Agency: Social Service League

Address: 905 R.I.

Contact Person: Jean Ann Pike, 843-5414

The Social Service League was the first charity in Lawrence, with roots starting after Quantrill’s Raid in 1863. Today, it operates two programs for children of low-income families. One provides eye care and glasses, the other shoes. Children from all over the county are referred to these programs by schools. To fund these charities, the league operates a thrift shop at Ninth and Rhode Island streets. The shop accepts donated goods and sells them at a discounted rate.

The league needs volunteers to sort and place merchandise in the store. It hopes to have about four volunteers working at the store all the time, with up to seven more to help with extra sorting. Volunteers can come in at any time during open hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers don’t need to call in before coming to help, and program director Jean Ann Pike said many volunteers stopped in for an hour or two at a time between appointments. Groups are welcome to come work together, although they should call in advance. Call Pike to volunteer or to make a donation.

Last week’s results

The Pelathe Community center did not receive any calls last week. It still needs volunteers to staff the food pantry, especially in the early evenings, or on Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday afternoons. Volunteers make food baskets for 125 families in need. The pantry is only open two days a week from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., but hopes to expand those hours. Call Melvina Yazzie at 841-7202 to donate or volunteer.

Immediate needs

Help the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club with “Round Up” on Nov. 9 at four Dillons stores. The club needs greeters to encourage customers to “Round Up” to the next dollar or higher with the excess going to the club. For more information call Allen Ford at 864-7523 or 841-4557 or E-mail at aford@ku.edu

Operation WildLife needs volunteers who have an interest in experiencing some hands-on wildlife, and don’t mind the tasks that come with it. They have a variety of volunteer jobs such as washing laundry, cutting up food for animals, washing dishes, sweeping and mopping floors, and doing facility maintenance and odd jobs. The operation’s receiving center and main facility also need volunteers. Contact Diane Johnson at 542-3625 or e-mail at OpWildLife@aol.com.

Community Drop In Center needs a volunteer coordinator to work about 20 hours a week from 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. Responsibilities will include recruiting and training new volunteers and organizing the volunteer schedule. Call Tami Clark at 832-8864.

Lake View Manor welcomes volunteers to interact with senior citizens by visiting, playing bingo, decorating rooms and helping with craft activities. Call Nina Cobb at 842-7282.

Baldwin School District’s YES Program, which provides early education for at-risk children, needs volunteers to assist teachers in the classroom. There is a morning and afternoon session. Contact Heather Wallsmith at 594-3081.

Volunteers still needed to work two and a half hour shifts staffing Kids Voting tables at polling sites in Douglas County. Call 865-5030 to volunteer.

For more volunteer opportunities, contact Roger Hill Volunteer Center, a service of United Way of Douglas County at 865-5030, or see volunteer opportunities online at www.rhvc.org.