Many local organizations need volunteers to help out this spring.  Here’s just a sampling of worthy organizations in New Hampshire that could use your assistance:

AmeriCorps is organizing a day of service on Saturday, May 15^th.  Participants will clean up from the recent storm damage and prepare for the NH State Parks spring opening at Pawtuckaway, Bear Brook, and Kingston State Parks.  Check in will be at 9:00 AM, the cleanup will be held from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM, followed by a celebratory party.

Field of Dreams Therapeutic Riding Program needs volunteers to assist with therapeutic riding lessons at their Chichester facility.  The organization needs volunteers to lead the students and horses during riding lessons, groom/saddle the horses prior to the lessons, clean the stables, feed/water the horses, and maintain the facilities and equipment.  Lessons begin in the summer, so the organization needs help starting this spring.  Contact – Theresa Brown, Board President, (603) 798-4110.

The Humane Society for Greater Nashua (HSFN) needs foster parents for cats.  So many stray cats come to the shelter each spring and summer that they don’t have enough room or personnel to care for them all. This organization is looking for foster caregivers to ensure that more of these animals get a second chance at life. Foster parents must be at least 21 years old, nurturing, loving and compassionate and willing to temporarily care for sick or pregnant cats. HSFN will provide any materials required for the care of the foster animal(s).  All foster cats have tested negative for Feline Aids and Leukemia virus and are given all appropriate vaccines before placement in the home. Contact – Linda Rioux, Director of Volunteer Resources, (603) 889-2275 ext. 25.

Zebra Crossings in Dover is seeking volunteers for its day and overnight programs for children with chronic health conditions. Programs are currently available to youth and teens with diabetes, heart conditions, and moderate to severe asthma. The organization’s goal is to expand programming to include a broader range of health conditions and to offer family and sibling retreats. Programs will be held at various locations throughout southern New Hampshire, Maine and northern Massachusetts. Recreational activities include art projects, sports, group games, archery, swimming, climbing wall, ropes course, kayaking, and more. Contact – Astrid Wielens, 603-749-0308.

YWCA Crisis Service in Manchester needs dedicated, compassionate individuals to provide 24-hour crisis counseling, information and support to individuals and families coping with domestic violence, sexual assault, child sexual abuse and stalking. Advocates must have excellent listening and problem solving skills, a non-judgmental attitude and willingness to support victims of interpersonal violence. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, have reliable phone and transportation and be willing to work 12-hour shifts monthly from the comfort of their home. Volunteers are expected to commit to one year. Training provided.  Contact – Lyn Collins, Program Coordinator, (603) 634-1169.

The Birchtree Center in Portsmouth is looking for volunteers to drive Birchtree students and staff to various community destinations.  The Birchtree Center works with autistic children to improve their quality of life, increase their independence and productivity, and nurture their full potential. Students will always have trained Birchtree staff accompanying them.  Volunteers must have at least five years of driving experience, currently hold a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and consent to a criminal background check and a motor vehicle record check. Contact – Jessica Squier, Director of Development & Community Relations – (603) 433-4192.  

The Avis Goodwin Community Health Center in Dover is looking for a volunteer grant writers to assist with multiple grant applications on a year-round basis. There are standard grants that the organization applies for each year, as well as new funding opportunities to pursue. This opportunity can be done from home. The volunteer must become familiar with the agency and be interviewed by the organization’s Executive Director. Training and an agency orientation will be provided.  Volunteers should have excellent writing and comprehension skills and a good understanding of the grant-writing process. Contact – Carleen Nicholson, Volunteer Manager, (603) 516-2542.

Filed under: Animal charities, Community Service, Organizations needing assistance, Volunteer assistance programs Tagged: | Animal charities, helping neighbors, spring volunteer opportunities