People often ask me where they can volunteer. Usually it is a newly retired person. It might be a high school student who needs some hours for a student group like National Honor Society or who wants the hours and reference letters for scholarships. Some people who receive SNAP are required to work or volunteer to continue to receive their benefits.
SNAP recipients who are age 18-52 (54 after October 1), able to work, and don’t have any dependents fit under the ABAWD (able-bodied adult without dependents) work requirements. Under ABAWD, a person has to work or participate in a work program (like SNAP Next Step) at least 80 hours a month. Work can be for pay. It can be for something other than money, such as goods, services, or housing. Or it can be as an unpaid volunteer. A form must be signed to verify hours and work done.
There are plenty of volunteer opportunities in Box Butte County for people who have some extra time and want to help out wherever they can, or who fit under ABAWD.
Some volunteer activities require applications and background checks, especially if they involve working with children. The Volunteer Fire Departments and Scouts require an application and background check.
Work might be done for an elderly neighbor who needs help with mowing, home repairs, cleaning, or shopping. Yes, that person can sign a verification form.
Your church probably has a great deal of work done by volunteers. This might include cleaning, setting up for events, helping with worship, visiting shut-in members.
In Hemingford, volunteers might contact the Village of Hemingford, 487-3465; for example, to help in the parks. The Hemingford Community Care Center, 487-3301, or Apollo Courts, 487-5322, would welcome volunteers. People can also ask at any number of businesses or organizations to see if they need assistance.
The Box Butte County Fair is held in Hemingford in early August every year. Volunteers can call 308-487-5223 to ask about helping with a variety of events for this year’s fair, August 6-11.
Dobby’s Frontier Town needs help with maintenance projects. With many of the 27 buildings being around 100 years old, there are always repairs and painting projects. Dobby’s has large lawns and flower gardens throughout the town, and people who enjoy doing yard work are appreciated. The Town hosts several events every summer, which require set-up and clean-up. Contact Lori White at 308-762-7157 or 308-760-3574 for more information.
Keep Alliance Beautiful volunteers help collect and sort recyclables and work to clean up areas. For more information, call 308-762-1729.
People can help cook and serve meals at Community Table, located in the Masonic Center in Alliance. Whitney Baldwin coordinates volunteers, 308-455-9175.
Carnegie Arts Center uses volunteers in their gardens and galleries. Kyren Gibson and Amity Palmer can be reached at 308-762-4571.
Volunteers at the Alliance Recreation Center (ARC) lead classes, coach, and help with equipment. The ARC’s number is 308-762-2201.
People who enjoy working with plants should consider helping in the greenhouse at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2090 Emerson. A crew works from 10-12 every day, including weekends. Call Kindred at 308-760-2157 or Michele at 308-760-4200.
Habitat for Humanity builds or remodels homes for low-income families after a selection process. Contact Harold Roller, 308-760-2817 if you have construction skills and would like to help with this great project.
The City of Alliance regularly hosts activities like Bands on the Bricks and Autumn in Alliance that require volunteers. Ask for Kaytlin Norris at 308-762-5475.
The Chamber of Commerce coordinates many of the events involved in Heritage Days and other seasonal activities. Chamber Director Cassielien VanKerrebrook can be reached at 308-762-1520.
Volunteers in Policing assist the Alliance Police Department with a number of activities. Contact Officer Tyler Sherlock at 308-762-4955 to find out more.
Activate Alliance operates the green Bike Share Program. Contact Larry Bolinger if you would be interested in painting or repairing donated bikes. 308-760-7346 or email LB@LarryBolinger.com.
The City of Alliance manages a number of parks and recreation areas and the museums and library in our community. Cultural and Leisure Services Director Shana Brown can be reached at the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center, 308-762-2384.
During late November and throughout December, the Salvation Army looks for bell ringers for the Red Kettle Campaign. Contact Jessica Manion at FNBO, 308-762-2300.
Angela Flesner, RSVP coordinator at the Alliance Senior Center, 308-762-1293, and Karen Benzel, United Way of Western Nebraska Executive Director, 308-763-8031, help coordinate volunteers for a number of agencies and local activities. These might include things like mobile food pantries or Meals on Wheels. They are both excellent resources and can help direct volunteers to a number of agencies needing help.
People may have special skills or interests like sewing, performing, or working with animals. They should contact any specific organizations (many are not listed here) that could use those skills.
Volunteering allows us to connect to our community and make it a better place. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals, and organizations in need.