The following are some of the region’s volunteer opportunities:

American Red Cross – United Valley Chapter: The Disaster Action Team helps individuals who have been victims of fire and other disasters. Volunteers will be trained to provide critical services to the victims of disaster. The program is ongoing. FMI, contact Eric Gagnon, 874-1192 ext 115, eric.gagnon@redcross.org

Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice: Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice provides a continuum of care that is developed through our three main programs: Home Care, Hospice, and Supportive Care. Visiting Volunteers visit with patients at home. Hospice Volunteers visit with patients nearing the end of life. The program is ongoing. FMI, contact Kathy Baillargeon, 777-7740 kathy.baillargeon@ahch.org

Beacon Hospice: Beacon Hospice is a CHAP- certified Hospice, founded in 1995. It focuses on providing individual, patient and family specific, end of life care. Volunteers support patients and families during the hospice care process. Direct Care volunteers visit patients and their family members (weekly/biweekly patient specific visits to local nursing homes, Orchard Park, Edgewood, Sandy River, and Pinewood). Specific Requirements: Training provided, background check, health statement, TB statement Indirect volunteers provide numerous supports to the patient and family unit – as quilting, gardening, cooking, etc. The program is ongoing. The time frame is set by volunteers. Training provided when volunteer available. FMI, contact Kelly Herlihy, 207-621-1212, kherlihy@beaconhospice.com

Carrabassett Valley Public Library: The Carrabassett Valley Public Library encourages community members of all ages in their pursuit of lifelong learning by providing educational, cultural, and recreational materials in a welcoming environment. Volunteers needed to assist with the overall maintenance of the library, whether it be shelving books, processing books, office help, or help with special programs. The program is ongoing. FMI, contact Andrea DeBiase, 237-3535.

Community Concepts: Since 1965, Community Concepts, Inc. has offered a variety of housing, economic development and social services for the communities of Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties of Maine. Volunteer drivers provide transportation to citizens of Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford Counties. They provide rides to medical appointments, child development programs and other critical destinations. They offer a vital service to the community, enhancing the quality of life for those who have no other means of transportation. Mileage reimbursement is offered. The program is ongoing. Glenn Gordon, 333-6428, ggordon@community-concepts.org

Care and Share Food Closet: Under the umbrella of Farmington Area Ecumenical Ministry, the Care and Share Food Closet gives food to those in its seven-town area who meet Maine Eligibility for poverty. Duties include packing groceries and distributing to clients as they come to the agency for food, and unloading food from the delivery truck. The program operates daily Monday through Friday from 12-2 p.m. and the fourth Thursday each month. FMI, contact Leiza@pinkporchparty.com

Community Concepts – Big Brothers, Big Sisters: BBBS recruits for high school, college and adult volunteers to mentor youth within the community. Youth, between the ages of 8-14, are referred by parents, school personnel and outside agencies. All volunteers are screened, interviewed and trained appropriately under Big Brothers Big Sisters of America standards. High school and college students are needed to mentor Little Brothers and Sisters for one hour a week, during the afterschool program. Volunteer site leads are needed to oversee afterschool programs and matches within the programs. The program operates throughout the school year. FMI, contact Kristen Gilley at 333-6404, kgilley@community-concepts.org

Double B Equine Rescue: Double B Equine Rescue is small in size, big on care and concern for any horse that comes through their gate. The rescue is nestled in the foothills of Western Maine on Route 148 in Industry. The rescue sits on 22 acres of forest and pastured land. Volunteers are needed to rake and clean area. Depending on experience, help may also be needed working directly with the horses. The program is ongoing. FMI, contact Brenda Green, 778-6479.

Edgewood Rehabilitation and Living Center: Edgewood is a 55-bed skilled short term and long term care facility providing nursing, therapy, and around the clock health care services. Volunteers are needed to assist with patient/resident activities. One to one visits for those who have no family, assist with cooking, crafts, bingo, reading, and occasional small group outings. The program is ongoing. FMI, contact Shelley Seavey at sseavey@ncahcf.com, 778-3386.

Farmington Area Trailbuilders: The Farmington Area Trailbuilders work with Titcomb Mountain building recreational trails. Volunteers are needed to assist in trail maintenance. The Farmington Area Trailbuilders meet once a week 6 p.m. Tuesday evenings in the Titcomb parking lot. The program operates in the spring, summer, and fall. FMI, contact Nicholas Citriglia, citriglia8@gmail.com

Farmington Public Library: Serves the Farmington community with books and other resources. Volunteers perform various cleaning tasks inside the facility as well as shelving books. The library hosts many special events in the evening, and volunteers may be needed to assist with set up and take down on the days of those events. The program is ongoing. FMI, contact Melanie Coombs, 778-4312, melanie@farmington.lib.me.us

Franklin County Animal Shelter: As a non-profit organization, the Franklin County Animal Shelter provides temporary care and shelter to stray, homeless, and abandoned animals. The Franklin County Animal Shelter relies on volunteers to keep their animals well cared for. Volunteers can perform a wide range of tasks including dog walking, cleaning, and outdoor maintenance. The program is ongoing. FMI, contact Erin Miner, coordinator.fcas@gmail.com, 207-778-5704.

