The Volunteer Center of Reno County, a United Way agency, is a central clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities in Reno County. Area non-profit and governmental organizations have submitted the following requests for help. To pursue one of these or one of our other many volunteer opportunities listed with THE VOLUNTEER CENTER, call 665-4960 or e-mail volunteercenter@hutchcc.edu.
ROBERT J. DOLE VA MEDICAL CENTER serves veterans at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita, KS. Volunteer drivers assist Veterans in attending much needed medical appointments by driving vans donated by Disabled American Veterans from Hutchinson to Wichita. Veterans often have no other way to make it medical appointments without the help of caring volunteers. Volunteer van drivers are needed from 7 a.m. until approximately 3 p.m. once a week, or once or twice a month if not available for once a week. Volunteers must pass a driver’s physical, have a good driving record and a valid driver’s license and insurance.
RENO COUNTY DISTRICT COURT - DIVISION I needs an additional volunteer bailiff to serve during civil and criminal jury trials. Bailiffs maintain order in the courtroom and handle all needs of the jurors during their service to the court. Volunteers must be Reno County residents, have good people skills, be authoritative and non-judgmental. Volunteers must also be willing to serve through the duration of the trial.
THE SALVATION ARMY thrift store is looking for a store clerk on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Volunteers will greet, check out and thank customers first, and then if time allows straighten clothes on racks and shelves, put hangers and tag/hang clothes. Volunteers will be on their feet throughout the shift, operate a cash register, and will need to be kind, respectful and have a positive attitude.
FRIENDS OF THE ZOO is looking for volunteers to assist in the gift shop. Volunteers will greet guests, provide general information about the Zoo, assist customers with gift shop purchases as well as fish food and train tickets, receive membership registrations, renewals and dues as well as other contributions/donations, serve as a cashier, operate the cash register and make change, maintain knowledge about products and services in the gift shop, guide guests in being careful with unpurchased gift shop items, answer the gift shop phone which may include a short intake for wildlife rehabilitation, straighten merchandise, dust, sweep and restock displays, and help with mailings and other tasks during slow periods. Volunteers are needed especially on Wednesdays and Thursdays, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer months. Shifts are available from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 1 p.m.-5 p.m. or the whole day from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. with a lunch break.
REGIONAL LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN are needed in Reno County. Volunteers will advocate to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of residents in long-term care facilities by making weekly visits to their assigned facility and talking with residents. Volunteers must complete 30 hours of training and successfully complete the screening process.
HUTCHINSON ZOO’s “BOO AT THE ZOO” will be October 24. Volunteers aged 16 and up are needed to help with set up from 10:30 a.m.-12p.m. Volunteers are also needed from 12:30 p.m.-3 p.m. and/or 2:30 p.m.-5 p.m. to assist zoo staff with the mini-farm, run candy to candy stations, work a candy station, help monitor bounce houses or be a train line attendant, or from 5 p.m.-6 p.m. to help with clean up after the event. Volunteers should be able to stand and walk as needed and interact with the public in a courteous manner.