News

Volunteer and donation needs in our community

United Way of the Southern Tier mobilizes the caring power of individuals in our community by connecting them with the needs of local non-profits. Thank you for giving your time and talent to make the Southern Tier a wonderful place to live.

Volunteering can be good for your health, too! Learn more.

Local organizations' needs (updated Nov. 18):

Spotlighted Needs

Senior Stocking Stuffers Drive: United Way of the Southern Tier is collecting items to fill holiday stockings/gift bags for local senior citizens who receive home-delivered meals through Meals on Wheels programs. Learn more or purchase items from the Amazon Wish List. Deadline to donate items is Friday, Dec. 6.

Catholic Charities Chemung/Schuyler: New or gently used furniture is being accepted to furnish efficiency apartments for people fleeing domestic violence or transitioning out of homelessness. Dressers, end tables, lamps, love seats, and mattresses are among the items sought. Call 607-317-5521 to ensure the item you wish to donate is needed and to schedule a pick-up in the Elmira or Watkins Glen areas. (No out-of-county pick-ups.)

Elmira Community Kitchen: Volunteers are needed to help with Thanksgiving Dinner at the Elmira Community Kitchen, 160 High St., from 12-2:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 28. Sign up or get more details here. (Participation is limited. Registration is needed.)

Catholic Charities Chemung/Schuyler: You can provide Christmas gifts for a local family. Complete this form. Learn more, including how to donate if you don't have time to shop.

Catholic Charities of Steuben/Livingston: You can provide Christmas gifts for a local child or family. Complete this form to get involved or donate here.

The Rockwell Museum: Volunteer docents are needed to lead upcoming school tours. Volunteers will be provided training and support. Learn more or email Ann Recotta, Education and Volunteer Programs Coordinator.

Catholic Charities of Chemung & Schuyler: Donations of backpacks and duffel bags, NEW clothing (T-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, underwear), and shower caddies are being sought to help those experiencing homelessness. Donate items at the Samaritan Center, 380 S. Main St., Elmira.

Friends of the Chemung River Watershed: Volunteers are needed to help clean debris left behind at boat launches on the Chemung River. Volunteers are provided gloves, bags, safety vests, etc., so they can safely and comfortably clean litter near the river. To volunteer or for more information, contact Karen Charnetski, outreach coordinator, by email or phone, 607-742-3327.

Elmira Salvation Army Food Pantry, 414 Lake St.: Pantry volunteers, peer advocate volunteers and intake volunteers are needed. Contact: Amber Burdick 607-732-0314 ext. 4 or email.

Elmira Community Kitchen: Volunteer dining room hosts are needed for the lunch meal, which is served 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elmira Community Kitchen, 160 High St. The dining room host serves on the same designated day each week (or some other interval). Duties include welcoming guests, setting up a beverage station, and creating a friendly atmosphere in the dining room. Volunteer dining room hosts are needed on several weekdays. Training/orientation provided.
To volunteer, contact Kathy Dubel, coordinator for Catholic Charities Elmira Community Kitchen, 607-734-9784, or by email.

Pantry of Angels: The pantry, at 682 County Route 115 in Lindley, serves more than 300 families each week. Volunteers are needed to:
1) Help at a weekly drive-thru food distribution, which takes place on Thursdays at 4 p.m. Opportunities available starting at 9 a.m.
2) Pack for families on Tuesdays. Volunteer opportunities available 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
3) Pick up donations from Wegmans at 10 a.m. on Fridays and deliver them to the pantry (about a 2-hour commitment).
Please email the pantry or call Crystal, (607) 368-6061, to volunteer or for more information.

Chemung County Habitat for Humanity: Volunteers are needed for a home project (rebuild) in Elmira. Tasks range from basic landscaping, debris removal, and drywall installation to painting and basic home repair, etc. Tools, safety equipment and in-person training and guidance are provided. To volunteer, contact Erik Powell by email or call 607-734-1361. Please note the build sites are active construction sites and in varying degrees of completion.

Twin Tiers Baby Bank: Baby blankets (any type) and size 5 diapers (any brand) are needed. Drop off items between 9 a.m. and Noon Monday-Friday at the Baby Bank, located at First Baptist Church of Painted Post, 130 W. Water St., or use the Amazon wish list for diapers and they will be shipped directly. For more information or to arrange a different drop-off time, call 607-438-3237.

Catholic Charities of Steuben/Livingston Counties:
1) Can openers are needed. Please drop off or ship to food pantry locations: 12 Allen St., Hornell, NY 14843 and 23 Liberty St., Bath, NY 14810.
2) Volunteers are needed at the Mount Morris and Bath food pantries; a front desk volunteer is needed at the Mount Morris office on 34 E. State Street. Flexible hours and days. Please fill out a form on the website or email Jessica Pierce.

Pro Action Meals on Wheels Senior Nutrition Program: Volunteer drivers are needed in the Bath and Hornell area and Yates County. Use your own vehicle and get paid mileage monthly for every mile you drive to deliver meals. Our volunteers make a big difference in older adults' lives by delivering nutritious meals and providing check-ins, so seniors can stay independent in their homes. To volunteer or learn more information, contact Rebecca at 607-776-4310.

Schuyler County Home-Delivered Meals: Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to the elderly on Thursdays and some Fridays. Pick up meals in Montour Falls at 10:30 a.m. Delivery route takes about an hour. To volunteer or for more information, call Holly at 607-535-6834.

