Mid-Fairfield AIDS Project, Norwalk is committed to providing quality services in its efforts to bring much needed care, information, and assistance to those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Volunteers are needed as receptionists and greeters. Duties include answering phones and light office work. Interested volunteers can call Jonathan Welfare at 203-855-9535.

The Wilton Y could use some volunteers in the babysitting room, weekdays from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.. Contact Kim Murphy, Preschool Director, at 762-8384 ext. 216 or Kmurphy@wiltonymca.org

Norwalk River Rowing Association (NRRA) has many volunteer opportunities open to adults with rowing experience, as we are always in need of coaches. However, we also have several positions which require no experience (or athletic ability). These positions include: 1 Bus Chaperone: Application and background check required. This position is for an adult who is willing to chaperone students on a weekly basis, assuring that they get to rowing practice safely. Fridays 3:30-4:30pm during the school year and periodically throughout the summer. 2 Assistant Coaches: Application and background check required. As available, Mondays-Fridays 3:30-6:30pm, periodically throughout the summer. Training for all tasks will be provided prior to the start of practice. 1-2 Fundraising Assistants: Help plan events and activities to raise money to support NRRA's Outreach Programs. Flexible timing throughout the year. Contact Melanie Jacobi, Outreach Programs Director, 203 866-0080 ext. 11.

The American Cancer Society could not do what it does without volunteers. Some of the needs for the Wilton office are as follows: Relay for Life , May 17– May 18 in Wilton and June 14 – 15 in Norwalk. The American Cancer Society's signature activity is looking for volunteers to help set up and clean up at the end of the events. Road to Recovery volunteer drivers are needed to drive

cancer patients to and from medical treatment facilities, providing a friendly, supportive, and reliable presence for patients who are unable to drive themselves. Volunteers must be 18 years or older, with a car, good driving record and daytime availability to help cancer patients keep their treatment appointments. For information on these and other volunteer opportunities at the American Cancer Society, please call 1-800-889-3340 (press 3).

The American Red Cross Mid-Fairfield County Chapter is looking for Blood Services volunteers to work at community and corporate blood drives in Norwalk, Westport, Wilton, and Weston. Volunteers are also needed for the new blood donation site in Norwalk (Norwalk/Westport line). Volunteers are in charge of registering donors, assisting donor aids, providing drinks and food at refreshment station, and observing donors for reactions after they donate blood. Volunteer Information Sessions are held at various times throughout the month in both the Norwalk office at 596 Westport Ave. and at the Bridgeport office at 158 Brooklawn Ave. The schedule of sessions and registration information is posted on www.mfcarc.org Registration is required for the sessions. High school students and adult volunteers are welcome. Call 203-683-4264 for more information

RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) of Norwalk is looking for volunteers who can tutor middle school students. Qualifications are necessary in at least on of the following subjects: Math, Writing, Reading Comprehension, Languages, and Science. Times are 9:30a.m. – 11:30a.m. and 1:00p.m. – 2:00p.m.. Please call Annie Dubosse, Outreach Coordinator, at (203) 899-2443 or e-mail adubosse@neon-norwalk.org.

Norwalk Emergency Shelter, Inc.'s mission is to provide safe, sanitary shelter and meals to homeless men, women, and families; to assist shelter residents in searching for housing, jobs, counseling and treatment; and to foster residents' growth toward independence and responsibility. The shelter needs volunteers in the soup kitchen and in the food pantry. Call Rob Shields at 866-1057 for more information.

Westport Country Playhouse is looking for new youth (13+) and adult volunteers to be involved with the magic of theatre at Westport. There are opportunities for ushering, office work, assisting with special events such as our play readings and annual gala. Please contact Tess Brown at (203) 227.4177 x.166 tbrown@westportplayhouse.org, or volunteer@westportplayhouse.org for more information.

The Sexual Assault Crisis and Education Center, Inc. (S.A.C.E.C.) relies heavily on volunteers to help carry out their mission. Volunteers are the backbone of the agency. In many cases they are a victims' first contact with the center. Dedicated and committed volunteers are needed to work directly with clients on the 24-hour hotline, support groups or work behind the scenes in the office or at events. Event volunteering is a great way to help the Center without making a long-term commitment. All direct service volunteers must successfully complete the Certification training program. If interested, please call 203-348-9346 or e-mail klincoln@sacec-ct.org for more information.

The Maritime Aquarium relies on the support of hundreds of dedicated volunteers. They work at Aquarium exhibits, interpreting displays, and welcoming, orienting and educating visitors. Volunteer staff the seal pool, Touch Tank, Ray Touch Pool, Open Ocean exhibit and Boat Shop. Volunteers also work behind-the-scenes, helping out in our corporate offices, organizing sleepovers and other special events. For more information call the Volunteer Services Department at 203 852-0700, ext. 2225 or 2203, or e-mail us at volunteers@maritimeaquarium.org

St. Vincent De Paul Society which provides food to the poor is located at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in East Norwalk. The food pantry is open every weekday from 9-12 noon. Volunteers are needed to make up the orders, stock shelves. If interested, please call Mary Nichols, President, at (203)-866-1644.

Become an Interfaith Housing Association (IHA) volunteer. Help on a committee for any of our 3 annual fundraising events: Castles in the Sand, Jazz Cabaret Evening aboard the M/V Cayah Michele or Share the Pie. Donate your special skill in the field of photography, writing, graphic design, web design and maintenance, advertising, sales, or public relations. If you have a special interest or talent, we can use it. Become a mentor for a woman in the WIN program. Bring your family to cook and serve dinner at the Community Kitchen. The need is even greater in the summer months.

Encourage your high school student to work with the Bacharach Community staff babysitting children or become a babysitter yourself. Maintain the gardens at one of IHA's 10 buildings. Spring or fall cleanup is a great project for a scout troop or sports team. Organize a food drive at your office or civic group to help supply the Food Pantry. IHA will benefit from any level of commitment you can give. Call Pete Powell at 203.226.3426 ext. 14 to find out how you can help.

STILL NOT SURE WHAT TO DO? CALL THE VOLUNTARY ACTION CENTER OF MID-FAIRFIELD (VAC) at 849-1111 or e-mail jmonte@hscct.org if you have any questions or would like to come in for an interview to learn about the wonderful volunteer opportunities including those mentioned above. For more information on VAC, volunteer opportunities or any of our programs, visit our web site at www.communityplanning.org/hscvac. VAC is a program of The Human Services Council of Mid-Fairfield, an agency of the United Way of Norwalk & Wilton and the United Way of Westport-Weston and an affiliate of The Points of Light Foundation.