The Volunteer Center raises funds by hosting a Gift Wrap at the Danbury Fair Mall from December 11-24.  We need volunteer gift wrappers! Sign up now if you can share a few hours.   If you are under 16 you must be accompanied by an adult. 

December 17 holiday party for low income children can use volunteers to help at the event which takes place in Danbury between 5-8 pm.

Food basket assembly on Monday, December 20 from 8-4 needs volunteers to help get the baskets ready for families in need.  Volunteers are also needed on December 22 to help hand them out.

First Night Danbury on New Year’s Eve is in need of volunteers to assist at the entertainment venue sites as greeters.

Friendly visitor volunteers needed at a Danbury facility to provide social visits to a female client.  She would especially like visits during the holiday season.

HOLIDAY NEEDS

Adopt a family this holiday season.  Many families can benefit from your generosity.  We can connect you to an agency that has clients in need of food, clothing, toys or gift cards.

Fruit Baskets are needed to distribute to senior citizens and disabled living in Danbury.  We have a specific list of items.

Toys for Christmas are needed to be distributed at Santa’s Workshop on December 18.  They are accepting new and gently used toys including games, electronics, infant toys, dolls, cars, blocks, Legos, arts and crafts items, etc.

Hanukkah gifts are needed to distribute to families in need.

Middle school students who have severe emotional issues can use gift cards to area stores for Christmas.  There are 20 kids ages 12-13 who attend this program.

Grocery store gift cards will be distributed to clients of area social service agencies to purchase holiday food.

Teens receiving mental health therapy would love gift cards for Christmas.

WISH LIST

Overflow homeless shelter in Danbury is in need of standard size pillow cases – new or gently used.

Mental health day program is in need of sweatshirts, sweatpants, and t-shirts for men or women; umbrellas, costume jewelry, knick knacks, kitchen items, and holiday decorations for Christmas and Kwanzaa.

Walkathon to benefit pancreatic cancer research needs volunteers on Sunday, November 7 starting at 6:30 am to help with registration, parking, food, etc.  The walk takes place outside of the Danbury Fair Mall.

Thanksgiving non perishable food items are needed so that 500 families can receive holiday food help.   We can send you a list of food items needed by the Danbury anti-poverty agency that helps these families.

Project Homeless Connect needs adult volunteers to help with this community event on Friday, December 10 from 9-3 in Danbury.  Volunteer trainings will be held on Tuesday, November 9 at 6 or 7 pm or Saturday, November 13 at 10 or 11 am.

OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER

Pick-up crew volunteers needed on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday to pick up merchandise to sell at Habitat’s ReStore.

Logo developer needed for a new agency providing technology support to nonprofits.

Anti-poverty agency needs volunteer to help develop a marketing plan they can use to attract new donors.

WISH LIST

Adopt part of a new wetlands boardwalk at a Danbury recreational park by underwriting some of the expenses for materials.

Canned soups are urgently needed at a Danbury food pantry.  Many clients have been asking for soups.

Room divider screen needed for a literacy school in Danbury.

Vacuum cleaner needed by a Danbury nonprofit agency.

Electric pencil sharpener needed for the veteran’s study room at a local university.

Rake-a-thon on Saturday, November 13, from 7:30 am to 1 pm is looking for individuals, families, sports teams, scouts, youth groups, etc. to sign up to help rake leaves for area senior citizens who cannot accomplish this task.  Please sign up at www.hdhm.org or call (203) 797-1154 for details.  They are short of the 1,000 volunteers they need to make this a successful community event (Greater Danbury CT area).

Overflow homeless shelter in Danbury will be opening on Sunday, November 14 for the winter season and needs male volunteers who are available from 6 pm to 6 am.  Any help you can give them will be appreciated even if it is only one night.

 OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER

Cat socializers needed Saturdays and Sundays from 2-4 pm to interact with and groom cats to make them more adoptable.  Minimum age is 18.

Adult team leaders needed to assist a youth volunteer corps with their service learning projects.  You will attend the projects and help facilitate the event and interact with the youth.  Projects usually take place on weekends.

Dog socializers needed on Fridays from 6-8 pm and Saturdays from 2-4 pm to provide basic manners training, exercise, play, grooming, and general interaction with dogs waiting to be adopted.  Minimum age is 18 and volunteers must attend a special dog handling training.

 WISH LIST

Fax/copy machine needed for a program providing free income tax returns for low income people.

Diapers size 3, 4, 5 are needed to distribute to low income families.

