Volunteer Opportunities
Puppy raisers | Canine Partners of the Rockies, Inc., offers an informational meeting for people interested in becoming volunteer puppy raisers. The training is at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at the new offices and training facility of CaPR, at 651-E Potomac St., Aurora. Linda Port, training director, will introduce a puppy in training, a graduate team of volunteers and discuss the importance of service dogs in the lives of people with severe mobility limitations. Volunteers must be willing to raise a puppy for 18 months and attend training classes. Info/Register: 303-364-9040 or .
Socks and mittens drive | Foothills United Way is holding its fourth annual “Socks and Mittens Drive” Nov. 14 through Dec. 15. This yearly event provides much-needed cold-weather clothing items to children and adults in need in Boulder and Broomfield Counties. Collection bins will be set out by participating companies, groups and organizations, where donors can drop off new, unused pairs of socks, mittens, gloves, hats and scarves that will be donated to local non-profit organizations for distribution. Info: .
Long-term care | Denver Regional Council of Government’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers. The volunteer visits residents in the long-term care facility and advocates on their behalf. Volunteers receive 20-hours of specific training on topics such as conflict mediation, advocacy and communication skills, powers of attorney, advance directives, the aging process, resident’s rights and more. The next series of training sessions will be on three consecutive Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Jan. 24, 31, and Feb. 7. Volunteers are needed throughout the 8-county Denver metro region, particularly in Aurora, Adams and Jefferson counties, and in central Denver. Once trained, volunteers are asked to spend a few hours a week in the program. Info: Nancy Ferrier at 303-480-5638, or e-mail Nferrier@dr .
Travelers assistance | The Denver International Airport Travelers Assistance Program needs volunteers (ages 30 and over) to provide comfort, information and referrals; lending of wheelchairs, car-seats, strollers; assistance for people with disabilities, social services and more to assist DIA travelers. Shifts are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. or 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Volunteers must undergo a complete background check. Training is provided. Info: dentravler@aol.com.
Child assistance | CASA of Adams and Broomfield Counties needs volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children. Volunteers gather information about a child or sibling group that is involved with the court system due to abuse or neglect and make recommendations as to what is in the best interest of the child/sibling group. Info: casa17th ., 303-654-3378 or rhea@casa17.com.
Tax preparation | The Denver Asset Building Coalition needs volunteers to assist low-income families with income tax preparation services during the tax season from January to April 15. No specialized tax experience is necessary; all training is provided. Info: 303-388-7030 or volunteer@denverabc.org.
Railroad museum | The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden needs volunteers for ongoing projects throughout the summer and fall to work in the office, on the track crew, in restoration projects in the roundhouse, in the library and as tour guides. Contact: David Williams at 720 274-5147 or david @crrn.org.
Trail guides | The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks needs trail guides to visit trailheads and hike trails on OSMP lands six-10 hours per month, providing visitors with information on area features, seasonal changes and local and natural history. Free classroom and field training is provided in four sessions. Info: . or 720-579-4161.
Raptor program | Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, based in Fort Collins, needs volunteers. RMRP encourages preservation of our environmental and cultural resources through excellence in raptor rehabilitation, community education and research. Info: 970-484-7756 or e-mail info@rmrp.org.
Butterfly Pavilion | The Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster, needs volunteers to work with visitors and to help in its tropical butterfly conservatory, tide pool, touch cart, and garden areas. Info: . or Kris Desmarais, 720-974-1868.
Nature movies | Morrison Nature Center, 16002 E. Smith Road, offers a free nature movie, popcorn and hands-on projects at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18. Register: 303-739-2428.
To publicize upcoming events geared toward and open to the public, please mail details at least two weeks in advance to Andrea Labak, Scientifically Speaking, The Denver Post, City Desk, 101 W. Colfax Ave., Suite 600, Denver, CO 80202, or e-mail to Scispeak@denverpost.com.
