WANTED: volunteers for ACS of Berks

The American Cancer Society of Berks County is hosting an open house July 12 for potential volunteers. This is the first time the ACS has held an open house for recruiting volunteers, and the organization is hoping to attract about 25 people who want to get involved.

“What we try to do every summer is recruit volunteers for events, for the office and to gear up for the busier fall season,” said ACS Income Development Specialist Jessie Rivera. “This is the first year we’re trying this. We want to see a good amount of people come out and learn about the ACS and our needs.”

Rivera said there’s an increased need for volunteers because the ACS is growing.

“We raised over $1 million last year and hope to exceed it this year. Our events are getting bigger and we want to make sure we have the manpower to support the efforts,” she said.

The open house is being held at the ACS of Berks County’s headquarters at 498 Bellevue Avenue from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 12.

Rivera said staff members and ACS volunteers will be on hand to talk with those who attend. “We’re looking to make it a very informal event. People can get to know the ACS events and talk with current staff and volunteers about what we do,” she added. “We’ll provide information about all the roles we’re looking to fill and we’ll have information about all of the programs. They can sign up that night or take some information home with them to think about.”

Rivera said volunteering with the ACS is a good option for anyone who needs community service hours.

“This is also a good option for any job seekers looking for experience and references,” she added. “There are so many contacts you can make from the community – we work with 4,000 Relay participants in Berks County, not to mention all the other things we do.”

The past few weeks have been full of buzz about Relay for Life events throughout the county. But Rivera said there is a need for help in several areas. Some of the needs include:

Road to Recovery volunteer – to drive people to cancer treatments and then back home. Rivera said some of the appointments are local, while others may be in Philadelphia or Hershey – depending on where an individual volunteer might be willing to drive.

Sponsorship person – to talk to area businesses about their willingness to make a donation to an event or office.

Website volunteer – to manage a website from their own home. Rivera said the ACS would train the person on their programs.

Survivors chairs – people who can get to know more of the survivors in the county and make sure they are using the ACS and other resources that are available to them. Rivera said it’s not necessary that the person be a survivor, “just someone with a passion.”

Fundraising – someone interested in organizing pretty large fund raisers for events or the ACS office.

Publicity – someone to promote ACS activities via social media and to coordinate newspaper and radio coverage.

Office help – for mailings and other office functions.

Team captains – to recruit team members Daffodil Days, Making Strides for Breast Cancer and other events, as well as Relay.

Cosmetologists – for the “Look Good Feel Better” class that helps women cancer patients improve their appearance and self-image by teaching them hands on beauty techniques to manage the appearance side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Rivera said any training that might be required will be provided to volunteers. It’s not necessary to RSVP for the open house. Anyone with questions or who would like more information can call the ACS of Berks County at 610-921-2329.