Franklin County Animal Shelter: As a non-profit organization, the Franklin County Animal Shelter provides temporary care and shelter to stray, homeless, and abandoned animals. Foster parents will temporarily care for animals that are sick, too young for adoption, or need socialization before going into a permanent home. This involves keeping the animal(s) in the foster’s home and possibly treating pets with provided meds. There is always a need for foster parents! The length of commitment will vary depending on the situation. FMI, contact Erin Miner, 778-5704 coordinator.fcas@gmail.com

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce: The chamber is committed to promoting all of Franklin County and needs help to keep the visitor centers open daily.Volunteers are needed for greeting visitors to the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center in Farmington and the Information Center in Carrabassett Valley. Duties include answering the telephone, greeting visitors, and general office work. The program is ongoing. FMI, contact Penny Meservier, 778-4215 director@franklincountymaine.org

Franklin Memorial Hospital/Franklin Community Health Network: Volunteers ranging from age 16-70+ donate their time and talents day after day and with energy, enthusiasm, and commitment that is inspirational. They run the patient hospitality cart, staff the FMH gift shop, stock supplies, deliver mail, valet park patient cars, assist families and visitors, type, file, and answer the phone, and perform a myriad of other tasks that assist the staff to provide care. Specific needs are valet parking attendants and escort desk assistants. These are longer-term commitments and require training, orientation, and a background check. The program is ongoing. FMI, contact Jodi Cordes, 795-2635 or Jcordes@fchn.org

Girl Scouts of Maine, Franklin County Branch: With over 16,000 girl and adult members, Girl Scouts of Maine is the statewide organization dedicated solely to girls. In partnership with committed adults, we provide a wide variety of enriching activities that give girls the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that make them leaders right now and for the rest of their lives. Volunteers are needed to be special program leaders, and short term (4-5 weeks) and long term troop leaders. The program is ongoing. FMI, contact Kimberly Petrey, 772-1177, kpetrey@gsmaine.org

Girl Talk/Teen Voices: These literature based mentoring programs which utilize mentoring partnerships by pairing girls in grades 5 through 8 with women role models within the MSAD #58 communities, Kingfield, Strong, Phillips and Stratton, as well as MSAD #9 communities of Farmington and Wilton and student leaders at the University of Maine at Farmington. Female mentors are needed to be positive role models spending time one on one with a young girls. Reading one book a month, engaging in monthly gatherings to discuss the book and engage in related activities have been rewarding for mentors and mentees alike. Programs meet once a week on a monthly basis throughout the academic year at the local schools. FMI, contact Pauline Rodrigue/Mt. Blue Regional School District 778-3707 prodrigue@mtbluersd.org or

Kirsten Swan/MSAD #58 778-7347, kswan@maine.edu.

High Peaks Alliance and Sandy River Land Trust: Work is in progress to build the Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby Trail. When completed, the trail will stretch from Strong to Oquossoc and will feature local cultural and historic points of interest. Volunteer work includes moving branches, small rocks and brush, and digging hill-side and other construction work that will define the trail corridor. Projects throughout the spring, summer, and fall months. FMI, contact Doug Marble, 578-0306, fairandsquarefarm@gmail.com or highpeaksallianceinfo@gmail.com

Jim Ditzler Memorial Library: The Jim Diztler Memorial Library is a public library located in New Sharon. Volunteers are needed to help with the front desk during special readings. Additional help is needed with book organization and upkeep. The program is ongoing. FMI, contact Diana Oliver, 779-1128.

LEAP, Inc.: LEAP, Inc. is a private non- profit organization devoted to supporting people with cognitive and intellectual disabilities to be actively involved in their home communities. Volunteers needed to help maintain the Wellness trail and provide assistance with their Stone Soup Garden, whether it be fertilizing, raking, or planting seeds. The program is seasonal. FMI, contact Sarah Judd, (207) 860-4129, sjudd@leapcommunity.org

Literacy Volunteers of Franklin and Somerset Counties: Literacy Volunteers provides free reading/writing service to individuals with low level literacy skills. Trained volunteer tutors serve Franklin and Somerset Counties. Literacy Volunteers tutors take a 13-hour workshop. They are then matched with a student in their area. This service is free, confidential, and on a one-to-one basis. Tutors and students meet at a place of their choice. School tutors also needed for youth in a classroom setting. The program is on-going. FMI, contact Sally Speich, literacyvolunteersfs@gmail.com

Livermore Falls Treat Memorial Library: The Treat Memorial Library Serves those living in the Livermore Falls community. The library is looking for volunteers to assist in many activities which keep the library running smoothly. Activities can range from organizing books, cleaning both the interior and the exterior of the facilities, and taking part in special events. The program is ongoing. FMI, contact Myra Rosenbaum, 897-3631.

