Two weeks ago, we extolled the virtues of volunteering in honor of National Volunteer Month.
Today, we offer some specifics for those interested in acting on our call to service. Five nonprofit agencies in town as well as the village’s public library offer a variety of volunteer opportunities. Teens interested in getting involved can join one of the seven junior boards that serve Hinsdale agencies.
The opportunities are plentiful. We hope you will pursue them.
HCS Family Services
HCS Family Services relies on almost 100 volunteers each week to help in its mission of ensuring all neighbors have access to healthy, nutritious food. Volunteers greet pantry guests, pick up donations from local retailers, unload donations, sort food, stock shelves and assist pantry guests with their shopping experience. To volunteer, visit https://www.hcsfamilyservices.org/volunteer/.
Hinsdale Historical Society
The Hinsdale Historical Society is looking for volunteers to join various board committees with the potential opportunity to join the board of trustees, present programs and tours to schools and other groups, serve as docents at the history museum, work in the archives and research library and take photographs of programs and events. For more information or to get involved, send an email to [email protected].
Hinsdale Humane Society
Volunteers at the Tuthill Family Pet Rescue & Resource Center walk dogs, socialize cats, maintain dog and cat kennels, serve as foster families, assist with fundraising events and complete other tasks. Volunteers also can work with their own pet (evaluated for behavior suitability) in the Therapaws Pet Therapy program. The society offers opportunities for kids and teens ages 6-18 as well. To volunteer, visit https://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org and click on the “Volunteer” tab.
Hinsdale Public Library
The library has occasional needs throughout the year for volunteers to help with special events, book sale items, Doorstep Delivery and other tasks. The young adult services department has volunteer opportunities to help teens in grades six through 12 earn service hours. For more information, send an email to [email protected] or fill out the application form at https://www.hinsdalelibrary.info/support-the-library.
The Community House
The Volunteer Services Department at The Community House provides a matching service to link young people and adults with meaningful volunteer opportunities according to their interests. Volunteer positions are available for students, professionals, retirees, stay-at-home parents and families. Opportunities include working with seniors in the Active Adults program, providing musical accompaniment for an event, helping at an after school program, volunteering at a summer camp or working on technology or social media. For more information, email program director Beth Hahn at [email protected].
Wellness House
Wellness House offers access to a variety of therapies, treatments and techniques that can help heal those facing a cancer diagnosis and their families. Offered at no cost and as a complement to medical treatment, its programs educate, support and empower participants so they will improve their physical and emotional well-being. Wellness House relies on volunteers for help with clerical and computer work, reception, special events, The Courtyard resale shop and other responsibilities. To volunteer, fill out the form available at https://www.wellnesshouse.org/getinvolved.
Junior boards
Seven organizations in town offer a junior board open to high school students in Hinsdale and neighboring communities.
Use the contact information listed above for details on the junior boards at HCS Family Services, the Hinsdale Historical Society, the Hinsdale Humane Society and The Community House.
Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club offers a junior board called Juniorettes. For more information, email Denise Marron at [email protected].
The Hinsdale Hospital Foundation’s Junior Board is led by Colleen Salvino and Lyn Burgess. Send emails to [email protected] or [email protected].
For more information about the Infant Welfare Society Junior Board, email Cindy Moncrief at [email protected] or Laurie Condon at [email protected].
