United Way Volunteer Column for March 7

For the City Times
United Way of Inner Wisconsin’s Volunteer Center promotes the volunteer needs of local non-profit organizations in both south Wood and Adams Counties on a weekly basis. Here is how you can get involved and volunteer for these great organizations.
HEARTLAND HOSPICE-Friendly Visitor Volunteer: Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity? Friendly Visitor volunteers spend time with individuals receiving Heartland Hospice services in Wisconsin Rapids and surrounding communities. Activities include reading to patients, playing cards, going on walks, helping with errands, or reminiscing about days gone by. Visit schedule is set by the volunteer and is very flexible!
Music Volunteer: Do you enjoy music? Share your musical talents with our hospice patients! If you play an instrument or enjoy singing, share your abilities with a hospice patient that enjoys music and would benefit from additional socialization. Opportunities are available in WI Rapids, Nekoosa, Friendship, Adams, and surrounding communities. On-going visits with patients are needed, as well as one-time musical events such as memorial services.
Vigil Volunteers: Vigil volunteers are special volunteers that help provide a caring presence at the bedside of Hospice patients as they are quickly approaching end-of-life. Vigil volunteers are requested when no family or loved ones are available, or when family needs a break from the bedside to rest, have a meal, etc. Special training is offered for this type of volunteering.
Administrative/Office Volunteers: Are you or someone you know looking to gain administrative experience in an office setting? Administrative / Office volunteers contribute to the Heartland Hospice mission by providing needed office support. Some of the activities include mailing out cards, newsletters, various copying, assembling volunteer orientation manuals and in-service packets, inventory on hospice forms, filing, preparing admission and nurse folders with the required forms. Our office is located in Stevens Point, WI. We are looking for weekly volunteers.
Reading Volunteers: Friendly Visitor volunteers spend time with individuals receiving Heartland Hospice services in surrounding communities. There are many individuals who love to read and are no longer able to. We are looking for volunteers to read to patients who are looking for a visitor. Visit schedule is set by the volunteer and is very flexible!
United Way of Inner Wisconsin’s Volunteer Center at 715-421-0390 or visit our website at www.volunteerinnerwisc.org.