The United Way of the Klamath Basin has several volunteer committees that operate year-round which are chaired by a member of the executive committee of the board. Volunteers are always welcome and needed; please call Leroy Cabral for more information or to volunteer. Also through the United Way Volunteer Center people of all ages can volunteer to help a wide variety of public and private agencies with special community projects and/or year-round programs. Committees Fundraising The United Way annual campaign involves approximately 250 volunteers of which the majority coordinate United Way employee campaigns at the workplace. The fundraising committee sets an annual campaign goal and attempts to solicit contributions from every corporation, business, organization, and individual throughout the Klamath Basin. A special group of volunteers called Loaned Executives contribute a total of 500 hours each year giving presentations to employees at the workplace. Marketing & Communications This committee develops United Way's overall theme, advertising and public service messages, local campaign video, brochures and other printed materials. Fund Distribution This committee involves 40 volunteers annually (including six high school students) who visit and review the funding proposals of every United Way member agency seeking financial support. These volunteers collectively contribute approximately 600 hours in determining how best to invest United Way contributions for community services. Special Events This committee promotes special events and the annual community events of the United Way such as the campaign kickoff and victory luncheon.   Volunteer Center The Volunteer Center operates year-round matching volunteers with special skills and interests with appropriate public and private non-profit agencies who need help. The Center is located inside the United Way office, 136 N. Third Street. Each spring during national volunteer week, the Center hosts the Klamath Country Volunteer Recognition banquet. Jessee Gerald “Peanuts” Barker was selected as the 2000 volunteer of the year for his involvement with the Foster Grandparents Program. How to Volunteer To volunteer or to just find out more about the current volunteer opportunities, contact Barbara Nordquist at the Volunteer Center, (541) 882-5558. Current Volunteer Opportunities Food servers to pick up and deliver meals to homebound seniors Kitchen help to serve meals, clean tables Advocates to represent "at-risk" children in court proceedings Office assistant to answer telephones, typing, filing, etc. Museum aids to give tours, data research, typing, general duties Crisis line support (36 hours of special training required) Classroom assistants needed to help teachers with classroom activities Persons to read select books to children and build caring relationships with them Thrift store needs help to sort and hang clothes Low-income seniors needed to do light typing, answer phones Disaster Action Team volunteers needed for immediate assistance to victims Instructors to teach health/safety courses to adults and children Respite care volunteers to do errands for persons who care for dying family members Driver & escorts needed to transport clients to and from appointments Grounds keeper to trim shrubs, pull weeds, other duties as needed Person to take blood pressure of seniors one day (two hours) per month Assistant volunteer coordinators needed to help recruit/organize volunteer activities Maintenance/handyman to do odd jobs such as painting, waxing floors, washing walls Gift store clerk to answer telephone, handle cash/make change, etc. Tutors needed to help students with reading and math skills Small appliance tester and maintenance person Laundry and sewing assistant to wash and iron clothing, curtains, blankets, etc.
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