Volunteer Opportunities

United Way of Hancock County is looking for volunteers for its Downtown Chocolate Tour on May 11 from 10am-3pm. During the chocolate tour, participants travel to a variety of downtown restaurants and retailers to collect a chocolate treat and enjoy our downtown businesses - a fabulous afternoon on the town! Volunteers will assist local retailers and restaurants hand out their offering to the chocolate walk participants.  Please check out the signup for more information.

Youth Volunteers: Ages 16+ through adult welcome - bring a friend! You don't want to miss this fun volunteer opportunity.

Hope House is looking for a few strong volunteers who have a truck and could move a few desks. It can be done anytime you are free. Please contact Laurie Poland, lpoland@findlayhopehouse.org, if you can help! 

Backyard Mission Trip (BMT) is looking for volunteers who can serve as project leaders during either/both BYM on April 27, and during United Way of Hancock County's Days of Caring event May 6-10. (Some BMT projects will be completed during Days of Caring.) Project leaders will work with the BMT project manager, Gary Steed, and will be assigned projects for their team. The project leader will meet with the homeowner/s prior to April 27, assess tools needed and the scope of the project, and communicate with the team. It is helpful, but not essential to serve in this role, if you are able to recruit a team. Project leaders will work in a similar format during Days of Caring, during which volunteer teams work 4-hour shifts throughout the week. If you are able to help or have questions, please contact Gary Steed at g.d.steed@gmail.com.

Volunteers are needed for Boogie on the Block, a community celebration kicking off the start of summer on June 7. A variety of volunteer opportunities and timeslots are available throughout the event, from 3pm-12am. The event itself is from 6-9pm at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts Festival Grounds. For more information or to sign up, Click here.

Youth Volunteers: Ages 16+ can help with admissions or the water/pop tent

Findlay Hope House is looking for shelter office volunteers. Duties include answering the door and phone, receiving donations, documenting residents' needs or questions, completing hourly walk-throughs of the shelter and ensuring that the building is accessible to residents. Occasional light housekeeping may also be required. Volunteers fill three-hour shifts on weekends and holidays. Two shifts minimum per month are preferred, but on-call shifts are also a possibility. Volunteers are welcome to help with a spouse or friend. Contact Amy Wilson at awilson@findlayhopehouse.org if interested.

Findlay-Hancock County Public Library is recruiting volunteers interested in being reading camp tutors. Volunteers will teach students literacy skills in groups of 4-6 students, 1st-3rd grade. The tutoring will take place June 4 to July 26 between 9am and 5pm, two hours per week, or more if you're able; you can indicate your availability, Monday-Thursday. Volunteers can sign up on your own or with a friend. Volunteers will use the "Really Great Reading" curriculum supplemented with literacy games and activities and will have the autonomy to teach their groups independently — with the support of the reading camp coordinator as needed. Free training and background check are provided. If you have questions or would like to fill out an application, contact Jenny Cassata, reading camp coordinator, at readingcamp@findlaylibrary.org.

Blanchard Valley Health System – Lake Cascades Primary Care: This office is a fairly new facility to the Blanchard Valley Health System. Volunteers are needed to welcome new patients, assist with the check in process, specifically helping patients navigate our patient portal via personal electronic devices (iPhone, iPad, etc.). This volunteer opportunity is available: Mondays from 8:30am-12pm and Tuesday-Friday from 8:30am-12pm and 1-4:30pm (shifts in 2-hour increments). Volunteers can determine their own schedule as long as it's consistent week to week. Contact Heather at hschalk@bvhealthsystem.org to learn more or sign up.

Primrose Retirement Community, 8580 County Road 237, is looking for volunteers for a variety of opportunities. Examples include bingo callers, playing cards (especially euchre), serving and/or visiting during ice cream social time, playing board games, leading an exercise class, sharing a presentation (such as a slideshow on a recent trip or other special knowledge), or even doing manicures. If you have a passion or skill you'd like to share, we would love to have you! Groups and individuals welcome. All volunteers fill out a signup form and undergo a background check for resident safety. To sign up or learn more, email Pam at pam.talmadge@primroseretirement.com. 

Fox Run Manor, 11745 TR 145, is looking for volunteers who can help push residents and their carts on Tuesdays from 1:15-2:40pm at Walmart on Trenton Avenue. The volunteers would meet at the Walmart on those days. If you are interested please contact Connie at 419-424-0832 Ext 15140 or connie.bustamante@foxrunmanor.com.

