last updated  06/26/08   

What's New?

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More volunteer opportunities are available than ever before! 
Consult this listing for recent postings from more than 80 different social service agencies and non-profits in the area.   For a complete list of area non-profits who are looking for volunteers, click on the AGENCY PARTNERS tab.

Looking for something rewarding to do between June and August?  Several local agencies can use your help!  Download our Summer of Service brochure and consider lending a helping hand while earning service hours at the same time.  Many opportunities are available to fit your schedule and interests.

Interested in helping with the flood ravaged areas throughout the Midwest including Iowa and Illinois? Local American Red Cross volunteers have responded to assist with the flood relief efforts, and more volunteers are needed. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Red Cross at their website, www.il-redcross.org. 

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Volunteer Opportunities!

Allendale Association, a home for troubled children, has opportunities for volunteers. 

PALS Program - Pals offer Allendale residents a chance to develop a positive one-on-one relationship with an adult. Because relationships take time to build, we do need a minimum commitment of 6 months. 

Educational Surrogate Parent - Do you have the compassion to see that our kids get the most out of their education? We need adults to evaluate a child's Individual Education Plan (IEP) to ensure that it is meeting the child's academic needs. Attend quarterly meetings, advocate for a child in terms of his/her educational growth. 12 month commitment, training is provided with the Illinois State Board of Education.

Greenhouse Volunteer - If you have a green thumb and want to share your love o horticulture and gardening with our kids, volunteer at our Bernard B. Rinella, Jr. Horticultural Center. Help out with class projects, our big sale events, and assist the kids as they learn to care for and maintain our beautiful plants.

Therapeutic Recreation Volunteer - Do an activity with the kids in a structured situation. Sessions are 2 hours long and are available on weekends. 

Special Projects Volunteer - Do you like to wrap presents? Santa's elves would love to have your help at holiday time. Calling all guys! drive our truck or van to make pick-ups of donations and deliveries for Allendale. Please call for Special Projects listings as these are ever changing and always fun! 847-245-6483

Thrift Store Volunteer - Various hours are available during the week and on Saturdays at Hidden Treasures and all sales benefit the kids at Allendale. The shop is located in Round Lake Beach on Route 83 in the Sweetwater Crossings Plaza.

Group Opportunities - If you have a group that would like to volunteer, we invite you to come and help us out! A variety of opportunities exist, from beautification projects to game days with the kids. We are also open to suggestions; so, if you have an idea, please let us know!

For more information on these opportunities, please contact Volunteer Services at 847/245-6483 or e-mail them at volunteer@allendale4kids.org if you are age 21 or over and would like to make a difference in the life of a troubled child or teen. 

ANAD - National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders

Volunteers Needed!!  ANAD is the oldest eating disorders organization in the United States, assisting tens of thousands of people each year.  Through numerous programs, ANAD seeks to assist individuals with eating disorders and their families, and to prevent these very dangerous illnesses which ruin lives and kill.  Because there is little funding in the field of eating disorders, volunteers can make significant contributions.  Volunteer work can be done in or away from the ANAD office.  We are most grateful for volunteer participation.

We need help with our national hotline as well as mailings and other projects.  Come in once a week or twice a month.  We will train you.  Your help may save lives from a devastating illness. 

For details, please call 847-831-3438.  ANAD, 555 Vine St., Highland Park, IL

Career Resource Center, Inc.®

Career Resource Center, Inc.® is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that provides professional assistance to individuals in employment transition - a unique service that would otherwise be lacking in the community and one that is delivered exclusively by a cadre of 110 plus volunteers.  CRC’s volunteers energize and empower clients by offering support, education, training and mentoring throughout their job search.

CRC volunteers have the opportunity to have a meaningful experience making a difference in the lives of our clients; increase their skills and knowledge in our friendly, professional setting; and meet diverse, interesting, and talented people.

Client Services Representative:  For this volunteer opportunity, all you need is a welcoming smile and genuine interest in people!  As the first contact for all visitors, you will interact with a diverse group of talented professionals, providing the “human touch” that earns us high marks from our clients.  You will also answer the phones, schedule appointments and perform light office tasks.  Time commitment: Approx. 3 ½ hour weekly or fill in as needed.

