VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Books Are Wings, the local nonprofit that puts free books into the hands of Rhode Island children, is looking for volunteers with daytime availability to read to kids. These volunteers read stories to students in pre-K through grade three in elementary schools in Providence, Pawtucket and Central Falls. If you have a passion for inspiring young minds, this is the opportunity for you. Read-aloud events are scheduled two to three times per month; once volunteers are approved, they receive access to a sign-up list to choose the events they’d like to attend. For more information, contact Alison Aguiar at aaguiar@booksarewings.org or call (401) 475-4882. Domestic Violence Resource Center South County needs volunteers for its helpline to support victims of domestic violence and their children. Helpline volunteers provide information, referrals, emotional support and crisis intervention by answering the agency’s helpline. The helpline is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Volunteers must be 18 or older and are asked to commit to one four-hour shift per week at the agency’s drop-in center in Wakefield. Training is provided. Contact Sue Czekalski at (401) 7823990, ext. 220, or by email at sczekalski@dvrcsc.org.

Village Common of Rhode Island, a volunteer-driven nonprofit that supports older adults who wish to age in their homes, seeks volunteers for its Providence Village. Volunteer drivers are needed to provide short-distance rides and, occasionally, longer rides for seniors in Providence. Volunteers must have their own vehicle, insurance and a good driving record. The agency also needs volunteers able to provide technical support to older adults on the use of cellphones, tablets and computers. All volunteers must be 18 or older and undergo a background check. Training is provided. For more details, please call (401) 228-8683.