Blanchard Valley Health System – Physician’s Plus Urgent Care. This P+ facility provides care to patients who are not able to make it into a physician's office. Volunteers will greet patients upon arrival, assist with the patient window, and help with patient rooming and room prep. Ideal volunteers will have a friendly demeanor, enjoy staying busy and have no physical limitations are ideal volunteers. This role is great for students interested in the medical field. Shifts are available every Monday and Friday from 8-10:30am, 10:30am-12pm, 2-4pm and 4-6pm. Volunteers are welcome to schedule consecutive shifts.

Youth and Adult Volunteers: Junior high and older

Associated Charities is looking for help in their office, 1800 N. Blanchard St., on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8am-4:30pm. The volunteer/s will assist the executive secretary with scheduling clients, answering the phone, receiving clients in person, assisting with registration, completing paperwork and helping with other general office duties. Volunteers will complete a brief screening process and must keep client information confidential. To learn more, contact Evila Sadana at 419-423-2021.

Blanchard Valley Hospital – Candy Stripers. The Candy Stripers volunteer together and have an established list of tasks to perform throughout the hospital each time they come in. Up to four Candy Stripers volunteer each weekday from about 3:45-5pm (the program is limited to 20 at a time). Candy Stripers commit to volunteering the same day each week and can pick which day they volunteer (depending on days available). Some examples of service include assembling medical supply kits; making and delivering milkshakes to new moms; and distributing items from our "comfort cart." Candy Stripers have been volunteering at Blanchard Valley Hospital since 1949. Still today, the Candy Striper program provides hands-on experience to high school-age volunteers interested in the medical industry. All Candy Stripers must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Contact Heather at hschalk@bvhealthsystem.org to learn more or to sign up.

Youth Volunteers: High School Only (Ages 14-18) 

Blanchard Valley Health System – Bluffton Hospital – Swing Unit Volunteers: The Swing Unit at Bluffton Hospital serves as a stop between hospital and home so residents can get the continued care they need while recovering from an illness, injury or surgery. Volunteers in this role interact with patients, assisting with a variety of activities such as crafts, socializing, nail care (polishing), playing games, puzzles and making milkshakes to serve, to name a few. If time allows, the volunteer may also perform an established list of duties in other departments of the hospital. Weekday shifts are 10am-11:30am, 1-3pm, 5-7pm; weekends are the same as weekdays but also 3-5pm. Contact Heather at hschalk@bvhealthsystem.org to learn more or sign up.

FOCUS: Recovery and Wellness Community is looking for volunteers to help with its mission to provide a holistic community supporting purpose and wellness through recovery. Whatever your talents are and however you would like to contribute, FOCUS has a place for you. Volunteers must be 18 or older and can help with an array of programming provided by Adult Services, as well as annual events. Call 419-423-5071 or email amanda@focusrwc.org or cassie@focusrwc.org if you are interested in volunteering. Those interested can also fill out the volunteer application or use the QR code through FOCUS's Instagram, @focusrwc.

American Red Cross – Service to the Armed Forces: Adult Reconnection Workshop Facilitators needed. (Northern Ohio Only/Remote Volunteer Position) Click here to view a description of the role.  Email Kevin Brooks at Kevin.Brooks3@redcross.org if you have any questions.

American Red Cross - Disaster Response (Disaster Action Team Member) - Urgent Need - Every day, people are forced from their homes due to fires, storms, and other disasters. Home fires account for the majority of disaster responses in northern Ohio. You can be part of a team that helps and responds to these emergencies. From offering a caring and compassionate ear, to meeting the disaster-caused needs of individuals and households, such as lodging and clothing, and connecting them with long-term recovery services, our volunteers ensure that families don’t have to face tough times alone. During the pandemic, for the safety of you and those impacted by disaster, you will mostly respond virtually to provide compassionate and immediate care and assistance to those impacted. On occasion, a larger response may require some on-scene presence and coordination with your Disaster Action Team. Must be age 18+, commit to 24 on-call volunteer hours per month, and training to serve in the role. Click here to view video of the opportunity

NAMI Hancock County is looking for a volunteer who might have the knowledge to help clients navigate paperwork and systems related to disability benefits, housing, etc. If you can help or have additional questions, contact Larissa Herbert at larissa@namihancockcounty.org or 567-301-2101, Ext. 203.

City Mission of Findlay, 510 W. Main Cross St., is urgently in need of volunteers in the kitchen and to pass out meals, especially at lunch time. There are several days coming up with no volunteers on the schedule. Follow this link to their volunteer page, where shifts are available at various times every day. Groups of 3-5 people are encouraged to consider signing up for a shift together once per month, or come in by yourself anytime you're free.

