Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Fall Volunteer Opportunities

Don’t have much time to give back, or want to do something easy and meaningful?
October and November months offer plenty of volunteering opportunities. Now that it’s fall and the weather is changing it’s a great time to clean out your closets and give back to goodwill. Before buying new fall clothes, take some time to give away items you don’t need any more. You have to clean out your closet anyway right, why not give your clothes to a great cause? Find a Goodwill or donation site near you.

Another helpful project to set up is a community clothing swap.  A clothing swap is also a great idea for swapping Halloween costumes to reuse them. Help others in your community get ready for the winter weather and get rid of your smaller jackets, mittens, scarves that you no longer use.

Want to dedicate more time to a cause, and also benefit your fitness?
The weather is so nice out, now is a great time to partake in runs/walks for causes. Make working out more meaningful by raising awareness and funds to support worthwhile causes, such as disease research, children's programs, military support, and more.

Want other community service ideas? Find more volunteer opportunities on our website by visiting www.vccv.org or call the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 272-2087.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

6 Tips for Recognizing Volunteers

Volunteers are the lifeblood of many organizations, therefore it is important to keep them engaged in their work.  To keep a volunteer engaged, it is vital to provide ample recognition, rewards, and opportunities to volunteers.

Recognize volunteers publicly and privately.
Whether you are working with one volunteer, ten, or a few hundred, it’s important to recognize their efforts.   There are many ways to recognize volunteers, from giving them a hand written thank you note, or one of many other ways to say thank you.  Getting to know your volunteers will help you to know how they would best like to be thanked for their work.

Reward volunteers with creative gifts and gestures.
Gifts for volunteers don’t have to be big and they don’t have to be expensive. The best gifts for recognizing volunteers are things that will be useful to them.

Give volunteers opportunity to grow.
It is important to check in with volunteers on a regular basis to make sure they are still interested in their tasks or want to change their responsibilities.  Many volunteers want to learn and grow by doing new tasks over time.  Make time to meet with volunteers once or twice a year or quarterly to catch up on both personal and volunteer related topics.

If you think a volunteer would work really well in a paid position that’s open, ask them to apply for it. Even if they can’t take it, it lets the volunteer know that you and your organization appreciate their work.

Provide food at volunteer functions.
Providing something to eat, in addition to a well planned event,  is a key way to draw volunteers to events. Rather than offer the same cookies and punch at each event, keep it interesting with theme related snacks. Don’t forget to check if your volunteers have any dietary restrictions so everyone can enjoy the food!

Give volunteers a break.
It’s important not to tax volunteers by overloading them with difficult or strenuous tasks that they didn’t initially agree to do. At the same time, try to realize that volunteers’ might not want to do the same task for the entire time they’re working with your organization.

Check in with your volunteers to make sure they’re happy with what they’re doing, and let them try something new or take some time off if they want to.

Say thank you.
At the end of the day, most volunteers just want to know their work is appreciated and they’ve done well.  Strive to say a genuine “thank you” to volunteers whenever you get a chance.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Spooktacular Service Ideas by Doing Good Together

Choose one of these ideas to make your Halloween more meaningful for your family.
  • Trick or Treat for UNICEF. Why not ask for a donation to this valuable cause while collecting candy? No need to order a collection box. Simply print out one of the fun canister wrappers to place around a can to collect your donations. Then send in the money to UNICEF. Let your kids know the difference their donations will make for needy children around the world. 
  • Sight Night Eyeglasses collection. Collect gently used prescription glasses and non-prescription sunglasses as you make you rounds on Halloween night. Check out OneSight's "Howl To" Guide for details. The glasses will be recycled and distributed to those in need around the world. 
  • Faced with more candy than you can handle? Share the bounty with our soldiers through Operation Gratitude. Donations of dental hygiene products are also encouraged. You'll find shipping instructions online.

Have a Compassionate Halloween

Talk about it with your children.

