Ongoing Community Volunteer Opportunities

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KAT Purple Shuttle at the Wright Center

Monthly Hot Meal at the Salvation Army of Mount Vernon

Community Roots Volunteer Day

Community Roots Volunteer Day

Bats, Bugs and Brownies program for Girl Scouts

Meet the World at Mount Vernon High School

Monthly WMVO Radio Show

Community Roots Volunteer Day

Monthly Hot Meal at the Salvation Army of Mount Vernon

Community Roots Volunteer Day

Community Roots Volunteer Day

VOLUNTEER opportunities:

Animal Assistance Programs

Cat Care Volunteers
The Knox County Humane Society is looking for up to 16 cat-loving volunteers to help care for cats and kittens by spending time with them and brushing them. Two-hour shifts are available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Contact: Caroline Detmer, Volunteer Coordinator, or Kelly Spencer, Director, 740-392-2287
Location: 400 Columbus Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

Lesson/StableMate Volunteers
The Shane Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc. is looking for ten volunteers for as little as one day per week for one hour or more (weekly commitment is necessary). Volunteers will walk alongside or lead horses; will need to be able to walk for up to an hour at a time and jog short distances; will be responsible for various barn duties; will need appropriate footwear and clothing; and must love horses and working with people with different abilities. Volunteering requires an initial visit to the Center, a training class, paperwork, and a background check. The Center is also looking for volunteers interested in office work, marketing, or fundraising.
Contact: Karen Sanchez, 740-625-9324
Location: 7908 Myers Road, Centerburg, Ohio 43011   

Program Volunteers
Hobby Horse Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center is looking for 10-15 volunteers to assist in tacking up horses, walking with riders as needed, assisting with untacking and putting horses away and some barn duties(sweeping, stall cleaning, grooming), and should be comfortable working around horses. Volunteers must complete the proper application form, attend a training session, sign a liability release, and keep schedule commitments for their 1-2 hours a week of volunteering.
Contact: Lynn Bonar, 740-694-5150
Location: 7559 Yankee Street, Fredericktown, Ohio 43019

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Building/Outdoor Programs

Brush With Kindness Event Volunteers
Habitat for Humanity of Knox County is looking for 20-30 volunteers for their two-day, annual Brush with Kindness volunteer event.
Contact the office for details
View volunteer forms

Building Sites Volunteers
Habitat for Humanity of Knox County is looking for 6-8 volunteers per building day, call ahead for dates and locations.
Contact: Anita Clark, Managing Director, 740-393-1434
View volunteer forms

Community Roots Volunteers
Community Roots needs volunteers throughout the year for a variety of tasks and projects around the green houses and gardens: from cleaning and light construction to general horticultural chores (i.e. watering, pruning, pest control, plant propagation, seed sorting, seed collecting).  Volunteers should be prepared to work outdoors in varied weather.
Interested volunteers can sign-up directly at the Community Roots Volunteer Signup Page.
Contact: Kim Frye, Executive Director
Location: 1104 West Gambier Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

Concert Volunteers (Summer only)
Ariel-Foundation Park needs 4-6 volunteers to enforce rules about food/beverages and dogs, and to welcome guests.  Concerts are typically Fridays and Saturdays.
Contact: Carrie Haver, 740-398-6603
Location: 10 Pittsburgh Avenue, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

Field Trip Leaders
The Brown Family Environmental Center (BFEC) is looking for students to lead the nearly 1,000 elementary students per year that visit the BFEC to enjoy a hands-on, outdoor learning experience. Students explore the forest, prairie, river, wildlife garden and more.
Contact: Noelle Jordan, 740-427-5052
Location: 9781 Laymon Road, Gambier, Ohio 43022

Habitat ReStore/Pick Ups Volunteers
Habitat for Humanity of Knox County is looking for 6-8 volunteers to stock shelves, price items, unload trucks (up to 50 lbs), welcome customers and clean the building on Fridays and Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Contact: Anita Clark, Managing Director, 740-393-1434
Location: 13246 Wooster Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050
View volunteer forms

Land Management Volunteers
The Brown Family Environmental Center (BFEC) is looking for volunteers to help manage invasive plant species, plant trees, clean up the river, and more throughout the nearly 9 miles of trails for student and public use. These trails wind through prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and along the Kokosing River.
Contact: Noelle Jordan, 740-427-5052
Location: 9781 Laymon Road, Gambier, Ohio 43022

