Just 1 Mentoring, a mentoring program that serves children of prisoners, is seeking volunteers.  We are looking for adults to serve as positive role- models and friends by spending an hour per week for one year with a child from their community. Without effective intervention, children of prisoners are 7 times more likely than their peers to become incarcerated themselves.  You can help! Extensive support and training will be provided.  For more information please call Elyse Giaimo at 973 784 4900 x 109 or email her at giaimoe@norwescap.org.

Hunterdon Hospice has been providing care to families in this community
for over thirty years.  Hospice is a special kind of care designed to
support and comfort people living with a terminal illness.  When a
family receives hospice services a whole team of people are assigned to
see that they receive the most complete and comprehensive care possible;
and an incredibly important member of that team is the Hospice
Volunteer.  Hospice volunteers receive training, which teaches them
about what hospice care is and it prepares them to provide care to
patients and their families.  But hospice volunteers are not all direct
patient care volunteers.  Many of our volunteers work in our office,
some help with our fundraisers, and some volunteers help us deliver
supplies when patients need that.  All volunteers are equally important.
 We are always looking for cosmetologists who would be comfortable
giving a patient a haircut, manicure or even a pedicure.  Hunterdon
Hospice is now accepting applications for its volunteer training program
through February.

Volunteers provide valuable emotional support to both patients and
families and keep families connected to the community.  They fill many
of the gaps and help wherever needed, such as providing respite to
caregivers and family members, running errands, being a companion to the
patient, and helping with household tasks.   “Our volunteers are such
amazing people and are always willing to help out however needed.  When
families are in need it is the little things in life that are important.
 Volunteers form relationships with their patients and the patients’
loved ones. They provide whatever support is needed to enable the family
to continue to function,” explains Joy Stump, Volunteer Coordinator
for Hunterdon Hospice.  Stump added, “I continuously hear from our
volunteers about how helping out with Hunterdon Hospice helps them keep
life in perspective. They always tell me how surprised they are by how
much joy and happiness doing this work brings them.  They experience
moments of laughter and friendship.  Patients teach them about life and
how to live your life with courage, dignity and always hope.  Our
volunteers go home at the end of the day knowing they have helped make a
difference in someone’s life.”

The training program covers all aspects of volunteering so the
volunteer is prepared to be with patients and their families.

To arrange for an interview contact Joy Stump, Volunteer Coordinator at
908-788-2573 or e-mail her at stump.joy@hunterdonhealthcare.org.  To
learn more about Hunterdon Hospice, log onto our website at
www.hunterdonhealthcare.org.

Hunterdon County is part of national First Book a non-profit organization which provides new books to children from low income families.   First Book’s mission is “to give children from low income families the opportunity to read and own their own books.” 

From September 2009 through August 2010 NORWESCAP First Book of Hunterdon County provided over 5,000 books to eligible children throughout the county.  The books were distributed through pre-schools, elementary schools, and social service organizations.  According to advisory board member Kathy Guzman, “Each child received several books during the school year, supporting their education outside of school.  Some children received books in June to read and enjoy over the summer.”   Ms. Guzman added, “First Book is a wonderful program that provides high quality, age appropriate books to children at a critical time in their development of literacy skills.”

During the summer months, Borders of Flemington hosted a book drive for NORWESCAP First Book.  Borders customers purchased over 1000 books to be distributed to eligible children this Fall.  According to Borders Karen Gilbert, “Our summer 2010 Children’s Book Drive was incredibly successful.  Thanks to the generosity of our customers, Borders of Flemington collected over 1,000 children’s books for NORWESCAP – First Book.  Each area store chooses a charity to donate the books to and we have a great partnership with NORWESCAP.  The Hunterdon County First Book Advisory Board is so appreciative of the donations and, like us, are truly touched and amazed by the response we get to our Book Drives.  I feel so fortunate to work here and to live in a community that has such wonderful people! “ 

In addition to the book drive at Borders, NORWESCAP First Book – Hunterdon County relies on donations and fund raising activities to fund the purchase of books.  The Hunterdon County Advisory Board is made of up volunteers who work in cooperation with NORWESCAP Child and Family Services. 

