Virtual Volunteer Opportunities
with United Way
- Book Donations for Community Schools United
- Encouragement Card for Columbus Hospice Patients & Staff
- Hygiene Kits for St. Anne Community Outreach
- Supplies for Women & Children at Hope Harbour
- Safe, Child Friendly Activities for Children at Hope Harbour
- Encouragement Cards for Women at Hope Harbour
- BETTER WORK Columbus- Volunteer Mentor
Book Donations for Community Schools United
Volunteers are needed to help build the home libraries of students at United Way Community Schools United. For more information on Community Schools, click here.
Key indicators in whether a child is successful in school is the access to books in the home. Studies have found that children with greater access to books and other print materials express more enjoyment of reading and academics. On average, children in economically depressed communities have 0-2 age-appropriate books in their homes. Donations of new or gently used books for ages 4-11 years (Grades PreK-5th) are appreciated.
To schedule a donation drop off, contact Pam Romero at promero@unitedwayofthecv.org.
Write an Encouragement Card for Columbus Hospice Patients and/or Staff
Volunteers are needed to write encouragement cards to both Columbus Hospice patients and staff. Due to HIPPA requirements no patient information can be provided so these cards would need to be generic and include message like the following:
Sample Patient Messages:
We are thinking of you at this time!
I hope today is a good day for you!
Sample Staff Messages:
Thank you for the care you provide!
Stay strong and know that others are thinking of you and value the essential work you do!
Card Mailing/Delivery: Please send cards to the address below or drop off to Columbus Hospice and designate whether the card is for patient or employee.
Columbus Hospice
Attn: Katie Greene – Encouragement Card (Patient or Staff)
7020 Moon Road
Columbus, GA 31909
For Card Delivery: No contact drop offs can be done Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 8:00 AM and 12:00pm. Please leave the donation on the bench outside the main entrance, call Columbus Hospice at 706-569-7992 and let them know they have left your donation.
Hygiene Kits for St. Anne Community Outreach
Volunteers are needed to create kits or donate supplies for Hygiene Kits for clients of St. Anne Community Outreach. St. Anne Community Outreach serves individuals and families living in poverty, including the United Way funded Rental Clinic program that works to keep housed those who are in danger of becoming homeless.
Hygiene Kits can include:
- Shaving Cream
- Razors
- Men’s Soap
- Deodorant
- Socks
Volunteers can put together the kits into Ziplock bags or provide the supplies for St. Anne to assemble the kits.
For no contact drop off, please deliver donations to the address below on Mondays or Wednesdays 9am-11am.
St. Anne Community Outreach
1820 Box Road
Columbus, GA 31907
For questions, please contact Rachel Chambless.
Women and Children Shelter Residents in Need of Supplies at Hope Harbour
(Domestic Violence Shelter in Muscogee County)
Volunteers are needed to help provide supplies for the women and children staying at the shelter.
Hygiene products:
- Full Size Shampoo and Conditioner
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste
- Soap
- Lotion Bodywash
- Tampons
- Pads
Household Cleaners:
- Wipes
- Disinfectants
- Hand Sanitizer
For no contact drop off of supplies – the donated items can be delivered every Tuesday at Rosehill Baptist Church on Hamilton Road at 8:30 am or at 1:00 pm.
Safe, Child Friendly Activities for Children at Hope Harbour
(Domestic Violence Shelter in Muscogee County)
As children remain home from school there is an increased need for safe, fun activities they can do at the shelter. Oftentimes those living at the shelter have left with very little of their home comforts. This includes toys and games for children. In particular, the list of items below would be greatly appreciated.
Items:
- Bubbles
- Sidewalk Chalk
- Slip & Slides
- Baby Pools
- Water Balloons
- Play Dough
- Board Games
For no contact drop off of supplies – the donated items can be delivered every Tuesday at Rosehill Baptist Church on Hamilton Road at 8:30 am or at 1:00 pm.
Encouragement Cards for Women at Hope Harbour
(Domestic Violence Shelter in Muscogee County)
Volunteers are needed to write encouragement cards for women entering the Hope Harbour program. These would be used in the participant intake packets. For many women entering this shelter this is a time that comes with feelings of isolation. A note to let someone know they are thought of and they have people who care for their wellbeing and are rooting for their success, would mean a great deal!
Please make these cards generic as client information is kept confidential for safety reasons.
For no contact drop off of encouragement cards – the donated items can be delivered every Tuesday at Rosehill Baptist Church on Hamilton Road at 8:30 am or at 1:00 pm.
BETTER WORK Columbus (formerly Hiring Well, Doing Good) –Volunteer Mentor
BETTER WORK Columbus is seeking mentors to give support and guidance to job seekers as they engage in needed assessment, training, vocational planning, and job search activities. Guidance offered may include website navigation, connection to available tools and resources, preparation for successful job search, and resume/interview assistance.
Volunteer mentors become Champions for others! Serving our community as a Champion will allow you to help someone who doesn’t have the resources or network to successfully navigate finding and securing a job with growth potential.
BETTER WORK Champions commit to a journey with BETTER WORK candidates while they are performing their job search to provide friendship, support, guidance, assistance and a sense of community that will help the candidate overcome employment barriers. You will assist job seekers in targeting opportunities and securing employment in a position that offers a
living wage as you provide consistent support and build a meaningful relationship based on respect and trust.
Champions are currently receiving training and working virtually.
Commitment required: Champions will complete a 2-hour training and are asked to commit on average 1-2 hours per week assisting candidates they are supporting. Tools and resources are provided during training. Monthly volunteer meetings and/or additional training may be scheduled as needed.
For Questions, contact Kristin Barker (BETTER WORK Columbus Program Manager) at Kristin.barker@georgiaopportunity.org
To volunteer as a BETTER WORK Champion, complete the online form at the bottom of this web page. https://betteropportunity.org/better-work-columbus/. Upon submission, you will receive additional volunteer information and may schedule your training.