Whatever Halloween service project you choose, talk about it with your kids.
  • Why is Halloween a good time to think about doing something for others?
  • How did it feel to include a service project in our Halloween festivities? Would you want to do the same thing again next year?
  • Do you have other ideas for how we might practice kindness on Halloween?

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley provides volunteer opportunities for 92 nonprofit agencies with over 150 volunteer needs. Call 272-2087 for more information.

Resources:


Friday, October 26, 2012

MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY! October 27, 2012

For 22 years, USA WEEKEND, Newman’sOwn and HandsOn Network have joined together to sponsor Make A Difference Day, the largest national day of helping others each October.

This year Make A Difference Day is on Saturday, October 27, 2012. Locally the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley will seize the moment to inspire, equip and mobilize corporations, nonprofit organizations, families and individuals to improve their communities.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley has various events planned, including a month long supply collection for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley. Additionally, in partnership with the University of Northern Iowa’s Student Involvement Center, more than 150 UNI students will engage in service acts on Saturday, October 27 throughout the Cedar Valley.

Individuals are welcome to participate in Make A Difference Day by volunteering in their own way. The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley works with 92 nonprofits that offer over 150 volunteer opportunities. Visit www.vccv.org to learn about these opportunities.

For more information regarding Make A Difference Day events, please visit: http://www.vccv.org or http://handsonnetwork.org/MakeADifferenceDay.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

·         November 1 is Family Fun Days at the Phelps Youth Pavilion. Volunteers are needed to help families in the art room working on the make and take activities and to help staff with upkeep of the Pavilion through out the day. Shifts are usually 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

·         Strayer-Wood Theatre needs volunteers to serve as ushers for “November”, November 1 – 3 from 6:30 until 9:30 p.m. and November 4 from 1:30 until 4:30 p.m. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

·        Hartman Reserve Nature Center’s Under the Harvest Moon Auction is on November 2 from 5:00–10:00 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are needed to help serve tables, work in the kitchen, and help with auction items. Additional volunteers are needed to help prior to the event with set-up and decorating.

·        The Sullivan Brothers Veterans Memorial 5K/10K Race needs on-course volunteers on November 3 from 8:30-10:30 p.m. Volunteers will spend a Saturday morning cheering, passing out water, and making sure runners stay on course, especially at turns and intersections.


Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

REGISTER TODAY - Pathways’ 9th Annual Run, Walk, and Roll for a Drug Free Community 5K

Register for Pathways’ 9th Annual Run, Walk, and Roll for a Drug Free Community 5K today!!

Pathways’ 5K is this Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. Participants may pre-register today for the price of $15. Registration goes up to $18 after the 25th. You can go on-line to register at www.pathwaysb.org. This will be a great day for all! The Columbus Pep Band will be there to encourage participants on the trail. The top male and female finishers in each age group receive medals and the overall top male and female finishers receive prizes as well! Elements massage therapists will be there to give table massages after participants cross the finish-line. There will also be dozens and dozens of home-baked cookies for participants. All participants will be eligible for great door prizes. So join in supporting substance abuse prevention and treatment. 

Together we can reduce the impact of substance abuse on our communities!


Tuesday, October 23, 2012

TAKE ACTION - Be A 21st Century Volunteer

We encourage volunteers to use their time, talent, voice and money to make a meaningful difference in their communities.

Below are some ideas to help you take action that changes the world.


  • Use your Facebook status to share  volunteer project ideas
  • Tweet to raise awareness about the power of volunteerism
  • Share your volunteer story to inspire others
  • Pledge to support military families in gratitude for their service
  • Calculate your water footprint and make a plan to conserve water
  • Ride your bike to work and decrease carbon emissions
  • Write a letter to thank our military troops
  • Donate Blood. Find a Red Cross blood drive near you
  • Establish an emergency plan in your household, workplace and school
  • Donate your clothes to the local homeless shelter
  • Give canned food to the local food bank
  • Donate books to the local library
  • Brighten someone’s day with an e-card
  • Send a care package to a military member
  • Foster a pet
  • Offer a couple hours of free babysitting
  • Sign a petition or vote for a cause important to you

