Five ounces of clean drinking water is donated to families living in poverty for each correct choice. The water donations add up quickly!

· Answer4Earth Each correct answer in this trivia game helps plant a tree (1 answer = 1 leaf, 12 leaves = 1 branch, 15 branches = 1 tree). Youth can track their scores to learn how many trees they've planted.

· Free Kibble Once each day you're invited to answer a trivia question about dogs (Bow Wow Trivia) and cats (Meow Trivia). Whether you answer correctly or incorrectly, 10 pieces of kibble will be donated to an animal shelter each time you play.

· Nothing But Nets The challenge is to hand out as many insecticide-treated bed nets as you can before the sun goes down. This simple game doesn't actually raise money (or provide malaria nets), but it can help start a conversation about this worthwhile organization, and you can donate $10 to purchase an actual net for a family in need of protection from disease-carrying mosquitoes.

Learn About it and Talk About It...

Playing these games together with your children - or as a team with your extended family - can increase how much you donate. Don't miss the opportunity to talk about the issues your game addresses. We especially recommend these educational tools to help guide your discussions. (Be sure to preview these resources before sharing them with your children to make sure they are age-appropriate.)

 · Free Rice: The World Food Program, which runs the Free Rice game, gave Molly, a 12-year-old living in Nairobi, a small video camera. Share the film she made with your own children. Talk about the similarities between children from all over the world. Maybe you'll be inspired to make your own film to send to Molly!

· Charitii: If you choose to play for charity: water, watch this video about the value of water. For older children, "Water Changes Everything" takes a more serious (and disturbing) look at the water crisis in the developing world.

· Answer4Earth: Learn about why trees matter, then talk about their value whenever you're walking in the neighborhood, park or woods. Plant a tree of your own.

· Free Kibble: Talk about how 11-year-old Mimi Ausland started this organization to make a difference for pets. What does your family care about and how can you make a difference together?

· Nothing But Nets: For a quick overview of malaria facts, download this PDF. Then talk to your child about malaria and the efforts to eradicate it. You can also download and read the Netman comic together. If you want to join the Nothing But Nets campaign, go here.

In the Spotlight - Country View

Country View provides a safe, supportive, and caring environment, which enhances maximum independence, dignity, and quality of life.

Country View uses volunteers to read, sing, play bingo, help with crafts, ceramics, bulletin boards, entertain, fish, and offer refreshments to residents.

Volunteers also assist with shopping, cleaning closets, and mending clothing.

The Volunteer Services program is dedicated to enhancing quality of life and expanding services to residents through the effective use of volunteers.

Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer.

In the Spotlight - Cedar Valley Hospice

Cedar Valley Hospice is committed to serving the needs of terminally ill patients and grieving families.

Cedar Falls Hospice needs volunteers to act as Quincy or Katie Koala or their friend to support children who are chronically ill, or grieving the death of a loved one.

Volunteers are also needed  as Patient/Family Volunteers. Cedar Valley Hospice volunteers are assigned to patients and families in hospice care or on our palliative care program. They become friends who listen and respond to patient and families' needs with understanding and empathy. Volunteers help maintain a sense of normalcy and quality of life. Tasks may include providing companionship to hospice or LINK patients, offering respite care for the caregiver, shopping, running errands, providing transportation or assisting at the Hospice Home.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!  

Weekly Volunteer Opportunity Update

• Volunteers are needed to help with Culture Fest March 29 at the Waterloo Center for the Arts. People are needed to serve as guides, hand out brochures, serve food, and help with set up, clean up, etc. from 5 – 8 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and above are welcome.

• The Family and Children’s Council needs volunteers to assist with the Fool’s 5K race on March 31 from 9 a.m. until noon. Volunteers may be asked to assist with registration, food preparation, handing out water bottles, and help at the finish line. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

• Allen Hospital needs volunteers to assist visitors in finding their way, providing wheelchair assistance if needed, and just be a kind presence during a difficult time. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

• Alternatives Pregnancy Center needs Client Advocates. This person works closely with clients, educating them on pregnancy, labor and caring for babies. They may also provide pregnancy tests and pregnancy options information. Confidentiality is extremely important in this position. Volunteers age 25 and over are welcome.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

Weekly Volunteer Opportunity Update

• Volunteers are needed to assist with various activities throughout the Grout Museum on Saturday, March 10 through Saturday, March 17 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Volunteers are welcome from 2 hours to 8 eight hours, one day or more. Volunteers age 14 and over are welcome.