Landscaping/Weeding
Ariel-Foundation Park needs volunteers to work with the park manager as assigned to areas to weed and clean up during the week.
Contact: Carrie Haver, 740-398-6603
Location: 10 Pittsburgh Avenue, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

Ohio Highway Clean-Up Volunteers
Habitat for Humanity of Knox County is looking for 12-15 volunteers per day at least two times a year, volunteers pick the day, to assist with cleaning the State Route 229 between Duff Street and Grove Church Road.
Contact: Anita Clark, Managing Director, 740-393-1434
View volunteer forms

Public Program Leaders
The Brown Family Environmental Center (BFEC) is looking for volunteers who would like to share their knowledge with others by designing and leading a public program. Such possibilities include birding, composting, orienteering, trees, salamanders, gardening — the possibilities are endless.
Contact: Noelle Jordan, 740-427-5052
Location: 9781 Laymon Road, Gambier, Ohio 43022

Special Events Volunteers
The Brown Family Environmental Center (BFEC) is looking for volunteers to lead activities, guide short hikes, distribute information about the BFEC and more during special events such as the fall Harvest Festival and spring Earth Day Event.
Contact: Noelle Jordan, 740-427-5052
Location: 9781 Laymon Road, Gambier, Ohio 43022

Wildlife Garden Volunteers
The Brown Family Environmental Center (BFEC) is looking for volunteers to help maintain the BFEC’s beautiful 1.5-acre wildlife garden. In “the jewel” of the BFEC, you will learn about native plants, composting and local wildlife.
Contact: Noelle Jordan, 740-427-5052
Location: 9781 Laymon Road, Gambier, Ohio 43022

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Education Programs

Academic Tutors
Knox Learning Center is looking for volunteers to assist enrolled high school students, who are earning graduation credits through online courses, with assignments, quizzes and tests.  One hour per week minimum participation and reliable attendance are required.  Tutoring opportunities are available 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Contact: Timm Mackley, 614-506-4018
Location: 900 West Vine Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050    

Administrative Support Volunteers
Knox County Head Start is looking for volunteers to support its administrative staff; hours are flexible and there are six different centers in Knox County.
Contact: Halle Krajenski, 740-397-9304

After School Program Volunteers at Columbia Elementary
South Vernon Methodist Church is looking for 2-6 volunteers every Thursday from 3:20-5 p.m. to interact with 1st-3rd graders by playing board games, reading and assisting with homework. Must love working with children and does require a background check.
Contact: Shari Baugher at 740-501-4918 or Pastor Lee Cubie at 740-504-8601
Location: Columbia Elementary School, 150 Columbus Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 and
South Vernon Methodist Church, 142 Columbus Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

After School Program Volunteers at Dan Emmett Elementary
Dan Emmett Elementary is looking for 2-6 volunteers every Monday - Thursday from 3:20-5 p.m. to interact with 3rd-5th graders by leading educational activities and assisting with homework. Must enjoy working with children. This is a United Way program.
Contact: Elizabeth Doolittle, Program Director, United Way of Knox County, 740-397-5721
Location: Dan Emmett Elementary School, 108 Mansfield Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

After School Program Volunteers at East Elementary
East Elementary is looking for 2-6 volunteers every Monday - Thursday from 3:20-5 p.m. to interact with 2nd-5th graders by leading activities, playing board games, reading and assisting with homework. Must enjoy working with children. This is an United Way program.
Contact: Marilyn Nagy at 740-398-3973
Location: East Elementary School,  714 East Vine Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

After School Program Volunteers at East Knox Elementary
East Knox Elementary is looking for 2-6 volunteers every Monday - Thursday from 3:20-5 p.m. to interact with 3rd-6th graders by leading activities and assisting with homework. Must enjoy working with children. This is a United Way program.
Contact: Elizabeth Doolittle, Program Director, United Way of Knox County, 740-397-5721
Location: East Knox Elementary School,  23201 Coshocton Road, Howard, Ohio 43028