Fundraising Support Volunteer:  CRC is dependent upon voluntary contributions for its very existence.  As you schedule, produce, and track CRC's requests for funding, you will be working directly with the Executive Director, Board, and a variety of donors.  You will also prepare solicitations, gift acknowledgment letters, and other correspondence.  Time commitment: Flexible hours; approx. 3 hours per week.

Writer:  If you have a knack for writing, your talents can make a difference. Prepare and/or assist in the composition of various grant proposals to foundations and other supporting organizations or write press releases, human interest stories, newsletters, and/or brochures.  Time commitment: Project based, regular ½ day per week, or committee meeting once a month.

Graphic Designer: Perfect opportunity for someone with a talent for graphic design.  Possible projects include developing posters and brochures and assisting with CRC's marketing materials. Time commitment: Project based, or committee meeting once a month.

Computer Technician - Perfect opportunity for someone knowledgeable in IT maintenance!  Career Resource Center is seeking a well-qualified individual to assist us in providing regular maintenance, anti-virus protection, troubleshooting, upgrades, and software and hardware installation for our 8 lab computers and 4 administrative PC’s.  Experience with Windows 98, 2000 & XP operating systems is a must.  Time Commitment: Flexible hours; approximately 3 hours twice per month. 

For more information, contact Jan Leahy, Executive Director, at info@careerresourcecenter.org or (847)295-5626, 40 E. Old Mill Road, Suite 105, Lake Forest, IL  60045.

Casa (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Lake County

Volunteers Needed!

Court Appointed Special Advocates are trained volunteers who are appointed by juvenile court judges to provide objective information in the best interests of children who have open abuse or neglect cases in the court system.

CASA volunteers are men and women who want to help their community's children. They work for the judge, alongside attorneys and social workers, as friends of the court.

When a volunteer advocate is appointed to a child's case he or she is responsible for taking the time to find out as much as possible about that child. Volunteers review records, interview parents, talk to teachers, neighbors and -most important- the child.

CASA volunteers then appear in court to recommend to the judge the actions and services that meet that particular child's needs at that particular moment in his or her life and for the child's future.

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, with a variety of professional, educational, and ethnic backgrounds. All it takes is a desire to help children and the dedication to stay involved for the life of a case (approximately 18 months). It takes objectivity, communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to respectfully work with a variety of people.

For more information about becoming a CASA volunteer, call Terri McDonnell, Advocate Trainer at 847-808-9154 or go to www.casalakecounty.com, download an application form and send it to: Terri McDonnell, CASA Lake County, Suite 312, 1020 Milwaukee Ave., Deerfield, IL 60015 or email to tmcdonnell@casalakecounty.com

City of Lake Forest

Over 100 resident volunteers serve on the City's 19 boards and commissions. They provide leadership, establish policy and oversee budgets while working hard to ensure an open and responsive government. If you or someone you know is interested in serving on a board or commission, you can download a Volunteer Profile Sheet from the City's web site or contact the Office of the City Manager at (847) 615-4271, the Mayor or Aldermen. The Mayor makes appointments with the advice and consent of the City Council. www.cityoflakeforest.com

Condell Hospice

Patient Care Volunteers      Provide emotional support and companionship to enhance the comfort and quality of life for patients and their families.  By simply “being there” you can make a hospice patient’s day much brighter, while providing welcome comfort to the patient’s family and caregivers.

Bereavement Volunteers      Support family members and caregivers throughout the grief process.  Assist the Bereavement Coordinator in mailings and other bereavement tasks.

Office Volunteers      Provide clerical assistance at the Condell Hospice Office.  Assignments may include assembling information packets, filing, copying, and assisting with mailings.

Condell Hospice offers a training program that will prepare you for working in all areas of the Hospice Volunteer Program.  Training is provided in a group setting and covers a wide array of topics.

For more information about the Condell Hospice Volunteer Program, please call Heather Powers at (847) 816-8848 ext. 4059

C.O.O.L. Food Pantry

The Need:  Gift Wrapping Volunteers

Where:   Lake-Shore Harley Davidson, 14000 Rockland Road,   Libertyville

The Requirements:  Volunteers are asked to commit to one 3-hour shift. 

$2.00 of every gift wrap will benefit the COOL Food Pantry!

Anyone interested in this volunteer opportunity should call Diana Fishman at 847-662-1340 to schedule a shift.

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The Need: Volunteers are needed to assist Food Pantry staff with sorting, stocking, packing and distributing food to guests.   

The Requirements: Check with C.O.O.L. for Food Pantry hours.

When and Where You’re Needed: Help daily, weekly or monthly in 4 hour shifts.

If you, or someone you know, can help, contact Diana Fishman at 847-662-1340 or dfishman@poweruser.com or check out their web site at www.coolministries.org

For more information contact the Volunteer Center.
PH: 847-234-8876
FAX: 847-234-5856
E-mail: volunteerlflb@hotmail.com

Equestrian Connection

Equestrian Connection, a therapeutic horseback riding program for children with disabilities, is looking for men and women who would enjoy walking along side a child who is on a horse or pony for a half hour at a time.  Schedules are flexible - 1, 2, 4 or more hours a week or month.  The program runs 7 days a week. 

Equestrian Connection is in West Lake Forest. located at 600 Bradley Road, just west of the tollway and north of Rt. 60 (Townline Road).  Volunteers need to be able to walk on loose dirt/sand for 1/2 hour intervals.  A positive attitude and good sense of humor is always appreciated.

Could also use retired men who are good with a hammer and nails.

For more information, please call 847/615-8698 or visit www.equestrianconnection.org. 

Gift of Adoption Fund

Gift of Adoption Fund provides adoption grants to give children a family forever.  Current needs include: Administrative volunteers, Board members, Community Outreach Committee members, Grant Program volunteers, In-kind Fundraising volunteers, IT Volunteer Team members, Grant Writers, and Public Relations Committee members.

If you, or someone you know, can help, contact Tina Rounds at 847-205-2784 x403 or trounds@giftofadoption.org. www.giftofadoption.org 

GLASA (Great Lakes Adaptive Sports)

The Need: GLASA is seeking volunteers to assist with its recreational programs for youth and adult athletes with primary physical or visual impairments. 

The Requirements: Volunteers high school age on up are encouraged to help.

When and Where You’re Needed: Assistance is needed at swim meets, for wheelchair basketball, to train with runners and to check coats during events.  To learn more about specific times and dates when your assistance is needed call Cindy Housner. 

If you, or someone you know, can help, contact Cindy Housner at 847-283-0908. www.glasa.org 

For more information contact the Volunteer Center.
PH: 847-234-8876
FAX: 847-234-5856
E-mail: volunteerlflb@hotmail.com

Habitat for Humanity 

The Need: Habitat for Humanity needs volunteers with a variety of skills to meet current needs, including:

1. Habitat has begun building a home funded by the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff community.  Crew chiefs are sought to recruit volunteers for specific workdays and organize the crew; crew members are needed to help with construction.

2. Bilingual volunteers to provide translation services for its Spanish-speaking clients. Lawyers and paralegals are especially needed, to help clients navigate the complex requirements for home ownership.

3. Volunteers to transport items to, and to staff, Habitat's ReStore: a resale site offering building materials and fixtures to the public.

4. Individuals to present additional Habitat for Humanity volunteer opportunities to the construction crew volunteers during their lunch break.

The Requirements: Requirements vary: volunteers for translation services must be able to read and speak Spanish.  

When and Where You’re Needed: Your skills and availability will determine the time frame, duration and location where your talents will be put to use!

If you, or someone you know, can help, contact Habitat for Humanity at 847-623-1020.

For more information contact the Volunteer Center.
PH: 847-234-8876
FAX: 847-234-5856
E-mail: volunteerlflb@hotmail.com

Heartland Hospice Services 

Heartland Hospice Services is looking for volunteers to help with our hospice patients.  We serve patients in nursing homes as well as private homes in the greater Chicago land area.  Volunteers may help in the following ways:

* Visitors - volunteers visit our patients and provide companionship.  Depending on the needs of the patient, volunteers can share similar interests or hobbies, play cards, read aloud or just sit and talk.

