Want to Volunteer? We Need Your Help!

Volunteers, a.k.a. “Friends of Carver”, play an important role at the Carver Center. Our staff depends on their assistance! There are many ways to volunteer. Please read the following information very carefully to answer your questions.

All volunteers must be at least 16 or older.

All volunteers must also:

• Participate in a phone interview after application is received.
• Attend an orientation session and undergo training, if necessary.
• Sign an Agreement Letter, confirming understanding of the requirements and responsibilities of both the Volunteer and the Carver Center.

Additionally, all Children’s Program volunteers (including Saturday Program volunteers, and Summer Camp volunteers) who are 18 years or older must also complete the following:

• Be fingerprinted at the Child Care Council located in Scarsdale, NY.
• Furnish proof of a physical with a Mantoux Tuberculin Test (to be updated every 2 years).
• Sign a Crime Statement.
• Statewide Central Register Database check every 4 years.

The steps listed above are New York State regulations and will be completed only AFTER a phone interview with Carver Center’s Volunteer Coordinator. At that time more information will be given about the process.

All necessary forms must be on file before volunteering.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Building relationships with kids require continuity! We require all volunteers in our After School Program to commit to a regular schedule of volunteering.
• To better serve our clients, we are always seeking bilingual (English-Spanish) volunteers for the Food Pantry.

This is How You Can Help
(Volunteer Opportunities)

1. Work in our Food Pantry

• Carver Center’s Food Pantry is open Monday-Friday and volunteers are needed to stock and organize shelves, sort through donations and deliveries and help clients shop for food and clothing.
• Up to 4 volunteers are needed per day and all volunteers must commit to at least 2 two-hour shifts per month.
• Volunteers are needed for the following shifts:
  • Monday/Wednesday: 9am-1pm
  • Tuesday/Thursday: 4pm-8pm
  • Friday: 12pm-4pm

2. Support our Food Pantry

• Our needs are constant! Keep our Food Pantry stocked by organizing a drive for food, clothing, coats, personal hygiene products and other items. This is a GREAT project for the entire family, class, school, club, church, or synagogue.
• Carver Center is happy to provide a letter verifying volunteer hours contributed by individuals and organizations that run drives.
• If you are interested in organizing a drive or making a donation, please contact our Food Pantry at 305-6042 in advance to determine our most urgent needs.

3. Assist with our After-School Program

Carver Center’s After-School Program offers academic support and enrichment to approximately 120 children. The program runs Monday-Friday from 3-6 pm and opportunities include:

• General Classroom Assistance. This is limited to 10 volunteers per day and classroom assistants must agree to volunteer at least 8 hours per month.
• One-On-One Tutoring. Tutors with appropriate educational and/or related work experience are needed to assist kids with English, math and writing. Must commit to at least 6 consecutive weeks of tutoring.
• Kids Cafe 4-6 volunteers are needed per day to serve dinner from 4:30-6:30pm.
• Teaching an Enrichment Class. We welcome a wide variety of classes and experiences for the kids in our Program – art, music, dance, drama, creative writing, etc. Instructors with appropriate experience must commit to at least 6 consecutive weeks of instruction.
• Host a Theme Party or Carnival. Seasonal holidays are great excuses to get creative and throw a party!

4. Serve Breakfast to Seniors

• Carver Center hosts a Senior Breakfast the first Friday of every month (except July and August) from 8-11 am. 6-8 volunteers are needed per breakfast to cook, serve, cleanup and interact!

5. Assist with our Summer Program

• We need 15 volunteers per day, Monday-Wednesday, 9am-1pm or 1pm-5pm.
• All volunteers must be at least 16 and must commit to at least two consecutive weeks.
• Applications accepted beginning March 1, 2012.

6. Other Ways to Help:

• Host a fundraiser for Carver Center such as a Bake Sale, Lemonade Stand, Casual Friday/Dress-Down Day, or Raffle and donate the proceeds to Carver Center. Click here to view the Carver Wish List.
• Be a Guest Speaker or Workshop Leader- topics of interest include:
  • Health, Nutrition, and Fitness
  • Financial Literacy
  • Financial Planning
  • Career Coaching including resume writing and interview skills
  • Housing
  • Legal Advice
  • Insurance
• Run a Food Drive.
• Organize an art supply or sports equipment drive.
• Rent space from Carver Center- our newly renovated Gym and heated indoor Pool are perfect for group functions or parties.

If you would like to join “Friends of Carver” as a regular volunteer, please click here to download an application and mail to:

Port Chester Carver Center
400 Westchester Avenue
Port Chester, NY 10573
Attn: Volunteer Coordinator

Thank you for your interest! Once your application is received, someone from Carver Center will contact you within 1-2 weeks.