Volunteer directory

Volunteerism is an important part of every community. The following is a directory of volunteer activities and contact numbers.

Additions to this list are always welcome. Please email us at news@crestonnews.com or call Katie Wray, newsroom clerk at 641-782-2141 ext. 6434 to place your volunteer activity on the list. This service is published free of charge.

• The Creston Pyrotechnic team, a.k.a. The Creston Shooters, are working on a 10,000 Crestonian 4th of July show for 2021, and need volunteers as well as funding. Volunteers can be anyone interested and free, full training will be given. The organization operates under their own ATFE license to create their own unique fireworks displays. Donations can be sent to the Creston Chamber of Commerce at P.O. Box 471, Creston, IA 50801, or dropped off to their office at 208 W. Taylor St. Those interested in volunteering can contact Roger Nurnberg at 641-202-0016.

• The Creston Area Food Pantry has had to expand their facility so volunteers and financial donations are always welcome. Checks can be made to the Creston Area Food Pantry and sent to P.O Box 669, Creston, IA 50801. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, call or text 641-344-0451 or send an email to kathy.cafp@gmail.com.

• Creston:Arts volunteers can visit crestonarts.com for more information on how to get involved with future events and fundraising activities for the new art center.

• Care Initiatives Hospice is a non-profit organization looking for volunteers with big hearts interested in finding a calling with Hospice. Volunteers would set their own schedule and are most welcome to call or email Amanda Mae Phillips with any questions at 641-743-2264, or email aphillips@careinitiatives.org.

• Greater Regional Health volunteers are needed for information/escort, gift shop, bloodmobile, fund-raising, gardening and plant care and clerical support. To inquire or get involved, call 641-782-3553.

• SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program). Training from the Iowa Insurance Commission to provide free, objective information as well as one-to-one assistance. Volunteers answer questions and provide impartial information to help seniors make well-informed decisions regarding their Medicare supplemental insurance, long-term care insurance, Medicare benefits and claims or other types of health insurance. Call Greater Regional Medical Center, 641-782-3848 and leave information. A SHIIP volunteer will call you back.

• EveryStep Hospice, providing hospice and home care services in Adams, Adair, Clark, Decatur, Madison, Ringgold, Taylor and Union counties, has opportunities for volunteers to assist in a variety of duties. Training is provided to individuals who are interested in sitting with hospice patients who are terminally ill to give their caregivers a break or to provide companionship to those patients who may need it. There are opportunities to assist staff with special projects, clerical duties and other office work, as well. Call Angela Dodge at 641-464-2088.

• Southern Prairie Family Fitness Center has a variety of volunteer opportunities available. Volunteer assistance is welcome in general housekeeping, sports camps and other youth activities. Committee members are also welcome for special events, membership and programming. Those interested may go to the reception desk for an application or call 641-782-9622.

• Nursing homes and assisted living. Like other organizations, they have many dedicated volunteers, but more are always needed. Interested volunteers may choose any local or area nursing home, including Care Initiatives, 641-782-8511; Crest Haven, 641-782-5012; Prairie View Assisted Living, 641-782-3131.

• Special Olympics may be seeking volunteers for upcoming events. Call 641-782-4170 or 641-782-8495.

• Crest Area Breastfeeding Coalition peer counselors are available to give advice and support to expectant and nursing mothers. Call MATURA, 641-202-7114.

• Creston Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) always needs volunteers to help care for animals at the city pound on weekends, holidays and for fundraising. Call 641-782-2330.

• Union County Human Services needs volunteers to provide transportation to and from appointments for children and young adults, clerical assistance, payee services, friendly visits and to run errands for elderly people. Call 641-782-1723.

• The Court Appointed Special Advocate program intends to expand into Union County and needs volunteers to give children in foster care a voice. CASAs are trained volunteers appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of children that have been removed from their homes following abuse and neglect. Those interested in being trained to volunteer and are interested in making a difference in the life of a child may contact Jennifer Mercer at 641-344-3698, email jennifer.mercer@dia.iowa.gov or visit their website casaiowa.org.

• Adair County Health System needs volunteers for Adair County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. ACMHA raises funds through special events to purchase needed equipment for the hospital. Their main event is Tour of Trees in December. Those interested may call Myrna Erb-Gundel at 641-743-2123.

• Union County Historical Village seeks volunteers for painting and light handywork. The complex is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Call Dick Anderson at 641-782-4000.

Those who are interested in volunteering in Creston or Union County may also visit https://www.crestoniowa.gov to see other ways to volunteer or get more information.