Youth Volunteers: All minors must have a signed release. Age 16+ welcome 

Family Friendly: Ages 10+ welcome to volunteer with adult supervision. Each volunteer under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

CASA/GAL of Hancock County, under new structure and leadership, is seeking volunteers to serve children as they navigate the court system. A CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a highly trained individual who investigates the life of a child who is in foster care or protective custody due to abuse or neglect, dependency, divorce, or other domestic factors. The CASA testifies in the courtroom on the child's behalf, providing a voice for his or her best interest. CASAs must be 21 or older and commit to at least one year of service, and must receive 30 hours of preservice training. Continuing training is provided annually. Email CASA Executive Director Ashley Bell at aibell@co.hancock.oh.us for more information or to get involved.

Click here to learn how to get involved through the Volunteers United Board / Committee Service program. 

American Red Cross - Disaster Response (Disaster Action Team Member) - VIRTUAL Duties: Everyday people are forced from their homes due to fires, storms, and other disasters. Home fires account for the majority of disaster responses in Northern Ohio. You can be part of a team that helps and responds to these emergencies. From offering a caring and compassionate ear, to meeting the disaster-caused needs of individuals and households, such as lodging and clothing, and connecting them with long term recovery services, our volunteers ensure that families don’t have to face tough times alone. During the pandemic, for the safety of you and those impacted by disaster, you will mostly respond virtually to provide compassionate and immediate care and assistance to those impacted. On occasion, a larger response may require some on-scene presence and coordination with your Disaster Action Team. Must be age 18+, commit to 24 on-call volunteer hours per month and training to serve in the role. Click here to view video of the opportunity

Findlay ReStore, 1200 Commerce Pkwy., is in need of help on Tuesdays to clean, sort, price and stage donations from 6-8pm, when the public is not shopping. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040c45aaa82aaafc1-tuesday2

Youth Volunteers: Age 16+ welcome

Findlay-Hancock County Public Library is recruiting volunteers interested in being reading camp tutors. Volunteers will teach students literacy skills in groups of 4-6 students, 1st-3rd grade. The tutoring will take place June 4 to July 26 between 9am and 5pm, two hours per week, or more if you're able; you can indicate your availability, Monday-Thursday. Volunteers can sign up on your own or with a friend. Volunteers will use the "Really Great Reading" curriculum supplemented with literacy games and activities and will have the autonomy to teach their groups independently — with the support of the reading camp coordinator as needed. Free training and background check are provided. If you have questions or would like to fill out an application, contact Jenny Cassata, reading camp coordinator, at readingcamp@findlaylibrary.org.

Marathon Center for the Performing Arts — Volunteers are needed as ushers, greeters and scanners for upcoming shows. You can sign up here. Volunteers will be able to enjoy the show — a great opportunity if you enjoy the arts! Contact Tyler Jacobs at tjacobs@mcpa.org if you have any questions.

Youth Volunteers: Age 16+

Hancock Park District - Whether for a student, individual, community group or business, the Hancock Park District has rewarding volunteer opportunities. Volunteers can help maintain parks, assist with special events, adopt a trail, adopt a park, monitor birds and more. To learn more about current opportunities or to sign up, email Jamie Shane at jshane@hancockparks.com.

Boy Scouts of America – Black Swamp Area Council is looking for a Den Leader – Provide leadership to carry out the pack program in the den. Lead the den at the monthly pack meetings. Work in harmony with the other den and pack leaders. Cooperate with the Cubmaster and pack committee in recruiting new youth. Use the Cub Scout handbook and den leader app to plan and implement den meetings. Keep accurate records, and see that youth receive recognition for their achievements. Establish good working relationship with den families, taking advantage of their skills and talents. Complete online youth protection training. Contact: colin.earl@scouting.org. 

Check out Black Swamp Area Council's Exploring Program, a unique career exploration program for young men and women ages 10-20. The program provides students with an opportunity to learn about a wide variety of career fields and network with professionals already working in those fields. You can participate if you are or are not a Boy Scout. Participants get hands-on experience to determine whether or not a particular career field is a good fit. They develop valuable networking contacts with professionals working in selected career fields and get to know other youth with similar interests and aspirations. Contact Alex Patterson at 567-208-5392 or Alex.Patterson@Scouting.org to learn more or check out their website. Groups forming now!

