AFL-CIO Community Services seeking Adopt-A-Family volunteers
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The AFL-CIO Community Services is seeking volunteers for opportunities to help with its Adopt-A-Family program.
Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to call 816-364-1131, email ashley.luthans@helpmenow.org or utilize the agency's new online volunteer system by visiting afl-ciocommunityservices.ivolunteer.com/adoptafamily.
Around 15 volunteers are needed from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 15, to help shop for disabled/nursing home adoptees who did not get adopted by someone in the community.
The agency will have someone lined up at the North Belt Walmart to direct shoppers. The AFL-CIO said this volunteer opportunity is for those who like to shop but don't want to spend their own money.
Another volunteer opportunity will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 15 and Tuesday, Dec. 16. The agency will need around 15 volunteers, ages 16 years or older, each day, to help organize its Gift Room.
The process will involve sorting and organizing gift donations, so those who were not chosen to be adopted by someone in the community can shop for gifts for their family.
Volunteers are also needed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, through Wednesday, Dec. 24, to staff the Gift Room while it's open for shopping. The agency said it needs six volunteers per hour, each day.
Working in the Gift Room will include checking families in and out, working with the families to help them pick out appropriate gifts for their family members, restocking as more donations arrive and a little "dab" of paperwork.
The agency said the Gift Room gets hectic at times and requires at least three workers per hour to keep the room under control. Volunteers may be required to move up and down, lift items and work on their feet.
Volunteers will also need to be flexible, as details change fairly often with the program, and be able to keep information about Gift Room visitors confidential. The opportunity is limited to adults only.
From 1 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18 and Friday, Dec. 19, eight volunteers will be needed per day to deliver gifts to shut-ins.
The agency said volunteers can deliver as few or as many deliveries as their time allows. Volunteers will also need their own vehicle.
Volunteers will also be needed from Wednesday, Dec. 17, through Tuesday, Dec. 23, to hang around the AFL-CIO building during the Adopt-A-Family program to take pictures around the agency.
Those interested are welcome to bring a professional camera or cellphone, and no professional photography experience is needed to qualify for this opportunity.
The AFL-CIO is asking for candid shots of the "happenings" surrounding the program. If volunteers aren't busy taking photos, the agency said there are other tasks it may need help with.
Finally, the agency is looking for a few people who are willing to be "on call" during the length of the program. This is in case a volunteer cancels last minute.
"We hate to schedule too many volunteers and have them standing around with nothing to do, but we also need to be covered," said agency officials in a press release.
If someone is willing and able to be "on call" for the listed dates and times, email ashley.luthans@helpmenow.org or call 816-364-1131.