NORWESCAP is a non-profit community action agency established in 1965 that creates opportunities for over 30,000 low-income people in the northwest NJ by providing a large portfolio of self sufficiency and emergency services.  The mission of NORWESCAP is “Fighting Poverty.  Creating Opportunities.   Changing Lives.”  For information about NORWESCAP contact 908-454-7000.

According to Barbara Mastrianni, Child Care Specialist at NORWESCAP Child & Family Resource Services, “the support of NORWESCAP enables First Book to use 100% of the money raised to provide books to low income children in Hunterdon County.”   The board is seeking volunteers to help with fund raising, publicity for events, and book distribution.   For more information please contact:  Barbara Mastrianni at 908-782-8183 or mastriannib@norwescap.org.  For more information on First Book or to locate a First Book program in your area the national website is www.firstbook.org.

Please help The Youth Center with their clothing shed.

They have a clothing shed on their property for the collection of used clothing and stuffed animals.  This helps you, them and others.  The clothes DO NOT GET SHREDDED INTO RAGS.

The shed is located in the rear of the side parking lot at The Youth Center located at  16 Hampton Road in Glen Gardner.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Long time volunteers, Pat Fowler and Ann Alpaugh of Flemington both celebrated 50 years of volunteering at Hunterdon Medical Center. Left to right: Ann Alpaugh, Robert Wise, President and CEO of Hunterdon Healthcare and Pat Fowler during a Volunteer Recognition Luncheon held in April.

Looking to help others and feel better about yourself?  How about becoming a volunteer at Hunterdon Medical Center.  Volunteering your time to help others will not only make a difference in someone’s life but, it can help you learn and develop new skills, give you an opportunity to meet new people, gain work experience and can even build self esteem and self-confidence.  Volunteering is great for your health.

 “Our volunteers touch people’s lives and make a difference seven days a week.  They carry in their heart a level of compassion that is truly astounding,” explained Lynne Danik, Director of Volunteer Services.

In addition to the personal satisfaction you receive when you volunteer, Hunterdon Medical Center volunteers also receive comprehensive training, free access to a hospital based fitness center and free continuing education computer classes offered monthly through Hunterdon Medical Center’s Information Services Department.

Currently approximately 400 volunteers support the Hunterdon Medical Center.  In 2009, volunteers donated 63,257 hours to the hospital, which saved the hospital over 1.5 million dollars.  Don’t you want to be part of a team that makes a difference?  If so, call the Volunteer Department at Hunterdon Medical Center at (908) 788-6140.

Pictured: Long time volunteers, Pat Fowler and Ann Alpaugh of Flemington both celebrated 50 years of volunteering at Hunterdon Medical Center.  Left to right:  Ann Alpaugh, Robert Wise, President and CEO of Hunterdon Healthcare and Pat Fowler during a Volunteer Recognition Luncheon held in April.

Hunterdon Medical Center has a community blood donor service which means the blood we draw is given to Hunterdon Medical Center patients only.  We are about 70% self sufficient.  However, the other 30% must be purchased from other blood centers.  In order to increase our own blood supply in our community we need your help.  We have the ability to draw multiple blood products from donors, using our Trima Apheresis Instrument. 

Pheresis, which means “to separate,” is a special kind of blood donation which allows the collection of just one part of blood…platelets. As of April 5th, Hunterdon Medical Center will begin drawing double unit platelets from candidates who meet weight, height and iron requirements.   “Blood platelet donations are used for accident victims, people undergoing surgery, patients receiving treatment for cancer and other diseases,” explained Cindy Salmon, MLT, ASCP, Apheresis Coordinator.

If you would like to make an appointment or if you have any questions regarding the Trima Apheresis Procedure, call 908-788-6405 or 908-788-6100 ext. 7488.

Everyday, lives are saved by blood donors in our community.  In fact, 70% of the blood used at Hunterdon Medical Center comes from donors in the community.   Hunterdon Medical Center depends heavily on regular volunteer blood donors to maintain an adequate and safe blood supply.

Giving blood is the most generous act of kindness that one human being can do for another. When you give blood, you save lives.  Blood is used for accident victims, newborn babies and their mothers who need a transfusion, people undergoing surgery, patients receiving treatment for cancer and other diseases.

To be eligible to donate blood a person must be at least 17 years of age, be in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds.