• Green Iowa AmeriCorps is celebrating AmeriCorps Week (March 10-18) by hosting a series of service events with other AmeriCorps programs in the Cedar Valley. We are seeking volunteers March 12 – 14 from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

• The Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging is organizing an informational meeting on March 14th for volunteers who would like to help seniors with the Money Management Program. The Money Management Program assists clients balance checkbooks, pay bills, or manage their federal government accounts. Volunteers age 21 and over are welcome.

• Volunteers are needed to help with Culture Fest March 29 at the Waterloo Center for the Arts. People are needed to serve as guides, hand out brochures, serve food, and help with set up, clean up, etc. from 5 – 8 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and above are welcome.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

Reserve Your Spot - Join the VCCV at Appetite for Service!

Join the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley on Saturday, March 24, 2012 from 6 - 10 p.m. at Sunnyside Country Club for an evening of fun and fine food! 

An "Appetite For Service" consists of a select group of community leaders from the Cedar Valley who are invited to "serve" during this memorable evening designed to raise funds for the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley.

You may become involved by becoming a Celebrity Server, make a donation to our auction event, or by sponsoring a table of 8. Call Lauren at 272-2087 or lauren_finke@vccv.org for more information.

 

 



MidWestOne Bank guests
enjoying the 2011 event.

 

Volunteer Tuesdays at UNI

Where:  Cedar Falls & Waterloo

When:  Every Tuesday, beginning January 24th Sign up for the 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. or 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. shift

Who:  Any student, student organization, resident hall, class, faculty or staff!

Every Tuesday, the Student Leadership Center in cooperation with the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley, have organized opportunities for students to get into the local communities and give back. Each week, a different community agency will be served so students can experience the flavor of some of the agencies in the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area that need our help.

How Does it Work?
All you have to do is sign up for the day(s) and time that work for you and your schedule. The Student Leadership Center will provide:
-  Transportation
-  Beverages and snacks
-  A cool, free t-shirt

Simply fill out the RSVP (http://www.uni.edu/siac/online-forms/slc-volunteer-tuesdays/index.shtml) to secure your spot. You will receive a confirmation via e-mail.

Tuesday, March 6th - House of Hope, Activities to be announced.

Tuesday, March 20th - Northeast Iowa Food Bank
Students will assist with packing weekend food sacks for the backpack program along with other needs of the facility.

Tuesday, March 27^th & April 3 - Location to be determined

Tuesday, April 10 - Northeast Iowa Food Bank Students will assist with packing weekend food sacks for the backpack program along with other needs of the facility.

Tuesday, April 17 - Community Main Street (Cedar Falls), Activities to be announced.

Tuesday, April 24 - Location to be determined

If you have any questions, please contact the Student Leadership Center

at 273-2683.

Service Learning Update

Students in the Cedar Valley continue to learn about community needs and then devise and implement service learning projects that help resolve in some way that need in the community.

Two classes at Peet Junior High in Cedar Falls are attacking the issue of substance abuse. They are deciding their class projects. 

The expanded learning class at George Washington Carver Academy is researching environmental issues and has plans to clean their neighborhood, educate their peers and begin handicapped accessible gardens at a local retirement center.

Students at Hoover Middle School are finishing their service learning projects. After, they will reflect, evaluate, and celebrate. The students in the 8^th grade expanded learning class have conducted a toy drive for the House of Hope and will take the toys and then play games with the children who reside there. Another  group has raised money to  donate to the food bank by conducting bake sales. The third group wanted to raise awareness and educate their peers about substance abuse. They have recorded a public service announcement concerning substance abuse and have made a poster that will be distributed to schools in Waterloo. 

Students at Don Bosco educated elementary students about proper care and treatment of pets by speaking to the elementary classes. They also presented each class with a special book on pet care written by the senior students.

When we reflect on the needs of the community, we also need to reflect on the creative solutions our youth bring to these needs. They are helping to change the face of our community.

For more information on Service Learning, contact Jean Seeland at jean_seeland@vccv.org or 272-2087.