Hilltown Families 
Recommend a Charity. Volunteer Your Time Wisely.
Charities and Volunteering for the Holidays
Recommend a Charity
The holiday season is approaching and many families are looking to volunteer time with their kids or charities to donate to. We’ll be adding links to recommended charities to the side bar of HilltownFamilies.org. If you would like to recommend a charity, please post the name of the organization and their web address in our comment box. We’ll add it to the list.
Volunteer Tips
Network for Good shares tips on how to volunteer your time wisely 10 Tips on Volunteering Wisely. Their first tip is to research the causes or issues important to you. They explain, “Look for a group that works with issues about which you feel strongly. You might already be giving money to one of these organizations, and that might be a good place to begin your volunteer experience. If you can’t find such an organization, here’s a challenging and intriguing thought: why not start one yourself? You can rally your neighbors to clean up that vacant lot on the corner, patrol the neighborhood, paint an elderly neighbor’s house, take turns keeping an eye on the ailing person down the street, or form a group to advocate for a remedy to that dangerous intersection in your neighborhood. There is no end to the creative avenues for volunteering, just as there is no end to the need for volunteers.”
To read their other nine tips go to networkforgood.org.
Have a recommended place for families to volunteer this holiday season, or would like to organize a volunteer effort in our community? Share in our comment box!
Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA
Volunteers are an integral part of the Museum, providing much needed assistance, dedication and support. The Berkshire Museum seeks volunteers for the following positions:
* administrative support
* education assistant
* marketing support
* gift shop assistant
* research assistant
* membership support
* visitor’s services
As a volunteer, you will receive formalized training and many other benefits. Become a part of this dynamic organization.
Contact Rae Langsdale at 413-443-7171, ext. 20.
ServiceNet Integrated Human Services in Northampton
413.585.1300 http://www.servicenet.org
ServiceNet has programs spread throughout the Pioneer Valley and into the North Quabbin region, most of which accept volunteers year-round. There are many volunteer options to choose from. Some of the more common ones are helping out in one of our homeless shelters or residential programs, working at a fundraising event, and putting together mailings.
We are always looking for volunteers and would love to have you on board, whether it’s one time only or a regular commitment. For more information, please contact Anne White at volunteer@servicenet.org.
ServiceNet provides a wide range of human services for people in the Pioneer Valley. Our programs include outpatient behavioral health services; adolescent support programs; an employee assistance program; early intervention for young children; home health care; rehabilitation and residential programs for those with mental health issues, developmental disabilities, or head injuries; and shelter and housing services for the homeless.
Families can Adopt a Turkey for Thanksgiving at http://www.adoptaturkey.org
I would like to recommend volunteering for the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts. You don’t have to be a mom, you don’t have to have been a Girl Scout – you just have to want to make a difference in the life of a girl. Our latest program, It’s Your Planet – Love It!, address energy savings, where our food comes from, and environmental justice. To find out more visit our website at http://www.gscwm.org.