VOLUNTEER CENTER/SERVICE ABOVE SELF

The Volunteer Center of East Central Wisconsin is the local connection to volunteer opportunities throughout the Fox Valley Region.  They connect volunteers with non-profit agencies and other community organizations in many different ways.  The Volunteer Center started in 1996 in the Thompson Community Center.  It serves volunteers and non-profit agencies in Calumet, Outagamie and Winnebago Counties.  They assist more than 100 area non-profit organizations by annually promoting their volunteer needs in the Volunteer Connections book.  They also have a comprehensive online service for recruiting and managing volunteers.  You can find it at www.volunteercenter.net then “Search Opportunities” to find a match right for you.  The Volunteer Center has many different programs reaching out to different people.  Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is a great way to volunteer and network with older adults who have an interest in serving our community.  RSVP invites adults age 55 and over to use their life experiences and skills.  The Youth program works with youth ages 12-18.  They participate in volunteer activities within their community.  The Volunteer Center also has a Youth Alliance Awards program.  This program is a great way to highlight the community service provided by our area youth.  One of their major events is the Human Race a non-competitive run/walk. This takes place on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Thrivent on Ballard Road.  The Human Race is a unique way for individuals, families and businesses to work together to raise money for an organization or cause.  The Volunteer Center also partnered up with Badger Sport Park and starting on April 1^st you can purchase a gift card for Badger Sport park for $25 and it is worth $50.00.  As you can see there are a lot of opportunities in our community to volunteer and really make a difference.  The Service Above Self (SAS) committee would like to partner with the Volunteer Center and other organizations to get out and make a difference.  The committee is committed to find a variety of different activities that everyone can participate with.  In April the Old Glory Honor Flight is looking for volunteers before the event.  Nancy Leipzig, chair of SAS committee, will get more information for the club but would love for as many volunteers as possible.  Also, keep the date September 20^th open.  The Rotary Club of Appleton will be volunteering at the Fox Cities Marathon at a water station.  If you have interest in joining this committee please contact Nancy Leipzig.