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library's Read for Life program is seeking volunteers to help with tutoring. Read for Life is designed to improve literacy in Hancock County through volunteers trained to act as tutors on a one-on-one basis with adult non-readers. Potential volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and literate, however no professional training or education is required. Read for Life is looking for volunteers to teach reading, writing, English, life skills and subject areas of the High School Equivalency including math, social studies, and science. Registration is required by calling 419-422-3755 or e-mailing readforlife@findlaylibrary.org.

The Book Cellar, the used bookstore on the ground floor of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, overseen by the Friends of the Library, is seeking volunteers to help in the bookstore and to help with the Better World Books project, which helps to fund literacy initiatives worldwide. If interested, please contact Emilee at 419-434-1044.

City Mission of Findlay, 510 W. Main Cross St., is urgently in need of volunteers in the kitchen and to pass out meals, especially at lunch time. There are several days coming up with no volunteers on the schedule. Follow this link to their volunteer page, where shifts are available at various times every day. Groups of 3-5 people are encouraged to consider signing up for a shift together once per month, or come in by yourself anytime you're free.

Youth Volunteers: All minors must have a signed release. Age 16+ welcome 

Family Friendly: Ages 10+ welcome to volunteer with adult supervision. Each volunteer under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

While also serving as a food pantry itself, West Ohio Food Bank, 1380 E. Kibby St., Lima, is an essential food distribution center for pantries serving the food insecure in Hancock County. WOFB also serves Paulding, Mercer, Van Wert, Putnam, Allen, Auglaize, Shelby, Hardin, Wyandot and Seneca counties. Volunteers are needed to help sort, clean and repackage food, package food for youth backpacks and senior boxes, deliver food, and more. Morning or afternoon shifts are available; choose the amount of time you are free. Groups are also welcome to volunteer on a Saturday morning or weekday evenings with a week's notice. Children or kids’ groups accompanied by adults are a great help, too! Please contact sarah.mayle@uwhancock.org if interested or with any questions.

Youth Volunteers: Middle school and high school groups welcome.

Family Friendly: All ages welcome if accompanied by an adult.

Findlay Hope House is looking for shelter office volunteers. Duties include answering the door and phone, receiving donations, documenting residents' needs or questions, completing hourly walk-throughs of the shelter and ensuring that the building is accessible to residents. Occasional light housekeeping may also be required. Volunteers fill three-hour shifts on weekends and holidays. Two shifts minimum per month are preferred, but on-call shifts are also a possibility. Volunteers are welcome to help with a spouse or friend. Contact Amy Wilson at awilson@findlayhopehouse.org if interested.

Associated Charities is looking for help in their office, 1800 N. Blanchard St., on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8am-4:30pm. The volunteer/s will assist the executive secretary with scheduling clients, answering the phone, receiving clients in person, assisting with registration, completing paperwork and helping with other general office duties. Volunteers will complete a brief screening process and must keep client information confidential. To learn more, contact Evila Sadana at 419-423-2021.

Blanchard Valley Health System - Blanchard Valley Hospital: Candy Stripers. The Candy Stripers volunteer together and have an established list of tasks to perform throughout the hospital each time they come in. Up to four Candy Stripers volunteer each weekday from about 3:45-5pm (the program is limited to 20 at a time). Candy Stripers commit to volunteering the same day each week and can pick which day they volunteer (depending on days available). Some examples of service include assembling medical supply kits; making and delivering milkshakes to new moms; and distributing items from our "comfort cart." Candy Stripers have been volunteering at Blanchard Valley Hospital since 1949. Still today, the Candy Striper program provides hands-on experience to high school-age volunteers interested in the medical industry. All Candy Stripers must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Contact Heather at hschalk@bvhealthsystem.org to learn more or sign up.

Youth Volunteers: High School Only (Ages 14-18) 

Blanchard Valley Health System – Information Desk Greeters: Volunteers at the information desk are the smiling faces of Blanchard Valley Hospital. This role involves assisting the public by directing and escorting visitors to various locations within the hospital – a great way to get your steps in! Additionally, volunteers provide patient room numbers, deliver flowers, and complete other duties as needed. Shifts available, weekdays 8-10am, 10am-12pm, 12-2pm. If you have questions or would like to sign up, reach out to Heather at hschalk@bvhealthsystem.org.