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley works with 92 nonprofit agencies with over 150 volunteer opportunities. To volunteer, call 272-2087 or view opportunities at Volunteer Solutions or www.vccv.org.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Service-Learning Programs

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley (VCCV) will help engage area students in service and service-learning programs. The VCCV develops service learning opportunities at community organizations that enhance learning. They plan a project that can be done in the classroom that will help the community, and improve classroom learning. The VCCV provides schools with copies of their youth volunteering opportunity resources and will make presentations to faculty or students about volunteering and volunteer opportunities. All services are free because we all profit when youth become engaged in service activities. 

The following are some of the opportunities available:

Service Learning (K-12)

Service learning is a method by which young people learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully – organized service experiences.
This seven part program includes all the essential steps for effective service learning and can be adapted for all age levels. Lessons may also be modified to meet time constraints. 

Community Volunteerism Simulations (6-9)

The purpose of this program is to encourage the group to think about their community values and to highlight the importance of community service and volunteerism. The simulation urges participants to interact as a community.

Helping Out is Cool (K-5)

This presentation will give elementary students creative ideas on how they can volunteer right in their own neighborhood, school, and community. A big book is read to the class followed by an interactive discussion on ways they can make a difference.

Classroom/School Projects (K-12)

A list of projects is provided that can be done in the classroom and/or school that will help the community, non-profit agencies and improve classroom learning.

Contact Jean Seeland, Youth Program Coordinator from the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 272-2087 or email Jean_Seeland@vccv.org.


Thursday, October 18, 2012

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

·         Pathways Behavioral Services is looking for volunteers age 15 and over for the 9th Annual “Run, Walk, and Roll for a Drug Free Community. Volunteers will be cheering runners on at checkpoints throughout the trail, helping with registration and at the finish line. Volunteers would need to be at Pathways on October 27th at 8:15 a.m.

·         November 1 is Family Fun Days at the Phelps Youth Pavilion. Volunteers are needed to help families in the art room working on the make and take activities and to help staff with upkeep of the Pavilion through out the day. Shifts are usually 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

·        Hartman Reserve Nature Center’s Under the Harvest Moon Auction is on November 2 from 5:00–10:00 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are needed to help serve tables, work in the kitchen, and help with auction items. Additional volunteers are needed to help prior to the event with set-up and decorating.

·        The Sullivan Brothers Veterans Memorial 5K/10K Race needs on-course volunteers on November 3 from 8:30-10:30 p.m. Volunteers will spend a Saturday morning cheering, passing out water, and making sure runners stay on course, especially at turns and intersections.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

The Top Two Reasons People Donate to Your Cause

Katya Andresen writes a blog "Katya's Nonprofit Marketing Blog. This is one of her submissions. 
One of the most interesting parts of the recent Money for Good research was the donor profiles that emerged.  Based on in-depth research with people who donate money, Hope Consulting created six profiles of givers.
Here were the top two:
1. Personal Ties: People who give to organizations when they know the leadership or when they are asked by a friend

2. The Repayers: People who give to causes or organizations that have directly affected their lives
If you count by the amount of donations, the most popular category is Personal Ties (about 25%).  If you count by the number of people, then the Repayer is the most common category at 23%.
These two categories have something very significant in common: in both cases, donors see a deep personal relevance in their causes.
(You can find the other six categories here.)
The bottom line is that the most powerful job you can do as a fundraiser is to show people why your cause is relevant to them.  How does it affect their lives?  Their community?  How does the story of the people you help reflect their own stories?  What do we all have in common?
In other words, as always, it’s not about you, it’s about them.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

NewAldaya Needs Volunteers

·         NewAldaya is having its first ever ladies night out on our Main Street inside NewAldaya! We are looking for volunteers to help serve, assist in pampering, and help with clean up for the evening! We need volunteers from 6 - 10 p.m. on October 19. If you have an hour or a few please help the ladies out and have fun too!

