by Cynthia Wall

Created on: August 29, 2009   Last Updated: May 26, 2010

Albany, Oregon, a midsize town along the I-5 corridor, in Oregon is home to Hewlett-Packard; Linn-Benton Community College, a small airport, and many small tech and lumber-related businesses. It's a typical family community with its share of friendly neighborhoods, parks, stores, restaurants, and motels. Albany, like most towns has many volunteer opportunities. Here are a few you may not have thought of.

Meals on Wheels, 541-967-8630, is a nationwide program that delivers meals to housebound individuals. Drivers usually volunteer for one day a week. It takes a couple of hours to pick up the meals at a central site, deliver them, and take the container back to the kitchen. Drivers become more than just delivery people. They are often the only contact the housebound person has with the outside world. Many friendships develop and anyone who has driven for Meals on Wheels will tell you that it's a rewarding way to give to others.

Explorer Program with the Albany Police Department (541-917-7680). Youths 16-20 years old with a G.P.A. of at least 2.25, a good moral character and clean record, can apply to the Explorer Program. Those who are admitted may ride with an approved officer up to 36 hours a month as they help with public relations, security, and other jobs. The intent of the program is to interest young people in police careers and to educate them about the role of the police department in the community. The program has an added benefit for police officers, allowing them to be in the company of outstanding young people who will have a role in making America better.

Volunteer with Parks and Recreation. Volunteers are always needed to help with concerts and other special events, park cleanups, and the Maple Lawn Preschool. For more information, call 541-917-7777.

Call-A-Ride, 541-917-7606. The Call A Ride program provides low cost transportation for seniors or those with disabilities. Volunteer drivers are always needed. This is a great opportunity to provide a valuable service while offering encouragement to people in need of a ride.

River & Stream Clean up. Albany, with its wonderful waterways and lakes, is definitely environmentally conscious. The City of Albany holds two river and creek clean ups a year in May and September. This is a fun opportunity for the whole family. Another related activity is the Storm Drain Marking Program which uses volunteers to help install storm drains marked with the message No Dumping, Drains to River. For either activity, call 541-917-7600).

The Albany Library, 541-917-7580. Do you like to read? Then, working in a library may be just your thing. The Albany library needs shelvers to return books to their correct places; help in the Children's Room with setting up crafts and activities; and people who are willing to adopt a shelf and clean, organize, and dust the materials on it. There are lots of other opportunities at the library ranging from counter help to database work.

Volunteering at any age is a wonderful way to feel useful and make friends. In our difficult economy, it is more important than ever to help supply services that might otherwise be cut. The people of Albany, Oregon look forward to your helping hands.

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