Maine General RSVP Veterans and Military Families Program: Volunteers meet with the veterans and military family members at outreach events in their own communities. Training is provided. Basic computer skills are required. Volunteers provide transportation to the VA hospital using the DAV van, assist veterans and their family’s signup for benefits, and assist with the My HealtheVet website access. The program takes place throughout the year. FMI, contact Ruth Saint Amand, 861-3428, or ruth.stamand@mainegeneral.org

Mt. Blue School District: The Mount Blue School District includes Cascade Brook, Mallet, Cushing, and Cape Cod Hill Elementary Schools, Mount Blue and Academy Hill Middle Schools, and the Mount Blue Campus which includes the high school, Foster Technology Center, and adult education. The school district engages volunteers to provide students with mentors, help in the classroom, and many others. This is a very firm commitment. The program takes place throughout the school year. FMI, contact Pauline Rodrigue, 778-3707 prodrigue@mtbluersd.org

Phillips Public Library: The public library in Phillips, Maine not only houses a traditional library but also has a thrift shop and a book sale space. There is an immediate need for assistance with landscaping and outdoor maintenance. Volunteers also used for shelving books, and possible reading to children. The program is ongoing. FMI, contact Hedy Langdon 639-2665, hlangdon@phillips.lib.me.us

Orchard Park Rehabilitation and Living Center: Orchard Park is a small, 38-bed skilled short term and long term care facility providing nursing, therapy, and around the clock health care services. Volunteers are needed to assist with patient/resident activities. One to one visits for those who have no family, assist with cooking, crafts, bingo, reading, and occasional small group outings. The program is ongoing. FMI, contact Dorita Woodcock, 778-4416, dwoodcock@ncahcf.com

Pierce House: The Pierce House is a 16-bed private, non-profit Assisted Living Facility that operates as a Level 4 Residential Care Facility, licensed by Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Volunteers are needed to provide companionship to residents through visits and help with special events throughout the year. Volunteers can also help during activities in the facility. The program is ongoing. FMI, contact Darlene Mooar, 778-4745 darlene513@myfairpoint.net

Pinewood Terrace: Pinewood Terrace is a 30-bed assisted living facility located in Farmington. Many activities and opportunities are available including: arts & crafts, group exercise classes, or playing games with the residents. Also, volunteers are needed to do one-on-one visits with residents who may not have regular visitors to spend time with. The program is ongoing. Brittnee Greenleaf at Medical Care Development, 458-8346 bgreenleaf@mcd.org.

Rangeley Friends of the Arts: The RFA has been bringing performing and visual arts to the Rangeley region for 45 years. The purpose of this organization shall be to increase awareness, knowledge, education, appreciation, and support for the arts by making available varied programs of high artistic quality and by related activities. Volunteers are needed for both short and long-term opportunities. Long-term roles include helping with grants and fundraising efforts as well as serving on a committee. Short-term opportunities include working at a production behind the scenes from May to July, planning the Annual Art Show in August, and helping to plan summer performances. Check the website for a calendar of events at www.rangeleyarts.com. FMI, contact Sue Downes-Borko, 864-3951.

Safe Voices: The Mission of Safe Voices is to support and empower those affected by domestic violence and engage the community in creating social change in Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties. Volunteers needed for annual The Walk/Run that Safe Voices puts on. The event features a competitive 5k as well as a non-competitive walk which is a mile. 5k volunteers will be stationed at intersections to ensure traffic stays off the 5k course. They will also be stationed at a water station along the route. Walk volunteers will help with set up and take down of the event. FMI, contact 795-6744.

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services: The SAPARS rape crisis center in Farmington serving Franklin County has worked for change by educating our community and supporting victim-survivors of rape, child sexual abuse and other forms of sexual violence. Whether staffing the 24-hour helpline, helping out in the office and with special projects, or sharing your skills and talents, SAVES offers a variety of rewarding volunteer opportunities. Advocate Helpline Training: Sept. 27 & 28, Oct. 11 & 12 from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 9th from 4-8 p.m. 227 Main in St. Farmington. The program is ongoing. FMI, contact Stephanie LeBlond, steph.leblond@sapars.org

SeniorsPlus: SeniorsPlus is the agency on aging that provides information resources and services for older adults and adults with disabilities in Franklin, Androscoggin and Oxford Counties. Meals on Wheels drivers deliver meals one or two mornings a week or are on call. There is a need for Lunchplus Cafe helpers one day a week or more, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Kitchen assistants are also needed. Support our staff members by assisting with meal portioning and packaging. The program is ongoing. FMI, contact Heather Chandel, hchandel@seniorsplus.org.