After School Program Volunteers at Salvation Army of Mount Vernon
Salvation Army of Mount Vernon is looking for 4-6 volunteers willing to volunteer on a regular basis to interact with 3rd-6th graders by leading activities and assisting with homework. The Learning Zone runs Monday - Friday from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Must enjoy working with children. A background check is required.
Contact: Zachary Shoro, Learning Zone Director
Location: Salvation Army of Mount Vernon,  206 East Ohio Ave, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

Discovery Space Volunteers
SPI: Where Science and Play Intersect invites Kenyon students to help with all aspects of running their discovery space. SPI volunteers will be trained to check people in at the front desk and help out with  keeping the space clean. Volunteers may have opportunities to play with children and interact with families at all ages. Volunteers with science or other relevant skills may have opportunities to instruct and enhance visitor and staff experiences with their skills and knowledge. Volunteer opportunities are available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. or 4 - 6 p.m.; Saturdays 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. or 2 - 4 p.m.; Sundays 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.; Thursdays 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Contact: Stephanie Calondis Geiger, Executive Director or Josh Ganz, Operations Manager, 740-398-8643
Location: Wright Center, 400 South Main Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

English as Second Language Teaching Volunteers
The First Church of the Nazarene invites students to help in assisting the Hispanic community in Mount Vernon. Volunteers should have an intermediate level of proficiency in the Spanish language. Up to 10 volunteers are needed to provide academic assistance to school aged children and teens who are English Language Learners, or to teach an English as a Second Language class for adults, every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 - 7 p.m.
Contact: Pastor Edward Solano, Hispanic Ministries Pastor, 330-275-2752
Location: First Church of the Nazarene, 807 Coshocton Ave., Mount Vernon, Ohio 43081

Kitchen Support Volunteers
Knox County Head Start is looking for volunteers to support its kitchen staff; hours are flexible and there are six different centers in Knox County. 
Contact: Halle Krajenski, 740-397-9304

Lunch Buddies
Columbia Elementary School invites Kenyon students to form mentor relationships with Columbia Elementary students over lunch and recess, Monday-Friday. All you need to do is commit to visiting the Columbia Elementary cafeteria one day per week and have fun talking with your new lunch buddies! Teachers will identify specific children who are in need of extra conversation and attention. Lunch is available for a $3.50 purchase if you choose to partake.
Contact: Patrick Craig

Library Assistant at Columbia Elementary
Columbia Elementary School would like a volunteer to help in the library with activities such as reading to children, assisting with technology, putting books away and checking overdue items. Days and hours are flexible.
Contact: Jeanine Davenport, Librarian/Technology
Location: Columbia Elementary School, 150 Columbus Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

Preschool Classroom/Center Assistants
Knox County Head Start is looking for volunteers to support preschool classroom staff with meeting needs in children’s daily routines and activities; they must enjoy children, and have high energy, patience, creativity and flexibility. If volunteering with children in the classroom more than three times a background check will be performed, and a general medical physical exam (documented by physician from home or from Kenyon Health and Counseling Center) is required on file prior to returning to the classroom on a regular basis. Hours are flexible and there are six different centers in Knox County.
Contact: Halle Krajenski, 740-397-9304

Spanish Language Interpreters
Knox County Head Start is looking for volunteers to translate for its family support services; hours are flexible and there are six different centers in Knox County. 
Contact: Halle Krajenski, 740-397-9304

Sunday School Teachers
Harcourt Parish Episcopal Church is looking for six volunteers to commit to one Sunday per month, 10 a.m.–noon, on a rotation with other volunteers. Students will work as teacher’s assistants, supporting a lead teacher with story and craft for approximately 10 children ages 5-12. Students from any religious background are welcome. This is a great opportunity for hands on teaching experience.
Contact: Rachel Kessler, 740-427-5353
Location: Church of the Holy Spirit, 100 College Park Street, Gambier, Ohio 43022
Requirements: Willingness to work with elementary school children, creativity

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Food Accessibility Programs

Food Pantry Assistant at Salvation Army
The Salvation Army of Mount Vernon is looking for 1 to 3 volunteers Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to assist in the food pantry preparing food boxes.
Contact: Amber Brady, 740-392-8716
Location: 206 East Ohio Avenue, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

