VOLUNTEER SPIRIT
Ways to lend a hand in White County ....................................
Sometimes the biggest issue for those wanting to volunteer in their community is not knowing where to begin or whom to contact. For residents of White County, whether a volunteer’s interests include animals, reading or construction, there are nonprofits and agencies in need of help.
Here are some organizations where opportunities are available:
THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF SEARCY
Typically, when there is not a pandemic, volunteer hours for the Humane Society of Searcy are from 1-4:30 p.m., and those 16 or older can volunteer by themselves, but anyone younger than 18 has to have parental consent to volunteer.
If anyone younger than 16 would like to volunteer, a parent must be on-site with the child at all times and will be responsible for holding the animal at all times.
Currently, to limit the foot traffic in and out of the shelter, the Humane Society is not allowing any volunteers into the building. The facility is only admitting serious adopters or people who have already submitted applications to adopt an animal. The Humane Society, at 112 Johnston Road, plans to allow volunteers back in soon, but the date has not been determined.
Under normal circumstances, the shelter allows up to six volunteers at a time, as a result of a limited amount of staff at the Humane Society. Volunteers are welcome to call (501) 268-3535 to see if there is a spot available, but time slots are not scheduled in advance. If volunteers arrive and there are already six at the shelter, the newcomers are welcome to wait in their cars until someone leaves.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF WHITE COUNTY
The biggest way volunteers can assist Habit for Humanity of White County is on build days, which are usually on Saturdays when the weather allows. Build-day information is usually posed on the nonprofit’s social-media
accounts, such as Facebook and Twitter.
Those interested in volunteering can email habitatwhiteco@yahoo.com or fill out the form on Habitat’s website, www. habitatwhiteco.org.
Another way volunteers can assist Habitat is by working at its ReStore, at 1315 W. Beebe Capps Expressway in Searcy. The store has reopened after being closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the store’s new hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
The ReStore sells used household items — including appliances, furniture and beds — as well as building supplies and other items. Money raised from purchases helps build homes for deserving families. For more information, call (501) 278-5530.
Also, for those interested in volunteering for The United Way of White County, applications are available at unitedwayof whitecounty.org.
COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES
CASA of White County is made up of about 100 volunteers who serve children who have entered the juvenile court system because of abuse or neglect.
As appointed officers of the court, CASA volunteers work alongside attorneys and caseworkers after completing the necessary training. Each volunteer is assigned a case and gathers information about the child and his or her individual needs.
Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and are screened closely for objectivity, competence and commitment, according to CASA’s website, wccasa.org.
CASA volunteers are required to undergo at least 30 hours of pre-service training before being assigned a case. The initial training includes an opportunity to visit the court while it is in session to observe proceedings.
For more information, contact CASA Executive Director Laura Burks at director@
wccasa.org or (501) 305-3428.
THE LITERACY COUNCIL OF WHITE COUNTY
According to its website, there are several ways to get involved with the work of the Literacy Council of White County, but one of the most direct methods of serving is through tutoring, and all of the tutors are trained by the program.
Dixie Evans, executive director of the