To schedule an appointment or for more information call Hunterdon Medical Center at 908-788-6405.

Hunterdon Helpline, the county’s all-volunteer telephone helpline reached by dialing 2-1-1, is looking for friendly people with time to visit the county’s elderly who need companionship.  It only takes and hour or two a week to share a smile with a shut-in person.  Friendly visitors can share memories and photos, play cards or help write letters at the senior’s residence.  Training is given.  Call 2-1-1 if you would like to become a friendly visitor or you know a person who would like a visitor.

Whether you agree or disagree with the situation in Iraq, one thing we all must do is show support for our troops who are there.  Here are some ways that you can do that from here at home.

The Hunterdon County Chapter of the Red Cross – currently they are accepting donations of supplies for our troops.  Please visit their website for all the details on what is needed and how to get it to them.

Military.com – get information on other ways to support our troops.

Adopt-a-Platoon 

Operation Enduring Freedom will forward emails to any branch of the military overseas

Books For Soldiers

• Meals on Wheels is seeking volunteer drivers to deliver noon-time meals to homebound, elderly or disabled residents in Hunterdon County, Mon-Fri. They also need volunteers to assist the part-time staff in packing meals and to serve as board members. Anyone interested in Volunteering should call 908-735-8332.
• South Branch Watershed Association needs volunteers to clean-up the South Branch of the Raritan River. For more information call 782-0422 or 236-7111, M-W-F, from 10AM-3PM.
• The Hunterdon County Animal Shelter in Holland Township is in need of dedicated volunteers to help with all aspects of day-to-day operations. Dedicated people are wanted to walk dogs on a regular basis, socializing with cats, fundraising, promoting the shelter, clerical work, recruiting volunteers, basic training of dogs and general cleaning. For more information call 908-996-2525 between 10AM-3PM on Mon.-Sun.
• The Hunterdon Museum of Art in Clinton, NJ has several openings for regular museum volunteers. Museum Shop, Reception, and Clerical part-time and full-time positions are available. Working as a Museum volunteer is a wonderful way to meet people, to go behind the scenes, and to contribute to the community by helping a non-profit organization. No art background is necessary. The non-profit Hunterdon Museum of Art was founded in 1952 and is housed in a renovated 1836 stone mill on the South Branch of the Raritan River in Clinton, New Jersey. It is listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Buildings. Museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday 11am “ 5 pm. Please call the Museum at (908) 735-8415 ext. 14 for more information about volunteer work. 
• Do you have maternity clothes you no longer need? The Hunterdon County Public Health Nursing and Education Office is seeking maternity clothing for the clients of its Improved Pregnancy Outcome program. This program is geared towards women in high-risk pregnancies, provides essential pre-natal education and counseling and ensures access to quality pre-natal care. Their office is located in Raritan Township. Clothing deliveries can be coordinated by calling the office at 908-806-4570.
• First Book is a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing new books to disadvantaged children participating in existing community-based programs. First Book Hunterdon County’s goal is to help bring the power of books and reading to children who, for economic reasons, have little or no access to books. If you are interested in being involved with First Book, receiving more information, applying for books, or making a donation, call 908-782-8183.
• Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center, located in Oldwick, NJ provides equine assisted activities to children and adults with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges. Volunteeers at SHHRC work closely with the staff to form a team that is vital to the success of our program. Volunteers 14 years of age or older attend an orientation/training session which will prepare them to groom and tack the horses prior to lessons, and lead the horse or sidewalk the rider during lessons. Please contact Carol Ferris @ 908-439-9636 for additional information.
• The Good News Home for Women is a nonprofit, Christian residential rehabilitation center for women who want to recover from their alcohol and drug addictions. We need just some of your time and talents to help support our mission. We are currently seeking volunteers to help with fundraising events (You can even do your work from home). We are also seeking professionals in areas of healthcare, law, accounting and finance, psychology and sociology to serve on our board of trustees. To learn more about us visit our web site at http://www.goodnewshome.org. If you’re interested please contact Jennifer by email at jennifer@goodnewshome.net or by phone at 908-806-7913 Ext 25. Your support will help to make a difference in the shattered lives of women, their families and ultimately all of society.

For more local volunteer opportunities, please visit the United Way of Hunterdon County’s Volunteer Solutions.