Food Pantry Assistant at Interchurch
Interchurch Social Services of Knox County, Inc. is looking for weekly volunteers to help stock shelves and assist clients in the food pantry.  Pantry volunteer opportunities are available between 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  These hours are flexible, and they are happy to have someone for an hour.
Contact: Joy Harris, Executive Director, 740-397-4825
Location: 306 West Gambier St., Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

Knox County Gleaners
OSU Extension, in partnership with the Knox County Local Food Council and Kenyon's Environmental Campus Organization (ECO), is looking for volunteers to help collect produce from the Mount Vernon Farmer's Market, Saturdays, May – October on an as-needed basis.  Gleaning volunteers pick up the donations containers from the Knox County Extension Office and drop them off at Interchurch Social Services.  Volunteers need to provide their own vehicle for transporting donated produce, and a weekly commitment is not necessary to volunteer.
Contact: Sabrina Schirtzinger, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 740-397-0401

Kenyon-Sponsored Hot Meal Volunteers
Kenyon's Office for Community Partnerships is looking for seven students per meal who want to demonstrate their cooking and service skills at Kenyon-sponsored free community Hot Meals at the Salvation Army of Mount Vernon.  Each Kenyon-sponsored Hot Meal will take place every second Thursday of the month from 4:30 pm - 6:45 pm.  
Contact: Stacy Haught, 740-427-5419 or sign up here.
Location: The Salvation Army of Mount Vernon, 206 East Ohio Avenue, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

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Health-Related Programs

Administrative Volunteers
Kindred Hospice is looking for volunteers (18 or older) to provide administrative support one to two times a month. Volunteers provide support to office personnel through assistance with such things as answering telephones, filing, making copies, or helping to create admission packets. Volunteers may also assist with compiling and mailing bereavement letters, sympathy cards or the planning of the Annual Memorial Service; assist with data entry and making Tuck-In phones calls to patients, families and caregivers prior to the weekend.. Hospice volunteer training must be completed and volunteers must submit to and pass a criminal background and drug screening, and provide annual TB testing results.     
Contact: Dani Woosley, Volunteer Manager, 740-263-2248
Location: 112 Harcourt Road, Suite 3, MountVernon, Ohio 43050

Hospice Volunteers
Hospice of Knox County is looking for volunteers to support the end of life care mission through direct and indirect volunteer opportunities, including working with patients, grief support, in the office, etc. Application and training process involved with some volunteer opportunities. Volunteer location includes wherever the patient calls home, hours will vary.
Contact: Danielle Sutton, 740-397-5188

Medical Office Aides
Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission, a local private, non-profit social service organization, is looking for volunteers (preferably pre-med or with interests in social/human services) to do filing, cleaning of exam rooms, and various medical office duties as assigned.  A signed confidential statement must be on file.  Schedule varies.
Contact: Kelly Corrigan, 740-622-9801
Location: 69 Sychar Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

Patient Support Volunteers
Kindred Hospice is looking for volunteers (18 or older) to provide patient support one to two times a month. Volunteers serve as an additional support to patients and families dealing with a terminal illness and end-of-life issues. Support is provided in a variety of ways, including the provision of companionship and socialization to patients, or offering respite to stressed caregivers. Hospice volunteer training must be completed and volunteers must submit to and pass a criminal background and drug screening, and provide annual TB testing results.    
Contact: Dani Woosley, Volunteer Manager, 740-263-2248
Location: 112 Harcourt Road, Suite 3, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

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Other Community Service Programs

Activities Volunteers
The Ohio Eastern Star Home is looking for friendly and sociable volunteers for their Activities Department at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. daily. Volunteers escort residents to and from activity locations, assist with setting up activities, and assist with the activities.
Contact: Marci Thomas, 740-397-1706
Location:  1451 Gambier Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

Homelessness Prevention Kenyon Volunteers
Southeastern Ohio Legal Services (SEOLS) has an opportunity for students interested in poverty, homelessness, and/or law. Volunteers will be trained on the intake process for the program on issues surrounding prevention of homelessness, and the intake will be done at Winter Sanctuary and Interchurch. Evening shifts are available at the Winter Sanctuary from October through March, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Morning shifts are available at Interchurch from April through September, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Contact: Natasha A. Plumly, Senior Staff Attorney, 740-345-0850 ext. 8210
Locations: Winter Sanctuary, 401 West Vine Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 and Interchurch, 306 West Gambier Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

Homeless Shelter Service Day Volunteers
The Winter Sanctuary Homeless Shelter is looking for 4-6 volunteers to participate in service days every two months; volunteers would clean and organize the shelter, and weed.  
Contact: Ann Marie Wiley
Location: 401 West Vine Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

Homeless Shelter Volunteers
The Winter Sanctuary Homeless Shelter is looking for volunteers with a heart for working with homeless people and/or people with mental health and addiction issues to provide supervision and support to shelter guests (men’s and women’s sides). Volunteers must be 18 or older; a background check and orientation are required. The shelter is open November - March. There are three shifts available daily: Evening (6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.); Overnight (10 p.m. - 6 a.m.); and Morning (6 a.m. - 9 a.m.).
Contact: Ann Marie Wiley
Location: 401 West Vine Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

Museum Assistant
Knox County Historical Society has an opportunity for 1-2 students with interest in local history to staff the museum March through November. Available shifts include Wednesdays 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. and Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Contact: Mark Ramser, President, 740-392-2941
Location: 875 Harcourt Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

Museum Volunteers
Ariel-Foundation Park needs 1-2 volunteers to staff the museum on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; responsibilities include welcoming guests and answering questions. Ideally, volunteers would repeat their service every weekend.
Contact: Carrie Haver, 740-398-6603
Location: 10 Pittsburgh Avenue, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

Office Assistants
The Brown Family Environmental Center (BFEC) is looking for volunteers to help answer its phones, send out mailings, digitize files, do data entry and design indoor exhibits.
Contact: Noelle Jordan, 740-427-5052
Location: 9781 Laymon Road, Gambier, Ohio 43022

Peer Support Assistant
The Main Place is looking for 2-3 volunteers to work alongside State Certified Peer Supporters to facilitate a variety of mental health recovery groups, focusing on topics such as art, creative writing, and recovery. Agency hours are Monday through Friday; volunteer scheduling is dependent upon the classes with which you'd like to assist. A background check will be required, and training provided.
Contact: Cary Loughman or Stacy Shipman
Location: 117 West Hight Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

Special Projects
The Brown Family Environmental Center (BFEC) is looking for people to share their talents. Do you like photography? Carpentry? Let us know what you would like to do, and we’ll find you a project!
Contact: Noelle Jordan, 740-427-5052
Location: 9781 Laymon Road, Gambier, Ohio 43022

Tax Program Volunteer
No prior tax experience required and student groups welcome!  Volunteers will complete a training certification (either at the United Way office or online) in preparation for this program.  United Way of Knox County's Tax Preparation Assistance Program runs from the end of January through the beginning of April.  Tax clients meeting eligibility requirements (including limited income) call United Way and schedule appointments.  At an appointment, clients come into the office to meet with a volunteer for assistance preparing their tax returns.  One to fifteen volunteers are needed throughout the season to assist clients using an online, user-friendly web-portal to prepare state and federal tax returns.  United Way staff will be available to greet clients, supervise and answer questions for volunteers.  Time commitment and hours are flexible, including day-time, evening and Saturday appointments.  Volunteers should be comfortable using a computer and meeting with clients.
Contact: Elizabeth Doolittle, Program Director, 740-397-5721
Location: 305 East High Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

Thrift Store Sorter
Interchurch Social Services of Knox County, Inc. is looking for weekly volunteers to sort and price donations for the sales floor.  Thrift shop volunteer opportunities are available between 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  These hours are flexible, and they are happy to have someone for an hour.
Contact: Joy Harris, Executive Director, 740-397-4825
Location: 306 West Gambier Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

Woodward Opera House Docent
The Woodward Development Corporation is looking for 6-10 enthusiastic volunteers, 2-4 hours on Saturdays (frequency and time of day varies), to assist in securing construction zones for tours which requires standing at strategic points and/or walking with tours to ensure guests stay in the group; after an orientation volunteers are expected to answer questions about the project/history of the Woodward or refer guests to docents who can best answer those questions.  Must wear closed-toed shoes and long pants (preferably jeans, NO sweatpants and NO skirts), Kenyon clothing is encouraged!  Volunteers also may be asked to assist with special events and other types of activities, such as cleaning and moving items.
Contact: Justin Bauer, 740-392-6102
Location: 101 South Main Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

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