This is BYC’s biggest fundraiser, and the proceeds from the walk are key to helping to save animals in the Erie area. This year will be the 18th annual walk, so there is a lot of past experience and information to guide volunteers. Any help or talent volunteers can offer to help put on the walk is welcome, as are new ideas.

The planning committee will meet monthly from April to October (maybe a little more as the Walk gets close). Most communication is by e-mail or phone. Volunteers are needed to serve on the Walk Event Committee and/or to help out on the day of the Walk.

Walk committees include:

1. Sponsors (contact major and lower-level sponsors from previous years);

2. Logistics (procure location, arrange for setup the day of the walk, arrange for vendor tables, etc.);

3. Publicity (get word out through radio, BYC newsletter, newspaper, etc.);

4. Registration (staff one table for preregistered walkers and another for those who have not preregistered);

5. Route/Safety (determine route and sign up volunteers to work along route);

6. Refreshments (contact donors);

7. Distribution (order, arrange to pick up and distribute posters and sponsor forms and shirts);

8. Premiums (solicit donations of door prizes and other prizes for most money, etc.);

9. Special Events (arrange for entertainment);

10. Basket Raffle (contact donors from past years and find new donors if needed).

If you are interested in helping, please post a message on BYC’s Facebook site or send an e-mail to BYCVOLCOORD@gmail.com, and a coordinator will be in touch. In your message, please indicate any committees on which you might like to serve.

The fund development committee does as follows:

Development committee is tasked with supporting all aspects of fundraising from annual fund to developing major gifts, endowments, special events and planned giving programs.

Not interested in fund development? These Habitat for Humanity committees are actively recruiting members.

-Church Relations

-Construction

-Family Partnership

-Governance

-Grants

-Site Selection

To join a committee, fill out this form. Learn more about volunteering with Habitat for Humanity at www.habitaterie.org/get-involved.

Greater Erie Area Habitat for Humanity and its volunteers have provided home ownership opportunities to 50 Erie area families in the past 20 years.

Currently, they are working on two local houses.

No experience is needed, and Habitat for Humanity provides tools and equipment.

To volunteer, fill out these individual or group waivers, review the work site regulations and submit the form at the Habitat for Humanity office located at 413 E. 9th St. in Erie. Once your waiver has been approved, you will be contacted to schedule a shift at a work site. Habitat for Humanity reminds volunteers that all shifts must be scheduled in advance.

Construction volunteers must be at least 16 years old.

For those who want to give different talents to Habitat for Humanity, the organization is also looking for committee members.

The committees currently seeking new members are:

-Church Relations

-Construction

-Family Partnership

-Fund Development

-Governance

-Grants

-Site Selection

Habitat for Humanity is  looking for volunteers for its youth programs, Girls Build and Build a Better World.

Volunteers can also get involved by planning special events and performing office duties.

For more information, contact the Volunteer Coordinator by telephone at 454-7025 or by e-mail.

Image and video courtesy of Habitat for Humanity

What better way to give back to the organization that taught you arts and crafts, camping survival skills and cookie sales(wo)manship than by giving your time?

The Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania is looking for adult volunteers for a range of roles in the organization.

Volunteers can be a troop leaders, chaperones on trips and outings, a camp counselors or activity organizers. For those interested in behind-the-scenes work, the Girl Scouts are looking for people to promote the organization, manage finances or serve on council committees.

The Girl Scouts’ website emphasizes that “whether you can give an hour, week or year, every moment makes an impact on girls lives.”

To get involved, fill out the volunteer application packet. For more information, call 1-800-248-3355, complete the online interest form or email the Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania.