Make a Difference

City of Altoona Volunteers Needed
The City of Altoona needs volunteers for their “Gateway Project.”  This project consists of the 4th St. Gateway Project and the Homeowners Assistance Repair Program.  For more detailed information, please visit the city website volunteer link at http://www.altoonapa.gov/altoona/cwp/view.asp?Q=516192&A=3

After-School Tutors Needed
The Family Resource Center in Altoona is currently looking for tutors for our after school Mentor/Homework Help Program. The program is Free to all Blair County children grades 1-6. The time commitment for volunteers is an hour per week. Our sessions are held at The Family Resource Center or The Altoona Library.
Please contact Casandra VanNest at The Family Resource Center at 814-941-7711 or Cvannest@unitedwayofblaircounty.org if you wish to donate your time to this outstanding program.

American Cancer Society Volunteers Needed
We are in need of volunteers to help us in our local offices throughout Central PA ( Blair, Cambria, Centre, Mifflin/Juniata, Clearfield) with everything from mailings to events and special projects. Whatever your interest, we have a project for you. No amount of time is too small. Together we can join in the fight against cancer. Thank you for thinking of your American Cancer Society call 814-695-9232 or www.cancer.org or debra.dodson@cancer.

Quaint Corner Children’s Museum Volunteers
We’re looking for volunteers to donate a few hours a week or a month to help. You can help with cleaning, painting, painting murals, creating seasonal decorations and more! We’d love for you to join our museum family and start a tradition of community action here.
Call for more information at 944-6830. The Quaint Corner Children’s Museum and Discovery Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Much of our growth depends on contributions, both monetary and in the form of supplies. Our donation “wish list” for non-monetary donations:
Art Supplies! Paper, non-toxic paints, glue, glitter, scissors
Costumes that your children have outgrown.
Bags of Play Sand, always useful for renewing the largest indoor sandbox in Blair County

Volunteer Income Tax Prep Services
The United Way of Blair County is pleased to announce a new partnership with Blair Senior Services. The United Way will manage a site under Blair Senior Service’s VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. Low to moderate income families and individuals under the age of 55 can use this site – a downtown location donated by Blair County Community Action – for free tax preparation services.
Income eligible Individuals and families can use the VITA program to have their basic tax returns completed and, if eligible, claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC is the primary governmental income support for the working poor.
We need your help to make this project a success! Please consider becoming a certified volunteer tax preparer. Training is scheduled this January.
To learn more, contact me at 814-944-0884 x 301 or KEtters@unitedwayofblaircounty.org.

Volunteers Needed for Teen Zone
The New Morning Grief Camp, the Evergreen Manors’ Supportive Services Program, and the St. Vincent DePaul Society will be starting a Saturday Faith based program for students from Evergreen Manors and Fairview Hills in grades 6th through 12th; which will be held at the Ravine every Saturday beginning February 27th for 10 weeks with the exception of Easter Saturday. The program, called “Teen Zone” will run from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM. We are in need of 10 volunteers, transportation to and from, and food donations to provide the students lunch. Auto liability insurance will be provided and some monies are also available to help with the cost of gas. Volunteers will receive training on February 20th at the Ravine. We are hoping to serve 20 students. The program’s focus will be Building self esteem, making good choices, and coping skills, etc. If you’re interested in helping, please contact Kathy at kbaskin@atlanticbbn.net