Blanchard Valley Health System - Physician’s Plus Urgent Care. Our P+ facility provides health care to patients who need care and are not able to make it into a physician's office. Volunteers will greet patients upon arrival; assist with the patient window; and help with patient rooming and room prep. Those who have a friendly demeanor and enjoy staying busy and have no physical limitations are ideal volunteers. This role is great for students interested in the medical field. Shifts available: Every Monday and Friday from 8-10:30am, 10:30am-12pm, 2-4pm and 4-6pm.  Volunteers are welcome to schedule consecutive shifts.

Youth and Adult Volunteers: Junior high and older

American Red Cross: Disaster Relief Volunteers urgently needed. Disaster Action Team members offer help in the face of local disasters and provide avenues for shelter, food, and comfort following a fire, flood, tornado or other emergency. Email Kevin Brooks at Kevin.Brooks3@redcross.org if you have any questions. View video for further description.

American Red Cross: Service to the Armed Forces: Adult Reconnection Workshop Facilitators needed. (Northern Ohio Only/Remote Volunteer Position) Click here to view a description of the role.  Email Kevin Brooks at Kevin.Brooks3@redcross.org if you have any questions.

American Red Cross — Blood Drive Volunteer Ambassador — Volunteer blood donor ambassadors ensure that blood donors have a pleasant and fulfilling experience from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. During a blood drive, whether you are greeting donors, answering questions or thanking them for their donation, your courtesy and professionalism will create a favorable impression that encourages ongoing donor support. Volunteers must commit to 1-2 shifts (4-6 hours) a month but get to choose which blood drives to staff. Click here to view video of the opportunity.

Youth Volunteers: 16+

Children’s Mentoring Connection is accepting applications for mentors serving youth ages 6-14. (Male mentors especially needed!) Mentors fill out an application and can volunteer in a program that works for their schedule. School programs meet weekly from September through early May for grades 2-6 in schools in Findlay, Cory-Rawson Van Buren and Arcadia. Community-based programs support single parents and grandparents. Volunteers meet with their mentee 2-3 times a month under a flexible schedule. For more information, call CMC Executive Director Stacy Shaw at 419-348-7475 or email stacy@cmchancock.org. Shaw can answer any questions before you consider making a commitment. Also, check www.cmchancock.org for more information.

Youth Volunteers: Volunteers for the weekly school programs may be high school students or older.

YouthMOVE is a group through NAMI for ages 14-26 that meets biweekly to focus on various issues experienced by youth and how we can improve different systems and services in our community. The group includes teens and young adults who can take on a mentor role and meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. If you can help, call 567-301-2101 or email Deborah at info@namihancockcounty.org

Welcome to a New Life's mission is to provide mentorship for people who are involved in the Hancock County criminal justice system to live crime-free, drug-free, productive lives. Volunteers (mentors) are vital to help these individuals on their road to recovery. Mentors spend about 1 hour/week with their mentee to set goals, provide encouragement, and resources. Training occurs throughout the year, with an initial 2-hour orientation. To become a mentor, you will need a background check, drug test, references, and be able to use a web-based tool for note taking at your weekly meetings. The length of the relationship from mentor to mentee can be from 2 months to life long. To learn more contact Carla Benjamin at director@welcometoanewlife.org or call 419-455-6082.  

Boy Scouts of America – Black Swamp Area Council is looking for a Unit Commissioner – Help mentor a Cub Scout or Scouts BSA unit. Visit with unit level volunteers and attend meetings 3-4x a year. Be aware of the unit leader’s needs and concerns. Serve as the unit leader’s friend or coach while offering encouragement and support. Encourage unit participation in district and council program events. Work with the unit committee to solve problems and improve unit operations. Record your contacts in Commissioner Tools. Complete online youth protection training. Contact: colin.earl@scouting.org.

OSU Extension Hancock County is conducting a financial literacy curriculum in Hancock County schools, and they need volunteers to be a part of the culminating Real Money. Real World. simulation event.  Volunteers will staff various spending booths, assisting students (middle school or high school) as they make spending decisions in areas such as food, transportation, communications, childcare, entertainment, insurance, debt repayment, etc., based on their assigned job/income and family size.  Volunteers are needed for 2- 2 ½ hours during a school day, usually Thursday or Friday.  Volunteers may commit to one or more events.  If you would be interested in helping out with this valuable learning experience for area youth, please contact Jennifer Little, FCS Educator for OSU Extension Hancock County at little.18@osu.edu for specific dates and times needed.

United Way of Hancock County is in need of volunteers interested in helping out with event planning throughout the year. This would entail reaching out to local organizations, possibly finding venues, and planning and executing details throughout the event process. If you can help, contact Angela at angela.deboskey@uwhancock.org.