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.

American Red Cross- Pillowcase Project Volunteer: The Pillowcase Project is a national youth preparedness program offered by Red Cross regions across the country. The 40-60 minute presentation provides emergency preparedness education to youth in grades 3-5 (ages 8-11) in school classrooms and other settings.Pillowcase Project Presenter – Gives a highly interactive presentation which addresses home fire safety, a local natural hazard, psycho-social coping skills and household preparedness steps like making a plan and a kit. Volunteer may also assist with community outreach to schedule presentations at sites and in reaching key groups within the region, such as support to military families, as risk youth, etc. (this is optional) Must have basic computer skills, be comfortable with public speaking and working with groups of children.

Disaster Logistics Volunteer: Purpose:  Logistics volunteers support Red Cross by ensuring material resources needed for Disaster Response are available. Logistics volunteers focus on fulfilling supply orders, ensuring equipment is in working condition, facilities are accessible and databases are maintained.Responsibilities: This position is a member of them responsible for the execution of the logistics program within the region. This position will work on vehicle tracking, acquisition of materials, facilities and warehousing.  Time Commitment: 3-5 hours per week, on average.

Blood Services: Donor Ambassador Purpose: Provide excellent and enthusiastic customer service to enhance the blood donor experience. Engage with blood donors to promote blood donation and set the stage for a long-term commitment to regular blood donations.

Responsibilities: •Willingness to support the American Red Cross mission

• Ability to display the utmost professionalism and communication skills
• Extremely comfortable working with people from all walks of life
• Ability to represent the American Red Cross to the community

Time Commitment: 6 hours per shift.  Variable; preferred commitment 1 shift/month

Wisconsin Rapids Community Media-Volunteer: Become engaged in your community through Wisconsin Rapids Community Media! Use your talents to produce your own video program.

We have the top notch gear and will train you so you can spend just a little of your time to help get programming out to those who can’t go to events in the community.

Community Photographer: Do you like taking photos of high school sporting events or community events around the Wisconsin Rapids area?  We are looking for volunteers to take photos for our television stations multi-zone bulletin board that broadcasts in high-definition over cable and our streaming sites.  You can learn from award winning photographer Tom Loucks, who worked as a professional photographer for over 23 years in the newspaper and photo studio business. All you have to do is register as a volunteer and become certified.  Equipment is provided to those who meet the qualifications and become a certified volunteer for WRCM.  Call us today.

United Way of Inner Wisconsin’s Volunteer Center at 715-421-0390 or visit our website at www.volunteerinnerwisc.org.