·         NewAldaya needs your help setting up for our pancake breakfast and serving our residents, friends, and community yummy pancakes on October 20 from 06:30 - 11:00 a.m.! Come and volunteer for an hour or a few and receive free pancakes! Have fun while getting to serve others at the same time!

·         NewAldaya is looking for volunteers to help with fun and games, hay rides, scavenger hunts, set up/clean up, and tasty treats at our Halloween Celebration and Sunflower Days Festival on October 23 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.! Feel free to dress up for Halloween (non-scary costumes please that are appropriate) in your favorite costume while your volunteering!


Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

Friday, October 12, 2012

Marketing your Nonprofit Organization to Volunteers

Marketing your business is a key component to success. This is true in the “for profit” world but is also essential for nonprofits as volunteer recruitment plays a vital role in the success of an organization. The following steps as defined by the HandsOn Network can guide your nonprofit while keeping the need for volunteers and volunteer management in the forefront.
Step 1 - Develop Your IdentityUse branding to show your uniqueness
Branding is defined as a unique name, slogan, symbol/logo or visual design, or a combination of these, to differentiate your organization to your community. It should capture your audience’s attention and convey your message as simply as possible.

Your brand becomes your identity in your community. To succeed, you must show your brand at every point of public contact – website, presentations, emails, and all correspondence.

To develop your unique identity, think about whom your audience is and how you want them to perceive you. Customers include internal staff, organizations, corporations, sponsors, and volunteers – anyone that you and your website will come in contact with as you recruit.

Step 2 - Package Your Perks
Package your organization’s volunteer needs with the perks one receives for being a volunteer for your organization. For example, if you volunteer for ten hours a month, you get a free coffee from the local coffee shop. Recruitment and recognition should always go together.

Step 3 - Generate Interest

Create a Marketing Plan which uses multiple forms of media to inform your potential volunteers about your organization’s needs. Remember to communicate your entire “package of offerings” from Step 2.

It is important to also reach out directly to volunteers; the most successful volunteer recruiters “Get the Word Out” to drive volunteers to the organization. This demonstrates the true value of volunteers to your agency.

Your Marketing Communications Plan to volunteers should include:
q      Email
q      Mailings and Postcards
q      Advertisement/Print Media
q      Recognition
q      Personal Contact via phone or speaking engagements

Step 4 - Personalized Follow-UpReinforce the message
Did the volunteer receive and emails or phone calls?  Do they have questions? Provide orientation to each new volunteer while personally getting to know one another. It is also recommended that calls are made randomly to volunteers to inquire about how their volunteer opportunity went after completion. Was the opportunity handled professionally by the agency? Was it what they expected? Will they consider volunteering again?

Step 5 - Become a Speaker at Local Events Reach a bigger audience
You have important information to share with potential volunteers about your organization and your website. Get the Word Out to larger audiences through participating in events and association meetings. You will reach both organizations and potential volunteers eager to join the work of your organization.

Check the calendar of events for your Chamber of Commerce, corporate sponsors, colleges and local organizations.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is the place to go to learn more about utilizing these services while recruiting volunteers for your nonprofit organization. We are happy to work with your nonprofit to attain these goals through volunteerism.

For more information contact Executive Director, Lauren Finke, at 272-2087.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

·         NewAldaya is hosting the first ever ladies night out on our Main Street inside NewAldaya on October 19 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.! Volunteers age 18 and over are needed to help serve, assist in pampering, and help with clean up for the evening!

·         Pathways Behavioral Services is looking for volunteers age 15 and over for the 9th Annual “Run, Walk, and Roll for a Drug Free Community. Volunteers will be cheering runners on at checkpoints throughout the trail, helping with registration and at the finish line. Volunteers would need to be at Pathways on October 27th at 8:15 a.m.

·        Hartman Reserve Nature Center’s Under the Harvest Moon Auction is on November 2 from 5:00–10:00 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are needed to help serve tables, work in the kitchen, and help with auction items. Additional volunteers are needed to help prior to the event with set-up and decorating.

