Local volunteer heroes April 22, 2012

United Way of Kootenai County is proud to recognize our very own Jerry Chambers.

"Jerry consistently gives a day or two a week and brings excellent skill sets to our organization," said Caryl Johnston, executive director. "We have come to rely on her steady and consistent presence. She is an essential part of the United Way team and we are very lucky to have her as a volunteer."

Chambers has been volunteering for years. While working full time, she sang with the Sweet Adelines at nursing homes and The Coeur d'Alene Resort. She is currently part of the Ladies of Harley where she recently volunteered to obtain sponsors and auction items for the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Gala. Chambers and the Ladies of Harley are currently putting together a tea party with homemade cookies and plan to ride their motorcycles to visit women in assisted living facilities. Chambers says she may be retired but she keeps busy. "Volunteering gives me a sense of accomplishment. When you are retired you need to accomplish things. You just can't sit back and do nothing," said Chambers.

After retiring and then winning her battle against cancer she came to us at the United Way. "I have been fortunate in my life and had support when I needed it. That is what United Way does. They support people who need it," said Chambers. Thanks Jerry for all you do to improve the lives of people in our community!

Volunteer opportunity

Do you like cooking for a crowd?

Volunteers are needed to provide a pre-cooked meal for teens at the Project Safe Place Drop In Center once a month a meal large enough to feed 10-15 teens. Volunteers may stay and eat at the center with the young people who are receiving services, or they may drop the food off before dinner time. Dinner time is at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Project Safe Place is a multi-service prevention and outreach program that provides immediate help and supportive resources for Kootenai County youth in crisis, including kids and teens that are:

• at risk of separating from their families

• becoming homeless, lacking safe transportation or after school supervision

• being abused at home, struggling in school, or being bullied

To volunteer contact Holly Zack, (208) 416-4703.

ElderHelp's wood splitting extravaganza!

Get ready to put your work gloves on and fire up the chain saw!

Come and make a difference for low-income seniors with ElderHelp of North Idaho on Sat., April 28, 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 4 p.m. Volunteers are needed to split and deliver firewood to seniors who depend on this wood to keep them warm all winter. Volunteers with chain saws and pickup trucks are also needed. This is a great opportunity to get outside and help provide needed wood for seniors in our community. Interested in splitting and delivering wood? Call (208) 661-8870 or email info@elderhelpofnorthidaho.org to sign up!

To find out more about volunteer opportunities visit United Way's Volunteer Center www.kootenaiunitedway.org or (208) 667-8112.