Winter coats for men or women are needed for clients of a mental health program.  They can use all sizes.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Jericho Partnership will have a volunteer orientation on Thursday, October 14 at 6 pm in Danbury.  This will be an opportunity to learn how you can help this ministry as a volunteer.

Rejoice with Voice concert on November 20 needs volunteers to help coordinate this event or help with advertising.

Thanksgiving food items are needed for almost 500 families who are eligible for holiday food help.   We have a list of the items needed by this Danbury anti-poverty agency.

 OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER

Morning or afternoon receptionists needed at a cancer support agency in Danbury.  You will answer phones, greet clients, help with mailings, etc.  Regularly scheduled or substitute volunteers are needed.

Homebuilding organization needs an assistant construction supervisor with 10 years experience to help at their building sites any Thursday, Friday or Saturday.

AARP Tax Aide program is recruiting volunteers to assist with the preparation of tax returns starting in January. 

WISH LIST

Rice, beans, canned tomatoes, chick peas and tuna are the staple items being distributed by a new food pantry in Danbury.

Electric heavy-duty lift recliner chair needed for a very large client.

Portable wheelchair ramp needed to provide accessibility for a client of a health care agency.

Winter coats are needed for men and women who are clients of a mental health program.

For more information contact The Volunteer Center at (203) 797-1154

Volunteer for Taste of Danbury this Saturday and Sunday September 11 & 12.

Walk Against Domestic Violence on Sunday, October 3, 8:30 am at WestConn’s Westside campus is in need of volunteers to assist with the event or to sign up as participating walkers.

Dream Come True Volunteer Orientation will be Thursday, September 16 from 6:30-8:30 pm in Danbury.

Hospice Volunteer Training will be held September 20 and 21 from 9-4 and finish September 23 from 9-1.  Volunteers provide respite to families experiencing terminal illness.

Huge Book Sale in Danbury needs volunteers to help set up October 6,7,8 and then at the sale October 9,10,11.

OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER

Friendly visitors needed to go into area eldercare facilities to socialize with residents as little as two hours a month.

Mentors needed to go into Danbury schools during the day and be a friend to a child – not a tutor.

Mobile wellness van needs volunteers Tuesdays or Thursdays to assist with clerical work. Bilingual helpful.

Cat lovers needed to go into animal shelter to interact with cats.  Minimum age is 18.

Computer trainer needed once a week to teach Ridgefield seniors basic computer skills.

Committee members needed to assist a land trust in preparation for their November gala event.

Brookfield literacy program needs tutors to go into an elementary school to read with children.

Family literacy play groups on Monday, Thursday, or Saturday mornings needs volunteers to interact with children.

Facilitator with Masters in Social Work or Counseling needed to assist with groups at a cancer support agency.

New Milford nature center needs weekday office volunteers.

Videographer needed to create a video for a healthcare agency to use on their website.

Board member candidates are needed for the local Salvation Army chapter.

WISH LIST

Reusable building supplies needed by a local homebuilding organization.

Trial size personal care items needed to distribute to homeless shelters.

New games or puzzles are needed for a therapeutic youth agency.

Food pantry in Danbury can use fresh vegetables, rice, and peanut butter and jelly.

 Taste of Danbury on September 11 and 12 is in need of volunteers to assist with this major community event in 2 or 3 hour shifts.  Volunteers must be at least 18 and will receive a food and beverage voucher.  

OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER

Retail store of a homebuilding organization is in need of consistent volunteers to spend time greeting and helping customers or answering the phones. 

Carpenters needed to help with construction of an engineered wetlands boardwalk project in Danbury.  Youth volunteers will also be working on this project.

 Animal shelter in Ridgefield is in need of a website manager to help transition their website into one where they can control the content internally.

Land trust administrator needed to help manage their database, acknowledge donations and reconcile financial reports.  You will also help coordinate special events and activities.  This land trust helps protect Danbury lands.

New youth volunteer program for an animal welfare society is in need of a coordinator to manage and implement the involvement of youth ages 10-17 into their organization.

Literacy tutors are needed at in Brookfield to go into an elementary school for one hour a week to read with a first or second grader.  This program helps children become successful readers.

WISH LIST  

Used appliances (no more than 7 years old) in good, clean condition and working order are needed for the retail store of a homebuilding organization.   They can arrange pickup.  They can also use good reusable building materials.

New games and puzzles are needed at a youth agency for their therapy sessions.

Summer Concert Series in Danbury can use volunteers ages 18 and up to assist on the Friday or Saturday evenings of the events with distributing information, answering questions, selling refreshments or setup and breakdown.  