·        The Sullivan Brothers Veterans Memorial 5K/10K Race needs on-course volunteers on November 3 from 8:30-10:30 p.m. Volunteers will spend a Saturday morning cheering, passing out water, and making sure runners stay on course, especially at turns and intersections.


Call 272-2087 to volunteer.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Picture the PAWsibilities!

Picture the PAWsibilities!
The Cedar Bend Humane Society 2012 Gala 
promises to be a PAWsitively PURR-fect time!


The gala will be on Saturday, November 10, 5:00 p.m. at John Deere Supervisors' Club, at 3265 Dewitt Rd., Waterloo. The evening will include dinner, live and silent auction, a visit from our furry friends, photo corner and new this year - put your friend in the dog house! Reservations: $50 per person; $180 for a table of 4; and $360 for a table of 8.




Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Volunteers Needed to Staff Cedar Valley Chase

For this fun opportunity, volunteers man various stations around Waterloo-Cedar Falls during a scavenger hunt/obstacle course race. Stations might include contestants holding a hissing cockroach, getting through an obstacle course, eating contests, push-ups and sit-ups, pirate beer pong, and more. This event, put on by UNI, benefits Cedar Valley United Way and the 2012-13 campaign. All monies raised from contestants goes to help those in need around the Cedar Valley. Check out cedarvalleychase.com or cedarvalleyunitedway.org for more information.

Participants and volunteers will meet at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center in Cedar Falls on the UNI Campus. Registration begins at 11:15 a.m. with the race beginning at noon. The course will take 3 to 4 hours to complete.

To volunteer call the VCCV at 272-2087, or contact Sarah Pauls, Project Leader, (319) 235-6211.


Monday, October 8, 2012

In the Spotlight - Make-a-Wish Foundation


The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope strength and joy.

Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has given hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. From our humble beginnings with one boy’s wish to be a police officer, we’ve evolved into an organization that grants a child’s wish in the United States and its territories every 38 minutes.

Volunteers are needed to serve on the Cedar Valley Committee and Wish Granters who are tasked with meeting with children and their families that qualify for a wish (have a life-threatening medical condition) and help them plan that wish.

To volunteer, call 272-2087.


Friday, October 5, 2012

La Porte City Elementary I-WALK Project on Monday, October 8th

The Black Hawk County Health Department is working with La Porte City Elementary on an I-WALK project for the school. I-WALK is a program that tries to get more children walking and biking to school. One piece of the program is a walkability survey, where local community volunteers walk the neighborhood around the school to assess the streets and sidewalks for walking/biking safety. The walkability survey will be performed in La Porte City during the afternoon on Monday, October 8th. We will be meeting at the VFW at 1 p.m. and should be finished by 4:00 or 4:30 p.m. Representatives from the Iowa Dept. of Public Health and the Iowa State University Extension will be leading the event. Representatives from INRCOG and Americorps will also be joining us. A report will be created from the data gathered during the event to provide some recommendations for making the area around LPC Elementary a safer place for walkers and bikers. If you know of any volunteers who would like to participate on Monday, please contact Peter Camilli at 319-292-2202. If transportation is an issue, carpooling is available from the health department in Waterloo.

More information about I-WALK can be found at
www.i-walk.org.  Please call Peter Camilli at 319-292-2202 if you have any questions or concerns.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities


·         Strayer-Wood Theatre needs volunteers to serve as ushers for Lysistrata, October 11 – 13 from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m., and October 14 from 1:30 until 4:30 p.m. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

·         Allen Hospice is offering a five-part volunteer orientation and training course for volunteers beginning Thursday, October 11th and running consecutive Thursdays until November 8th from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Attendance is required at all five sessions to complete the training. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

·         The Cedar Valley Association for Soft Trails needs volunteers October 13 from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and October 14 from 7:00 a.m. until 2 p.m. for the Running Village 25k and 50k. Volunteers will provide water and food for racers, handle timing for events. Additionally 2-3 bikers will be out on the course throughout the race. Volunteers age 13 and over are welcome.

