Reaching out: Exploring Summerlin-area volunteer opportunities

Want to give of yourself? Volunteering is a timely topic as Make A Difference Day is Oct. 25.

There are plenty of opportunities in the Summerlin area to get involved, depending on your interests.

LAS VEGAS-CLARK COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT

At the Summerlin, Sahara West and Rainbow libraries, volunteers can help in the bookstore, Adult Services and the Young People’s Library. Additionally, the Sahara West Library, 9600 W. Sahara Ave., uses volunteers in its art gallery, The Studio, and in its bookstore warehouse.

Volunteering at the library requires a minimum of two to four hours a week. For more information, visit lvccld.org and click on “Support Us,” inquire at your local branch or email volunteer program coordinator Leslie Valdes at valdesl@lvccld.org.

SUMMERLIN HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER

MountainView Hospital, 3100 N. Tenaya Way, has so many volunteers, it has a waiting list. But Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, 657 N. Town Center Drive, is taking volunteer applications. Volunteers are taught various skills and provide services that supplement the functions of staff members. An interview will help match your interests, talents and schedule to the hospital’s needs.

For more information, visit summerlinhospital.com/community-information/volunteer-services.

Summerlin Hospital offers a variety of positions for volunteers in most any department — the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, rehabilitation, the emergency room and pediatrics. Volunteers also man the information desks, help out in pre-operation, wound care, endoscopy, radiology, pharmacy and food services. Other programs for volunteers include chaplaincy (spiritual care), pet therapy and Mended Hearts, a hospital visiting program.

“I’m always looking for ‘on-call’ volunteers who want to be trained in different departments and are able to fill in when someone is out for an extended period of time or even just one shift,” said Sally Gotwals, volunteer coordinator for the Valley Health System.

Applications are available online at valleyhealthsystemlv.com, at the front desk or by calling 702-233-7532.

Individuals also can make a difference for pediatric patients by purchasing items and assembling Comfort Packs (a small gift bag with party-sized Play-Doh, Party Bubbles, a stress ball or small “I Spy” book), Activity Packs (instructions for a craft and the supplies to create it) or supply new books for all ages in English and Spanish or new movies rated G through PG-13. Supplies can be dropped off at Summerlin Hospital.

THRIFT STORES

Dinosaurs & Roses needs volunteers at its corporate office, 7310 Smoke Ranch Road, Suite B, and at its store at 4310 E. Tropicana Ave., No. 6.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 7 at the corner of Ninth Street and Mesquite Avenue, it plans to host The Street Store, a sidewalk shopping event where homeless people can find clothing. Donations are needed as well as on-site help.

“For the corporate office, we need people that enjoy working on the computer or telephones and fundraising,” said Dinosaurs & Roses founder Michele Morgan. “There is always so much to do with our database and online presence. We are also looking for people that enjoy photography to photograph items that we get that are donated for us to post (online).”

Help is also needed to move furniture. For more information, call 702-277-3752.

Goodwill of Southern Nevada, 9385 W. Flamingo Road, relies on volunteers to assist in its retail store with a variety of tasks such as colorizing and sizing clothing racks, stocking, organizing and restocking merchandise and greeting customers. In 2013, 1,634 individuals contributed more than 98,000 hours of service through Goodwill Volunteer Services.

To volunteer at any Goodwill location, email volunteerservices@sngoodwill.org or call 702-214-2051.

YMCA OF SOUTHERN NEVADA

Breezy Bolden is the branch executive for the city of Las Vegas’ Durango Hills Community Center, operated by the YMCA of Southern Nevada at 3521 N. Durango Drive. She said a few volunteer positions routinely available are greeters who welcome YMCA members, hand out workout towels and relay information. Other volunteers share their talents and hobbies by teaching a class.

The YMCA is also always looking for business leaders for its board.

“We thrive on volunteers and have some exciting opportunities in the works,” Bolden said.

To volunteer online, visit lasvegasymca.org and click on the “Giving” tab.

Also, the YMCA’s Livestrong Community Impact Project uses a $5,000 grant to help individuals positively impact their neighborhoods. Current projects across the country include Crochet for a Cause, Hydration Stations and a shoe drive. To submit an idea through Oct. 31, visit mfpp.ymca.net.

VOLUNTEER OUTDOORS

Las Vegas Inspiring Connections Outdoors began in the 1970s as Las Vegas Inner City Outings, an outreach program through the Sierra Club. Its intent is to take disadvantaged youths on outdoor adventures to experience the joys and wonders of nature.

Las Vegas ICO plans a fundraiser from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 24 at Las Vegas Bridge World, 5580 W. Flamingo Road, No. 101, with a wine bar, a jazz quartet, a silent auction and dinner. For more information, visit facebook.com/lasvegasinnercityoutings.

Friends of Red Rock Canyon was formed in 1984 with the intent to provide volunteers for Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It has since expanded to include financial support for education and environmental programs. During the past fiscal year, Friends members donated more than 21,000 volunteer hours and more than $100,000 in direct support.

Volunteer positions include working in the Visitor Center, trail clean up, leading hikes and the graffiti removal team.

For more information, email info@friendsofredrockcanyon.org.

Contact Summerlin Area View reporter Jan Hogan at jhogan@viewnews.com or 702-387-2949.