Farmers Market volunteers needed in Danbury on Fridays starting July 9 and continuing into October any time during the hours of 11-4 to assist with this weekly event.  Volunteers will greet shoppers, answer questions, and assist as needed.  This year the farmers market will also be focusing on healthy eating, cooking and nutrition.  Minimum age is 18.  

Summer outdoor musical theater that runs from June 17-August 14 is in need of one or more volunteer coordinators to recruit and assign volunteers for evening performances in Danbury.  The current coordinator had to resign for personal reasons.  They have an email list of past volunteers to begin the process. 

Host families needed for a French Cultural Student Exchange program July 10-30 or August 4-24.  Students are ages 14-18, speak English, have health insurance and bring spending money.  Host families are asked to share their hospitality, language and summer fun with a French student.

International food festival will be held in Danbury on July 24 and July 25.  Volunteers are needed to assist with ticket sales, games, face painting, or as jugglers, clowns or musicians or other multi-cultural activities.  

OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER

Breakfast Nook program on Saturdays and Sundays is in need of adult volunteers to help cook and serve breakfast to homeless individuals in Danbury from 6 am to 9 am.  Even if you can only help once a month, we would love to hear from you.

New family literacy center in Danbury needs volunteers on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays from 9:30-10:30 am; Tuesday evenings from 6-7 pm; and/or Saturdays from 10-11:00 am to play games with children and engage parents in activities centered on literacy.  Minimum age to volunteer is 15.

Senior citizen facility in Ridgefield is in need of volunteers to come in and socialize with residents or assist with arts and crafts or other recreational events.  Minimum age to volunteer is 13.  A TB test is required.

Historic garden in Bridgewater needs volunteers to help maintain the property.  Volunteers work on the 4^th Saturday of each month and/or every other Wednesday.  Master gardeners are especially welcome.

Volunteer needed once a week to help a homebuilding organization with their financial recording.  You would process bank deposits and accounts payable, reconcile cash and bank accounts, and prepare checks.  Knowledge of Excel is necessary.  They also use Quickbooks but will train the right person.

Individuals or groups are welcome to organize a dinner or special event for residents or recent graduates of a senior shelter program.  The residents love having special monthly dinners but would welcome some new, creative events.

Board Member candidates are needed to help area nonprofit agencies with general oversight and strategic planning.  We can match you to an agency in need of your time and talents.

College student unpaid intern is needed at a local nonprofit to assist with general agency projects including data entry.

Internet researcher needed to assist a local nonprofit with information on possible grant opportunities.  This can be done from home.

 WISH LIST

Gently used children’s books are needed for a June 26 book sale in Danbury.

Food pantry in need of toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, bath soap, laundry detergent and dish soap.  This pantry serves over 300 people each week.

Washer and dryer needed for a transitional home.  They could also use a 6-12 passenger van to transport their clients.

Computer monitor needed for a nonprofit’s server system.

Summer casual clothing items for men or women are needed to distribute to clients of a mental health program.  Items should be clean and in good condition, please.

New spiral notebooks are needed for students of a literacy program.

Electronic label maker needed for the retail operation of a homebuilding organization. 

Water cooler needed for the local Habitat ReStore.

Vacuum cleaner (heavy duty) is needed so nonprofit staff can keep their office clean.

Renaissance Festival will be held in Danbury on June 5, 6, 12 and 13 from 10:30 – 6:30 pm.  Many volunteers are needed to assist with the event.  Volunteers must wear period clothing and attend briefings on appropriate verbal responses.

Summer Concert Series in Danbury can use volunteers ages 18 and up to assist on the Friday or Saturday evenings of the events with distributing information, answering questions, selling refreshments or setup and breakdown.  

Farmers Market volunteers needed in Danbury on Fridays starting July 9 and continuing into October any time during the hours of 11-4 to assist with this weekly event.  Volunteers will greet shoppers, answer questions, and assist as needed.  This year the farmers market will also be focusing on healthy eating, cooking and nutrition.  Minimum age is 18.

OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER

New family literacy center in Danbury needs volunteers on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays from 9:30-10:30 am; Tuesday evenings from 6-7 pm; and/or Saturdays from 10-11:00 am to play games with children and engage parents in activities centered on literacy.  Minimum age to volunteer is 15.

Individuals or groups are welcome to organize a dinner or special event for residents or recent graduates of a senior shelter program.  The residents love having special monthly dinners but would welcome some new, creative events.

