Make A Difference: Volunteer in Chester County, PA

The disaster in Haiti leaves many of us wondering how we can help and make a difference in people's lives. Outside of sending a contribution, most of us will not be able to help the situation in Haiti. But we can make a difference. Chester County, PA is desperate for volunteers in many areas.

Here are ways to make a difference in Chester County.

The Volunteer English Program (VEP) in Chester County is in urgent need of volunteers to help immigrants or refugees improve their English speaking skills. There are at least 50 students on a waiting list. Volunteers provide one-on-one tutoring and help in understanding the American culture. A three-session workshop to train tutors is scheduled beginning January 21 in West Chester, PA. For more information, call 610.918.8222 or visit www.volunteerenglish.org

The American Red Cross Blood Services is holding blood drives in Chester County.

In West Chester, the hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

In Coatesville, you may donate blood on Friday, Jan. 15 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Pope John Paul II Regional Elementary School, 2875 Manor Road.

Chester County Compeer is a nonprofit organization that pairs persons of the same gender. Volunteers give the gift of friendship to a person in recovery from a mental illness. Volunteers are asked to participate in a training session. For more information, call Robert Chisholm, director at 610.436.4445

Thresholds in Chester County is looking for volunteers to teach decision-making skills to inmates at the Chester County Prison in Pocopson. A training weekend for volunteers is required, with no obligation to become a volunteer. Interested persons should contact Dick Bergesen at 610-436-6469, email RBergesen@verizon.net or call Thelma Douglas at 610.644-9077.

Senior Citizens, don't think you are left out of the opportunities to volunteer. Chester County residents have plenty of opportunities through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). This nonprofit organization is in need of volunteers at museums and historical societies, food banks, shelters, schools and day care facilities. Their most pressing need currently is for assistance with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistant (VISTA) program. This program gives free tax preparation to low and moderate income families. The end goal is to encourage the families to use their refund as an investment in themselves and their future. There are training sessions available and you do not need to be an accountant or bookkeeper. Not your thing? No problem lots of other areas could use your help. Call 610.696-4900 or check the website at www.familyservice.us/rsvpvolunteer

Make a difference in someone's life today-volunteer. You may be surprised to find that you are the one who profits the most!

Submitted by Kim Dillon, Creative Eye Home Staging. Creative Eye provides assistance for residents in areas of Pennslyvania, Delaware and Maryland to enjoy their own home or prepare a property to sale.