·         Pathways Behavioral Services is looking for volunteers age 15 and over for the 9th Annual “Run, Walk, and Roll for a Drug Free Community. Volunteers will be cheering runners on at checkpoints throughout the trail, helping with registration and at the finish line. Volunteers would need to be at Pathways on October 27th at 8:15 a.m.


Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

In the Spotlight - The Job Foundation


The mission of the Job Foundation is to promote financial stewardship to students in Waterloo, Iowa through education, mentoring, and resources for the cause of economic empowerment.

The Job Foundation is a non-profit organization. Their cause is economic empowerment for financially disadvantaged children and operates as a Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program. Countless CCTs are in operation throughout the world and are rapidly gaining momentum in the U.S. While recognizing the importance of organizations that provide for families in crisis, CCTs do not provide hand-outs. Instead, if participants meet set conditions (financial education, success at school, savings and no illegal activities in our case) cash is paid to participants. Persons with inadequate financial resources who are helped in this way experience their own power through helping themselves. This results in improved self-esteem while lowering the risk of dependency.

Volunteers age 18 and over are need as mentors.


Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Meet VCCV Board Member - Ellen Vanderloo


Ellen Vanderloo is the Mentor Coordinator for the Waterloo Community Schools and the three year old TeamMates Mentoring Program.

Ellen moved to Waterloo ten years ago when she married her husband, Lance. She has a son and daughter, both married and live out of state. They have been blessed with 3 grandchildren with one more in February. 

Ellen feels that her life’s purpose has been to advocate for children and has always felt that helping young people receive their education is one of the biggest factors in helping them achieve success in life. Ellen has always been involved in efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect. She is a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for a 13 year old girl in foster care. She also mentors a 15 year old girl who attends East High. Ellen has been active in supporting youth in foster care by helping coordinate the graduation party and has helped coordinate a Transition Closet with gently used household items for youth aging out of care.

Ellen and her husband are active in their church, Heartland Vineyard, which included a mission trip to Haiti where they worked at an orphanage that their church helps sponsor.

In her free time Ellen loves to garden, cook, travel, ride bikes, read, and learn new things. She has a yellow lab and a Siamese mix at home that are a lot of fun too.

Ellen Vanderloo joined the VCCV Board because she is a strong proponent of volunteerism. She has found that the people that volunteer are some of the nicest people you meet.



Thanks Ellen!

Monday, October 1, 2012

Make A Difference Day 2012 will be on Saturday, October 27


Make A Difference Day is the most encompassing national day of helping others -- a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Everyone can participate. Created by USA WEEKEND Magazine, Make A Difference Day is an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October. This year, the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is celebrating Make A Difference Day the entire month of October.

Local businesses can make a big difference in the community by rallying employees to gather youth items and supplies to donate to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley. These items will be used to support children in need at the Clubs. Last year the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley reached over 600 children with their four units.

To participate in Make a Difference Day 2012 encourage your employees to bring in requested supplies between October 1st and 26th. Collection bins will be provided to you by contacting the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley. Needed items include: simple puzzles, jump ropes, outdoor balls, paper, face paint, acrylic paint, markers, AAA batteries, kitchen washcloths, potholders and SOS pads, dish soap, paper towels and snacks.

“Businesses can help so many by being part of Make a Difference Day! Volunteering in the workplace raises employee morale, provides team building opportunities and a sense of loyalty and pride for their company. The business that donates the greatest amount of items will receive the #1 Contributor plaque, a traveling award, to be displayed at your business for the year, said Lauren Finke, director of the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley, which coordinates this service. To participate or to find out how to have your business become a partner in the Cedar Valley, contact Lauren Finke at the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 272-2087.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley works to promote and support effective volunteerism and to serve as the resource and coordination center for volunteers and community partnerships.

Please contact Lauren Finke at the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley to express interest in volunteering at 272-2087. Opportunities are flexible. Volunteer opportunities may also be accessed at www.vccv.org or Volunteer Solutions.