Sugarloaf Area Christian Ministry Valley Network: The cvalleynetwork.org website helps to support and assist an aging community of Sugarloafers to remain living and thriving in and around the Carrabassett Valley area, by providing a web-based network of resources and services available in the areas of health, transportation, community and social services. Volunteers needed to help with basic computer training, transportation for older adults outside the valley area, and Good Morning Calls, a service to check-in daily with seniors who are homebound or living alone. The program is ongoing. FMI, call the Ministry office 237-2304, or email loafministry@yahoo.com

Titcomb Mountain Ski Area: Titcomb Mountain offers both Alpine & Nordic skiing from December – March. The Mountain is run by the Farmington Ski Club which is comprised of Members dedicated to providing our community with the opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreation! Operations are managed primarily by volunteers and Ski Club members. Snowmaking, Commissary, and Ski & Ride Instructors are needed from mid-December–mid-March. FMI, contact Megan Roberts, 778-9031, info@titcombmountain.com

Touch of Class Thrift Shops: Work First, Inc., a private non-profit organization dedicated to the employment support and training of individuals with developmental disabilities, manages three Thrift Shops in Farmington and Jay. Volunteers needed to sort through donations and steam items at location on Route 4 towards Wal- Mart. The program is ongoing. FMI, contact Lynne at 778-4492.

United Methodist Economic Ministry: UMEM’s mission is to address economic injustice, and to maintain a compassionate, visible presence in the lives of the people of the region. UMEM currently operates a thrift shop, a housing ministry, a food bank, and a warming center. There are ongoing opportunities to volunteer in the thrift shop, housing ministry, food bank, and warming center. There are seasonal volunteer opportunities available as well. FMI, contact Tammie Gould, 678-2611, umem@tdstelme.net

United Way of the Tri-Valley Area Buttons for Babes: Buttons for Babes is a volunteer-led project coordinated by Chris Bourassa and the United Way. Money raised helps kids in crisis in Greater Franklin County. Volunteers can donate, clean, and sort buttons as well as assemble kits and make bracelets. Workshops are always happening! This is an ongoing project. FMI, contact Trish Wurpel, 778-5048, pawurpel@yahoo.com. Check out the Buttons for Babes Facebook page!

United Way of the Tri-Valley Area TerraCycle: TerraCycle (www.terracycle.com) is a unique New Jersey company that upcycles and recycles products to benefit the environment and non-profit organizations. Products can be recycled at various locations at UMF and at the United Way at 232 Broadway in Farmington. Volunteers are needed to help collect shampoo bottles, toothbrushes, #6 solo cups, cheese packaging and so much more. Visit uwtva.org for a complete list of products that can be recycled and turned into money for the community through the United Way! The program is ongoing. FMI, contact Luke Kellett, 778-7096, luke.kellett@maine.edu United Way Tri-Valley Area, 778-5048, info@uwtva.org

Washburn-Norlands Living History Center: A multi-faceted museum offering living experiences in the 19th century rural Maine life. Volunteers and Interns needed to help with educational opportunities, marketing and development, collections management, administrative/office support, with buildings and groundwork, and at special events. There are year-round opportunities. FMI, contact Sheri Leahan, 897-4366, norlands@norlands.org

Western Maine Community Action: Western Maine Community Action (WMCA) is a social service agency that has been providing services for more than 45 years to people living in the western mountain region of Maine. The organization is dedicated to the principle that poverty should not be a permanent condition of people’s lives. Food Drive-Thru takes place on the first Wednesday of every month. Volunteers needed to hand out food packages the first Wednesday of every month. For this project and more contact Erica at WMCA 645-3764, press 0.

Western Maine Homeless Shelter: WMHO’s mission is to provide shelter to families/individuals in Western Maine. Shelter attendants volunteer days, evenings, and overnight. They do meal preparation for guests, laundry/cleaning in shelter area, and provide transportation for shelter guests. The program is ongoing. Trainings: Saturday, April 6, 2-3:30 p.m., Living Waters, Wilton Road, Farmington; and Saturday, April 12, 10-11:30 a.m., UMF Roberts 101. FMI, contact Emily Ladd Chaney, 779-7609 emilyladdchaney@beeline- online.net

Western Maine Transportation Services, Inc.: Western Maine Transportation Services is the public transportation provider for Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties. Volunteer drivers are needed to provide rides to those in need. Mileage Reimbursement is available. Volunteers must meet certain requirements to participate. The program is ongoing. FMI, call 1-800-393-9335 or visit www.wmtsbus.org for an application.