Board Member candidates are needed to help area nonprofit agencies with general oversight and strategic planning.  We can match you to an agency in need of your time and talents.

Summer interns are welcome at a Danbury literacy program to assist with general office work.  Minimum age is 18.  College students can also help with 1-1 tutoring.

Handy people age 55+ who can do minor repairs are needed to go into the homes of senior citizens or disabled individuals to provide assistance with these repairs.

College student unpaid intern is needed at a local nonprofit to assist with general agency projects including data entry.

Internet researcher needed to assist a local nonprofit with information on possible grant opportunities.  This can be done from home.

WISH LIST

Gently used children’s books are needed for a June 26 book sale.

Food pantry in desperate need of toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, bath soap, laundry detergent and dish soap.  This pantry serves over 300 people each week.

Washer and dryer needed for a transitional home.  They could also use a 6-12 passenger van to transport their clients.

Computer monitor needed for a nonprofit’s server system.

Educational software for children ages 7-17 will be used in the computer lab of an enrichment program serving lower income children. 

Summer casual clothing items for men or women are needed to distribute to clients of a mental health program.  Items should be clean and in good condition, please.

New spiral notebooks are needed for students of a literacy program.

Fax machine (plain paper) needed for a Danbury nonprofit.   

Electronic label maker needed for the retail operation of a homebuilding organization. 

Shower curtains or liners are needed for 10 client rooms at a residential recovery program. 

Vacuum cleaner (heavy duty) is needed so nonprofit staff can keep their office clean.

Building a Better Board workshop will be held April 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This interactive session is for current nonprofit board or staff members who are interested in improving the composition and effectiveness of their board of directors.

Gravestone cleaning will be done on Saturday, April 17 at the Wooster Cemetery in Danbury beginning at 9 am.  Come and learn by doing how to clean and care for grave markers.

 OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER

Lead Carpenter needed to oversee construction of a wetlands boardwalk at Tarrywile Park on Saturday, June 5 by youth and adult volunteers.  You should be available to check the project out prior to the work date.

Reading Partner volunteers are needed to go into Danbury elementary schools once a week to assist children who are not reading at grade level.  The program follows the school calendar and provides volunteers with ongoing support.

Handy people who enjoy working in a pleasant environment are needed to assist a New Milford nature center with indoor and outdoor maintenance projects. 

Video and audio editing help is needed by a holistic agency so that their items can be placed on web and social networking sites.

Cat program team leaders needed to manage shift volunteers and procedures at an area animal shelter. Volunteers must commit to one two-hour weekly shift. Minimum age is 18.  This cat program also needs volunteers to administer medicines.

Marketing/office assistance is needed at an area concert park to assist with the creation of promotional brochures, advertisements, e-newsletters, database management and general office work.

Animal feeders are needed once a week at a nature center in New Milford to feed turtles, birds, chickens, ducks and sheep.  Volunteers must like animals and be at least 13 years old.

Friendly adults needed to go into area eldercare facilities to visit, read, or play games with residents.  If you can visit as little as once a month there are people who will benefit from your time.

A volunteer salesperson is needed to sell ads for a new marketing brochure for a passive recreation facility in Danbury.  The brochure is waiting for the ads to be finalized.

A wellness van needs a bilingual volunteer to assist one or two days a week for up to three hours. You will assist the medical staff with clerical tasks as the van makes visits in Danbury.

Parent mentors are needed in the Danbury office of a family resource agency once a week for two hours to provide telephone support to first-time moms. Spanish and Portuguese speakers are especially needed.

 WISH LIST

 Jam and jelly are needed at an area food pantry.  They have many clients who cannot afford to buy these items.  

New gift cards, certificates, tickets to movies, restaurants, stores, sporting events, etc. will be used by an area nonprofit for online fundraising.  Donation letters will be provided.  Please consider donating what you are not using.

A basic wheelchair is needed to have on hand at a local nonprofit agency’s work site.

Cameras are needed to help with the marketing efforts of a mental health agency, including a digital camera at least seven to 10 MP and a video or flip video camera.

A heavy duty paper shredder is needed for an adult who is developmentally delayed to continue with his paying job at a nonprofit agency. The shredder must be able to handle staples.

An industrial vacuum cleaner is needed at a busy mental health program to help keep offices clean. There are many clients going in and out of the building.

This event, the first of its kind, is coming up soon!! Saturday March 27th from 10am to 1pm at the Danbury Plaza Hotel. Volunteer to help us make a difference in a newborn’s life.

Learn more about Baby Bag Bonanza.