It takes all of us working together to strengthen our community, and we each can play a role. Volunteering is one way to make a difference. It’s a way to connect with others, improve our neighborhoods and learn new skills.
How can you find the right volunteer opportunity for you? Start by checking out www.uwberks.org , under the Volunteer Tab. United Way’s Volunteer Center connects individuals, families, and employee teams with volunteer activities across Berks County. Think about what you enjoy doing or what you want to accomplish: Do you want to spend time outdoors; do you enjoy working with people? There are opportunities that match your interests and goals.
Ester Huertas, an employee at Alcon, recently volunteered at United Way’s Day of Caring event and helped with sorting and organizing items at the Hope Outlet, “I’m happy to give back to our community, and I think it’s important to be involved. I encourage my kids to give back, too. I tell them, share your time and share your heart.”
To learn more about volunteering in the community, contact Darby at United Way at 610.685.4574 or at darbyw@uwberks.org .
Another way to help others is through the Time Bank, which is managed by Barrio Alegria, with support from a United Way grant. The Time Bank is a type of barter exchange connecting people in need of help, like assistance with grocery shopping or transportation, with others who can provide the help.
The exchanges are coordinated through the Time Bank’s website where Individuals register and the needs and/or offerings are listed. For example, an individual may need transportation to an event, while listing a skill they will provide, such as baking, car detailing or yard work. When a person provides an hour of skill or service, they receive a unit of time in return.
“Everyone has something to offer,” says Jose Garcia, Time Bank coordinator. Over 100 members have registered via the website to-date, with 235 exchanges having occurred since its inception. “Especially during these times of increased needs, those who can help others, make a big difference in someone’s life.”
To learn more, visit goodneighborstb.timebanks.org or contact timebank@barrioalegria.org
You can also make a difference in the community by learning more about United Way. Its annual campaign is underway, which raises funds to invest in 80+ high priority and high performing programs, initiatives and grants – all focused on giving kids the right start to school success, helping families become stronger and helping seniors live fuller lives. To learn more or to donate, visit uwberks.org.
United Way also supports initiatives like 211, which connects people to community programs for food, housing, and utility assistance, as well as shares information about local volunteer opportunities. Connect by calling 211, visiting pa211east.org or texting your zip code to 898211.
United Way of Berks County
