Volunteering is a great way to get to know people in your community who you might not otherwise meet. It is also a great way to get to know about some of the vital needs faced by our most vulnerable neighbors. So many nonprofit agencies in our area are doing important work to fight some of the pressing problems in our region. Below, we’ve listed some of the ways you can get involved with what they are doing. You can find even more volunteer opportunities at the web portal, Volunteer Greater Nashua, which connects those who want to help with the agencies who need volunteers. It is co-sponsored by The Telegraph and United Way of Greater Nashua, and is an excellent place for people who want to help, to find an organization to collaborate with. Volunteer opportunities can be found by searching by zip code, interest area, and more. We’ve included several new listings featured on the site in this article. You can always find more on Volunteer Greater Nashua at http://www.volunteergreaternashua.org.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need. They aspire to turn compassion into action so that all people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter and hope; our communities are ready and prepared for disasters; everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products; all members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed; and in an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization serving to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. The most common emergencies our local communities face are home fires. This spring the American Red Cross is playing their part to prevent such emergencies and make sure families escape such tragedies safely through their Sound the Alarm event. On April 18th the American Red Cross will deploy volunteers across Nashua, NH to assist in installing free smoke alarms and educate families about fire safety. We hope that you will join them in sounding the alarm right here in Nashua, NH and increasing community safety.

For more information, visit www.volunteergreaternashua.org and search for “American Red Cross.”

Future In Sight

Serving New Hampshire since 1912, Future In Sight is dedicated to providing specialized services for individuals who are blind or vision-impaired. Their credentialed professionals provide a range of education, low vision rehabilitation, orientation and mobility instruction and social services for infants and toddlers, children, adults and seniors at home, at school and in the community. Volunteers comprise an essential part of their team, providing 4,551 hours of service in the last year alone.

Remember when you were sixteen and couldn’t wait to get your driver’s license so you could drive your friends around town, smiling from behind the wheel? Recapture that feeling by volunteering to drive a neighbor in Nashua who is no longer able drive due to their vision loss. Adjusting to profound vision loss can be daunting – finding a dependable ride to get groceries or go to medical appointments adds an additional layer of adjustment. That’s where you come in. Whether you have a few hours each month or an hour each week, you’ll be matched with an adult who needs a lift, and you’ll be smiling from behind the wheel – again.

For more information, visit www.volunteergreaternashua.org and search for “Future in Sight.”

Greater Nashua Food Council

Greater Nashua Food Council is a collective impact organization who focuses on Nutrition Education, Healthy Food Distribution, Healthy Food Production, and improving food related policies. They collaborate with over 80 community organizations, businesses, institutions, and community members to improve access to affordable healthy food for all people in the Greater Nashua Region. They are partnered with Harvard Pilgrim Health Fund to expand gleaning, growing, and distribution of fresh produce into the Greater Nashua Region through volunteerism. This is a part of their combined goal to have “Neighbors Helping Neighbors”

The Greater Nashua Food Council has ongoing needs for volunteers to help with distribution of gleaned produce to community partners and for volunteers to distribute gleaned produce at their mobile food pantry sites throughout Nashua. Each opportunity is only a couple of hours a week. Days and Times depend on gleaning coordinators schedule and mobile pantry operation times.

For more information, visit www.volunteergreaternashua.org and search for “Greater Nashua Food Council.”

United Way of Greater Nashua

Founded in 1930, United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. They serve the 11 communities of Greater Nashua. With their commitment to financial and governance accountability, United Way of Greater Nashua is a 4-Star Rated nonprofit from Charity Navigator and due to their commitment to transparency, they are rated “Platinum” by GuideStar. 98% of the funds they raise stay in our local community, and over 85% of what they raise supports the mission of creating positive community impact. They were awarded by the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce as their 2015 Nonprofit of the Year.

United Way of Greater Nashua is putting together a volunteer team of locally-minded creative thinkers to help network with area businesses and come up with new fundraising projects that local businesses can help with. Current projects include organizing collection boxes at local stores and restaurants, brainstorming fun fundraising projects like “Skydive United”, and their new limited ticket raffle. They are looking for volunteers who have a good knowledge of the local business environment, or who are enthusiastic about learning more about our community. If you’d like to use your ability to see solutions and make connections in our everyday world, this volunteer opportunity is for you!

For more information, visit www.volunteergreaternashua.org and search for “United Way of Greater Nashua.”

Save the Date – United Way of Greater Nashua will be hosting a Volunteer Fair at the Nashua Senior Activity Center on Wednesday, March 25th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Many nonprofits from around the region will be on hand to talk about how you can pitch in. Contact Sara Ceaser at sceaser@unitedwaynashua.org or (603)864-0201 with questions.

By Sara Ceaser is director of volunteer and community engagement for the United Way of Greater Nashua.

Newsletter