Looking for something more meaningful to do over spring break than conniving a way to be seen on MTV’s “Spring Break”? Many local organizations begin training new volunteers in the spring, and a week off gives aspiring do-gooders plenty of time to contact these organizations about their opportunities.
Eugene’s White Bird Clinic is one organization to which students can donate their time, said Bob Dritz, who works for the clinic.
“We offer community service training every quarter,” Dritz said. “It lasts 10 weeks for five to six hours per week. The training involves class work and on-the-job training.”
Volunteers who complete the training are able to choose from a variety of areas.
“After training, you can volunteer with the crisis line and intervention, counseling, drug treatment, the information line, or at the medical and dental clinic,” Dritz said.
Dritz said the next training session begins in April, and interested students should call 687-4000.
Sexual Assault Support Services, or SASS, offers training for people who want to assist sexual assault victims.
SASS spokeswoman Michelle Edwards said volunteers train to facilitate support groups, answer crisis lines, meet people one on one and participate in educational programming the organization coordinates with schools.
“We offer trainings three times a year for people who are interested,” Edwards said.
For people looking to help out right away, Edwards said projects that don’t require any training occasionally arise.
“Our yard could use some work,” Edwards said. “It needs some raking. We have some tools. If people are willing to come, it would probably be two to three hours worth of work.”
SASS volunteer coordinator Cris Lira can be reached at 484-9791.
Womenspace offers two different types of training. According to spokeswoman Nancy Hafner, one session begins April 5. It includes programs that span four days and involves working with the organization’s clients.
“The other (program) would be working in our administration office helping out with special projects, such as fundraising, or with other administrative projects,” Hafner said.
To register for training, call Hafner at 485-7262.
Humans aren’t the only ones in need of assistance. The Greenhill Humane Society also relies on volunteer help to take care of the animals in the shelter.
Volunteer orientation is the first Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. at the Humane Society, located at 88530 Green Hill Road. Volunteers help with all aspects of animal care, including walking, feeding
and grooming.
The Humane Society can be reached at 689-1503.
FOOD for Lane County and the United Way of Lane County also use volunteers. The phone number for FOOD for Lane County is 343-2822. The United Way can be reached at 741-6000.