Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church - Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities Committee (VOC)
Volunteerism betters humankind and gives great satisfaction! One learns teamwork, gains new experience, develops patience, and meets new people. You become part of a much larger family when you volunteer! VOC recruits volunteers both for activities of organizations within the church as well as in the community. Those who choose can commit to single events rather than permanent positions. Please visit the VOC table during Coffee Hour on the 4th floor, Bonnell Hall.

Current Call for Volunteers

VOC is highlighting ways to serve those affected by HIV and AIDS. The Friendly Visitor Program at St. Luke's/Roosevelt Hospital is dedicated to providing friendship, support, and patient advocacy to persons with HIV and AIDS. Volunteers serve the patient community in several capacities such as one-on-one patient visits, helping to host weekend activities, and assisting with patient lunches and movie nights. The time commitment is flexible.
Cancer Care needs volunteers for friendly visitations - a visit to talk to patients, share their interests, make periodic calls, and help with insurance forms. Another way of helping is by accompanying patients on walks, shopping, and medical appointments. Volunteers must participate in at least two one-hour training sessions. Leave a message at 212.247.0490.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America needs volunteers in all of the boroughs to serve as positive role models in one-to-one relationships with young people aged 7 to 18. Minimum time commitments along with an application, personal references, and an orientation session are required. For more information or to volunteer, leave a message at 212.247.0490, or to find a BBBSA program near you, visit www.bbbsa.org/volunteer/offices.asp

Conversation Partners Needed
Founded in 1961, The International Center serves immigrants, refugees, international students, and other newcomers to the United States with English language training and programs in American culture. Each year, we serve approximately 2,500 newcomers - our members - and manage a volunteer corps of more than 1,000. The Center's unique environment helps our members learn and practice conversational English, and gain the confidence necessary to communicate effectively. We offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities including the Conversation Partnership. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, please visit our web site at www.intlcenter.org or call us at 212.255.9555, ext. 216.

Blood Donors Needed
Volunteers (especially blood donors) are needed by the American Red Cross of Greater New York throughout the year. For more information, stop at the VOC at Coffee Hour, call the Red Cross at 1.877.REDCROSS (blood donations) or 1.800.GIVELIFE (general information), visit their Volunteer Resources Department, 150 Amsterdam Avenue, or visit their web site (www.nyredcross.org). Blood supplies continue to be dangerously low. Members are encouraged to donate blood regularly. You can contact the NY Blood Center at 1.800.933.2566 to find a convenient location and to make an appointment. When donating give FAPC’s group number #03601. Otherwise, find a donor center in a hospital convenient to your home or job.

The Volunteer Opportunities Committee (VOC) researches and facilitates volunteer opportunities for Church activities, hospitals, and nonprofit humanitarian organizations in the New York City area. Some VOC activities are monthly group volunteer projects at one of the organizations; staffing of the Volunteer Opportunities table at Coffee Hour each Sunday; writing articles about the organizations and volunteering experiences for the VOICE; hosting an annual VOC fair at the Church, attended by organizations needing volunteers; acting as a liaison with several of the organizations, and publishing a blue book of volunteer opportunities. The Committee meets every four to six weeks, and there are no dues or fees. There are no words to express the inner satisfaction one feels helping others.

The Volunteer Opportunities Committee encourages those who want to volunteer to call up local hospitals. Even if you do not feel you have any skills, just sitting by the bedside of a patient means a lot to them – especially to those who have no loved ones. Should you visit at our table during Coffee Hour, we will be glad to give you relevant contact numbers.