* Respite Service - volunteers stay with the patient while the family members run errands or "take a break".

* Special assignments - volunteers work on craft projects that are given as gifts to hospice patients throughout the year.

* Office - volunteers work in our office in Hillside or Lake Bluff with filing, faxing, mailings, and other projects.

* Bereavement - help with phone calls to comfort the grieving

Qualifications:  We are seeking dependable, mature and compassionate individuals with a sincere desire to help others.  Minimum age is 18 for direct patient contact.  Flexible time commitments.  Ongoing training and support training is provided.

For more information, please call George Watson at 708/234-2804 or Kitty McAndrews at 708/234-2807.

The Josselyn Center

Your support of The Josselyn Center will allow indivuals, children, adolescents and their families who are suffering from emotional problems to get the therapeutic services they so critically need.  The time you give expresses in a very direct and personal way the value you place on this important asset to the quality of life in our communities.

Help facilitate cultural, dining, and entertainment events and outings for young adults with learning, physical, social, and emotional difficulties

Sign up as a committee member of a fundraising event

Drive a client to and from therapy appointments as needed

Supervise social skill group members while parents meet with the group facilitator

Sell books and help with registration at community education events and fall conference

Stuff envelopes for annual campaign and other mailings

Plant flowers and help with spring clean up

Call The Josselyn Center at (847) 441-5600 for more information or email jaimen@josselyn.org 

Lake County Forest Preserves

If you are looking for weekend volunteer opportunities the Lake County Forest Preserves has many opportunities on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout March, April, and May. Contact Tom Smith, Lake County Forest Preserves Coordinator at 847-968-3329 or tasmith@co.lake.il.us for more information.

Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Art Associates

Share your love of art!  The Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Art Associates of the Art Institute organization is looking for volunteers to discuss art with primary school children, grades K-5 in North Chicago schools, which are located less than 20 minutes from Lake Forest/Lake Bluff.  Volunteers do not need to be an artist, just enthusiastic about art.  Time commitment is minimal: once a month during the school year for 45 minute visits. Volunteers arrange dates and visit times with teachers -- so very flexible schedule.  Art posters, background info on artists, craft suggestions, and art supplies are supplied.  Very worthwhile opportunity to share your love of art!

Call Janet Cummings 847/234-4055 or Mary Kelley 847/295-3235 if interested.

Lake Forest - Lake Bluff Senior Center

Volunteer drivers wanted to drive older adults in your own car to doctor's appointments, classes and other important activities.  Some passengers may require special assistance or a door-to-door escort.  Rides are primarily during weekday hours.  Contact Janet Fryer at the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Senior Center (847) 615-4303 for more information.

Lake Forest Place - 1100 Pembridge Dr (north of LF hospital)

Make someone happy!  Consider sharing your time and a smile with seniors and health care residents at Lake Forest Place.  Persons with caring hearts are warmly welcome to assist with:  Nostalgia programs, wheelchair transport, friendly visiting, music, games, arts and crafts, computer classes, reading aloud.

Lake Forest Place is a not-for-profit retirement community, providing quality residential housing, health care programs, and services for older adults.  Volunteers enhance our programs, encouraging older adults to experience the fullness of life with dignity and joy.

To learn more, please call Lynn Jacobs @ 847.604.6626.

Park District of Highland Park 

Volunteer Opportunities:  The Volunteer Stewardship Network will offer its 2007 Herbicide Training and Testing on Saturday, February 10 from 8:15am to 4:00pm at the Brookfield Zoo.  This is a great way to become qualified to apply herbicides to buckthorn and other invasives in our parks.  To register, contact Karen Tharp, VSN Coordinator, at ktharp@TNC.ORG or call 618/634-2524.  Registration deadline is Saturday, January 27.  Study materials are available from the Natural Areas Program office.  Call 847/681-2189 for more information.  Those volunteers who have renewal applications coming should receive them in the mail shortly.

Natural Areas Workdays at the Heller Nature Center
Friday, January 12, 9:00am - Noon
Saturday, January 20, 10:00am - Noon
Friday, January 26, 9:00am - Noon
Friday, February 9, 9:00am - Noon
Saturday, February 17, 10:00am - Noon
Friday, February 23, 9:00am - Noon

Directions to Heller Nature Center:  2821 Ridge Road.  Head west on Half Day Road, turn right on Ridge Road.  The Center entrance is approximately 1/2 mile north on your right.

