Jan 21, 2009 6:08 pm US/Central
Local Volunteer Opportunities: How You Can Help
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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At the Greater Chicago Food Depository, they're sorting food for distribution to 600 pantries and soup kitchens.
CBS
Barack Obama is urging Americans to volunteer. Here in Chicago, people are listening. More people are coming forward to volunteer. As CBS 2's Susan Carlson reports, if you're interested, there are many opportunities for you to pitch in.
At the Greater Chicago Food Depository, they're sorting food for distribution to 600 pantries and soup kitchens. The number of volunteers usually dwindles after the holidays, but not this year.
"This week alone, we've had 96 individuals call with a pledge to volunteer which is critical for us," said food depository Executive Director Kate Maehr.
President Barack Obama's call to serve couldn't come at a better time. The poor economy has led to a 34 percent increase in the number of people turning to food pantries in Cook County alone.
"Given the economic crisis and some of the hardships facing our fellow citizens, I think it's a combination of his leadership, but also people realizing that there's a deep need out there right now," said Chicago Cares Executive Director Scott Lorenz.
The Chicago Cares organization is another good place to start if you're interested in heeding the call. Their website offers a wide range of opportunities almost every day, and you can simply register online. More than 300 people have signed up just in the past four days.
If you're considering a more long-term commitment, the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls runs a mentoring program for young people in need of a role model.
"We have many young people, many families who are knocking on our doors and calling here at Mercy Home, saying, 'we'd love to have a mentor match'," said Mercy Home CEO Fr. Scott Donahue. "The issue, the challenge is finding mentors who will step up and be a person of service."
Volunteer Mick O'Grady says the rewards are well worth your time.
"Just seeing Derek in terms of how he progresses, and how confident he becomes," said volunteer mentor Mick O'Grady. "He's a lot more outgoing, I think, than when I met him first."
Many corporations are joining the volunteer craze. Starting Wednesday, Starbucks is offering a free cup of coffee in exchange for a volunteer commitment of five hours to a not-for-profit agency.
And even the White Sox announced they're recruiting volunteers to join players at a number of community service events during 2009.
For more information on volunteer opportunities with the organizations mentioned, click on the links below.
Greater Chicago Food Depository:
www.Chicagosfoodbank.org
Chicago Cares:
www.chicagocares.org
Mercy Home for Boys and Girls:
www.mercyhome.org (Friends First Mentoring Program (312) 738-7560)
White Sox Outreach Program:
www.Whitesox.com/servechicago
Starbucks Service Pledge:
www.pledge5.starbucks.com
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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