Volunteer Opportunities

United Way of Hancock County — On Dec. 8 from 3:30-5:30pm, please join our Volunteer Connections group this holiday season at the East Branch of the YMCA, 1400 Manor Hill Rd., as we lend a hand for Coats for Christmas. We will help organize coats and merchandise, then will help shoppers find what they need. Sign up here.

Youth and Adult Volunteers: All ages welcome with adult supervision

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.

Salvation Army's Help Rescue Christmas 2023

Help is needed throughout November and December to help those in need this Christmas:

• Angel Trees are located at the Walmart stores at 1161 W. Trenton Ave. and 2500 Tiffin Ave. Those interested can pick a tag off the tree and purchase toys and clothes for a child in need for Christmas. Items can be dropped off to the Salvation Army or the location you picked up the tag by Dec. 15. You can purchase toys directly for the program here. 

• Adopt A Family (or individual) – Those interested in adopting a family or individual in need for Christmas can call Major Dianna Morales at 419-422-8238. Adopting a family entails food for a Christmas dinner, at least five gifts per child, or any additional items you would like to give. It is optional to purchase gifts for teens 15 and older. Those adopting can deliver the gifts themselves or drop the items off at the Salvation Army by mid-December. (Applications for assistance can be made through Nov. 21. After that, families/individuals can be placed on a waiting list but specific gifts cannot be guaranteed. Call Salvation Army for more information or to apply.)
   
• Assemble Family Christmas Boxes - Dec. 2 from 11am until finished at Salvation Army, 301 Center St. Usually takes a few hours if there is a nice number of volunteers. Great option for groups. Call 419-422-8238 if you can help. 
   
• Bag Toys for Children - Play Santa for children, sorting and matching toys to wishes. Help is needed anytime between 9am to 7:30pm Dec. 11-16 at Salvation Army, 301 Center St. Great option for groups. Call 419-422-8238 if you can help. 
   
• Distribute Food Boxes and Toys to Families - Help is needed loading food boxes and toys into cars on Dec. 18 from 9:30-10:30am; Dec. 19 from 9:30am -3:30pm; and Dec 20 from 9am -noon. 

Coats for Christmas - Each year, community members donate gently used winter coats that are cleaned and distributed to those in need. This year, coats will be collected Nov. 27-Dec. 1. Volunteers are needed for various shifts Dec. 4-10 to make this wonderful event possible. Sign up here or visit Coats for Christmas website for more information, or contact Missy LaRocco at mlarocco@lawolaw.org. 

Youth Volunteers: Age 14+

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

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 - 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. Shifts available are: Weekdays 10am-11:30am, 1-3pm, 5-7pm. Weekends 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 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.

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.

Salvation Army - Bell Ringers – Volunteers are needed at various locations in Findlay starting Nov. 10 through Dec. 23, Monday through Saturday, to ring the bell and collect Red Kettle donations. Shifts are from 10am–3pm or 3-8pm. Groups can volunteer together and split the shifts. This is a great volunteer opportunity for service clubs, family groups, office groups, church groups and school groups. Call Major Jim Sayers at 567-525-0826 to select your date and shift. 

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.

Volunteers are needed at CHOPIN Hall, 1800 N Blanchard St., Suite 125, to use a computer to assist with family intake on distribution days from 12:45-3:30pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Help is also needed to sort donations from 8-10:30am on Tuesday mornings. Please contact Ron Rooker at rrooker@chopinhall.org for more information.

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

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 preferred, but on call shifts are also a possibility. Contact Laurie Poland at lpoland@findlayhopehouse.org to apply.

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.

The Hancock County ADAMHS Board is looking for a handy person who can serve in a part-time, paid role as property manager to board-owned properties. The property manager will ensure health and safety standards of the buildings, complete and/or schedule annual inspections, coordinate contractors and vendors, complete and document repairs, complete maintenance work such as trimming shrubs, cleaning gutters, etc. Hours are flexible, 15-20 hours per week. If interested, please contact Deb Twining at dtwining@yourpathtohealth.org or 419-424-1985.

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.