Volunteer Gear:  Remember to dress for the weather and tough terrain.  Cotton clothes and sturdy leather boots are recommended.  Safety equipment and refreshments will be provided.  847/681-2189 ext. 17 or rgrill@pdhp.org. 

Porchlight Counseling Services is a nonresidential survivor treatment center designed specifically to help Chicago area college students who are survivors of rape.  Victims of sexual assault and rape may suffer psychological, social, and spiritual ramifications after the experience.  Our mission is to provide an off-campus center of social services and innovative healing response for women in a confidential environment. 

Reading Power

Are you grateful that you can read and write? Would you like to make a difference in the lives of some children?  Be a part of Reading Power for North Chicago children.  Help accelerate the learning of low achieving children.  To qualify, you need only a love of children and the willingness to devote a morning or afternoon each week reading and writing with children one-on-one.  Training by a literacy specialist will be ongoing.  For more information, call or email Mary Jane Hender, (847) 295-2728, mjhender@comcast.net. 

Relief for Caregivers is a program designed to give caregivers a much-needed break from the constant care of a family member who cannot be left alone due to illness or disability. Training is provided through the Lake Forest Hospital and the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Senior Center. The volunteers provide 10 to 16 hours of relief a month, so that the caregiver can get out and shop, run errands, schedule appointments, or just take time to relax.

Contact Janet Fryer at the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Senior Center, 847-615-4303 if you have any questions or are interested in this program.

Willow House is a social service organization dedicated to helping children, teens, families and communities who are coping with death and dying. Services include support groups, educational resources and referrals, community outreach and special programs and workshops. These programs are community based so that they are easily accessible and foster peer support and interaction among the bereaved within the comfort and familiarity of their own communities.

Willow House’s programs would not be possible without our dedicated corps of volunteers. Volunteers serve as group facilitators, develop new programs, assist with special programs such as the Family Camp and Holiday Remembrance Gathering, and do fundraising and administrative work that supports our services.

Volunteer facilitators complete an intensive, 20-hour training course that covers the many issues related to providing counsel to grieving families in a group setting. Many of our volunteer facilitators have a background in social work, mental health, or a related field, but a sincere desire to work personally with grieving families is the only requirement to become a volunteer facilitator. A commitment of one group session -- about three hours per month -- is typically required of group facilitators.

If you can offer your time and special talents to help Willow House serve grieving families, please contact us.

Become a member of our team!

Volunteer Center of Lake Forest/Lake Bluff

The Need: Volunteers are needed to help with our programs. 

Little Hands/Big Hearts - for kids K-5th grade to do periodic community projects. Terrific fun planned for 2007-2008!

New volunteer position available -- Volunteer Referral Specialist 

We've decided to share the most fun part of our job with you!  Every day the Volunteer Center receives inquiries via email, phone calls or visits from people in our community who are interested in volunteering.  Our job is to talk with them, learn more about their interests/backgrounds/availability, and help them find the right fit based on our access to volunteer opportunities around Lake County.

We are looking for volunteers who can donate one hour a week to come into the Volunteer Center and respond to these interested people.  The Volunteer Center Director will spend time training you on how to respond.  We will also show you how to do some brief data entry after each referral is completed.  It is an hour of time that will make you feel good for helping others.  Please contact Nini Lustig at 847-234-8876 or volunteerlflb@hotmail.com. 

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Would you like to support the Volunteer Center, but can't find the time? Your generous monetary support can enable us to keep running beneficial programs and events for you to enjoy. 

Please consider a donation. You can contact us at (847) 234-8876, email to volunteerlflb@hotmail.com or via mail at the Volunteer Center of Lake Forest/Lake Bluff, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL  60045. We accept cash, checks, Visa or Mastercard. Thank you. 

Looking for Something Different?

If you'd like to learn about other opportunities, let us know more about your interests and availability. To do so, call the Volunteer Center at 847-234-8876 or click on the Volunteer Registration option, complete the form and send it to us. We look forward to assisting you!