Your Generosity: Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities
"…The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention." - Oscar Wilde

The Dale Association appreciates and utilizes volunteers in multiple capacities throughout the organization. Adults can sign up to help us one time, once a week, once a month or more often, depending on their interests and availability.

We are currently recruiting volunteers for our Income Tax preparation program. One week of training in early January is provided for this worthwhile, yet temporary assignment. Volunteers help the elderly in our community file their annual income taxes February 1-April 15. A minimum of four (4) hours per week is required, Tuesday through Thursday. For more information, please call Jim, Coordinator, at 434-2988.

We are looking for volunteers on either Mondays or Fridays (from 10 - 2) to help with our Memory Minders Program. If you enjoy working adults and have some extra time to spare, please give Angie Blackley a call at 433-1886.

Our Monday Sewers (9:30 am); and Tuesday Candy Makers (9:30 am) are two very friendly groups of volunteers who welcome new people to help them. Sewing projects range from baby blankets and bibs, dish towels to walker bags – all donated to local charities.  Candy made is sold in the Centre, earning The Dale Association money towards programs and services.

If you enjoy doing office work, our front desk volunteer job could be right for you. There are visitors to greet and assist, phones to answer and classes and trips to confirm. We also appreciate helpful and friendly volunteers to help us with our bulk mailings throughout the month. Gretchen Doty, at 433-1886 can get you started!

Our Ombudsmen make a real difference with residents in area nursing facilities. An Ombudsman is an advocate who helps to resolve concerns expressed by, or on behalf the residents.  Thorough training is provided. Please call Nancy Smith at 433-3344 for further information.

If you have a safe driving record, and would be interested in driving for our Dial-A-Lift service, please call Colleen Slate at 433-1886. Our van picks members up at their homes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays mornings and brings them into The Centre, providing a return trip home after lunch. Van and gas provided.

Friday night Bingo is the biggest fundraiser we do here at The Dale Association with proceeds going to our programs and services. Our Bingo volunteers help set up, sell tickets, call numbers, and clean up afterwards. A delicious dinner is provided to weekly Bingo volunteers. Interested adults should call Bingo Coordinator Janet Fedak at 433-1089 to sign up to help any Friday night.

If you would like further information about volunteer opportunities here at The Dale, please give us a call at 433-1886. We have meaningful activities for all!

Connecting Generations
Our intergenerational programs bridge the gap between school age children throughout Lockport and adults of all ages.  Our volunteers enjoy their time with the children as much as the children enjoy their time with the volunteers.

If you enjoy working with children, for just a few hours a month, any of the Intergenerational Programs (HISTOP, Pen Pals, Reading Program) we have can be very rewarding. School-age children throughout the Lockport City School District enjoy the interactions they have with our very special volunteers. Their parents and educators appreciate the values and information shared.

Pen Pals
We are Pen Pals with Ms. Julie Learn's first grade class at Washington Hunt Elementary School and write each other five times a year. 

Reading
On Thursday afternoons each week throughout the school year our volunteers sit with second graders from John Pound Elementary School. We read with them and help the students to become better readers.  

HISTOP
HISTOP or History Sharing Through Our Photographs, is a Dale Association program in which senior volunteers interact with fourth graders from Lockport area elementary schools. 

Senior volunteers spend 1 to 2 hours a month volunteering in this program.  Some of the senior volunteers form teams and visit a school each month.  The following week the fourth graders visit the Centre and bring their own pictures and memorabilia to share with the group of Senior HISTOP volunteers.

“The values we teach our students (at DeSales Catholic School, Lockport) are echoed in this program. The lessons taught by the elder volunteers are an extension of our school curriculum.” Mr. Granchelli, fourth grade teacher.

“The children get an understanding of what life was really like in earlier days. It’s such a wonderful program for the kids.” Cheryl Caldwell, fourth grade teacher.

If you are interested in joining us as a volunteer, or learning how your school can partner with The Dale Association, please contact Patty Rockwood at 433-1089.