Farm Sanctuary, 3136 Aikens Road Watkins Glen, NY 14891:
1) Monthly: Take part in a fun, positive opportunity to meet new friends, pitch in with chores and projects, spend time with rescued farm animals, and learn more about our sanctuaries and efforts to protect animals from abuse. This event is devoted to activities that help us operate our sanctuaries and contribute to the success of our education and advocacy programs. Farm chores and projects generally include activities such as barn cleaning and grounds maintenance projects. Support party chores may be physically demanding. Volunteer Schedule: 8:45 a.m. Arrival; 9-9:30 a.m. Orientation; 9:30-11 a.m. Volunteer project work;11-11:45 a.m. Potluck lunch in Visitor Barn; 12-2 p.m. Volunteer project work; 2-3 p.m. Complimentary guided tour of the sanctuary (optional). Contact: volunteer@farmsanctuary.org or 607-583-2225 ext. 355.
2) Corporate/Private Group support parties are devoted to activities that help us operate our sanctuaries and contribute to the success of our education and advocacy programs. Farm chores and projects generally include activities such as barn cleaning and grounds maintenance projects. Private Group Support party chores are not glamorous and may be physically demanding and/or repetitious; however, every task assists us with carrying out our daily mission of rescuing, protecting, and caring for farm animals in need. Monthly chores and projects are determined immediately prior to the work party according to our greatest and most timely needs. Support parties include volunteering time and a sanctuary tour; for groups able to commit to a longer day, you are welcome to bring a vegan lunch as well. Contact: volunteer@farmsanctuary.org or 607-583-2225 ext. 355.

Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler Counties:
1) Food and personal hygiene items are being sought, specifically: Hormel Compleats; applesauce pouches; macaroni and cheese cups; fruit cups and fruit snacks; peanut butter and jelly; granola bars or trail mix bars; Raviolis and Spaghetti O’s; juice boxes; Rice-a-Roni cups; packages of crackers or Goldfish; and toothpaste and deodorant for all ages. Donations may be dropped off at the Catholic Charities’ Main Office (215 E. Church St. in Elmira) during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) Items can be purchased online.
2) Volunteers are a crucial part of many Catholic Charities programs that help the community. Please visit Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler (volunteerhub.com) to sign up to volunteer at one of the many opportunities that are available.

Corning Meals on Wheels,144 Cedar St., Corning: Our volunteers deliver hot meals and welcoming smiles to homebound seniors in the greater Corning area, and we need your help. We need substitutes delivery volunteers throughout the week. Fill in on days when it fits your schedule! You will leave here ~11:15 a.m. and would be back by 12:30 p.m. Contact: Call (607) 962-7985, email or sign up online.

Faith in Action Steuben: Volunteers are needed to help seniors (60+) continue to live independently including: transportation for medical appointments, errands, and shopping; friendly visiting; light housework; seasonal yardwork, and other non-hands-on assistance. Mileage reimbursement available. Faith in Action helps maintain senior independence by giving assistance at no charge to the recipients. Volunteers will have an orientation and a background check. Contact: Faith in Action ST by email or call 607-324-1138. (2023)

Steuben County Office for the Aging; Project CARE: Project CARE is a program of the Steuben County Office for the Aging that helps older adults remain independent at home through volunteers who provide rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other necessary travel. We serve the greater Bath area and provide local transportation only. Volunteers can view upcoming jobs on our secure, web-based assignment system and choose to help with the "gift of a ride" at their convenience. Project CARE serves the greater Bath area, which includes the village and town of Bath, Avoca, Wheeler, Urbana (and Hammondsport), Bradford, Prattsburgh, Pulteney, and Wayne. All travel stays within this territory. Contact: Christine Towner, coordinator, by email.

Turning Point in Bath: Donations are needed of: liquid soap, bar soap, laundry detergent, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, feminine hygiene products, shaving supplies. Donations may be dropped off 8:30-11:45 a.m. Monday-Friday at 23 Liberty St. in Bath. Call Haven at 607-776-8085 with questions. (2023)

AIM Independent Living Center: Delivery driver volunteers are needed for Chemung and Steuben counties. Gas cards are provided to volunteers as mileage reimbursement. Drivers must have a valid driver’s license and their own personal auto insurance. Deliveries are Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Volunteers can select which day and time they want to help. Please call Bryce at 607-962-8225, ext. 127, to volunteer or get more information. (2023)

Bampa's House: Bampa's House, a comfort care home at 170 E. First St. in Corning, is in need of caregiving volunteers who are interested in coming to the house for 4-hour shifts and tending to the residents. The caregiving role entails giving bed baths, changing depends, making food, repositioning, administering medications orally, and providing compassion and companionship when needed. Volunteers do not need to have any previous medical background. All necessary training will be provided. Please reach out to volunteer coordinator Lindsay Butler, 607-654-4205, or by email for more information about Bampa's House.

Pro Action of Steuben and Yates, Inc.: Volunteers are needed for to deliver meals to homebound seniors in the Hornell area. Choose the days you'd like to volunteer. Mileage reimbursement available. Call Rebecca at 607-776-4310 to learn more.

Institute for Human Services Volunteer Driver Program: Through IHS's volunteer driver service, you have the power to keep people facing transportation barriers on a path to health and wellness in your spare time. Drivers are reimbursed at the federal rate for mileage and for other costs incurred on the road. If you have the drive to help others, call 607-776-9467 ext. 222 to learn more and get on the volunteer driver roster.

Blood Drives

If you are new to donating blood and wonder if you are eligible please visit RedCrossBlood.org for eligibility requirements. If you are already a donor please call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org to make an appointment or to search for other appointments where you live.

Chemung County
Find Chemung County drives here

Steuben County
Find Steuben County drives here

Schuyler County
Find Schuyler County drives here

Please also visit the Red Cross website.

Volunteer Opportunities

Chemung County SPCA, 2435 State Route 352, Big Flats: Seeks mature volunteers for all phases of spay and neuter clinics. Clinics are held 8-10 times each month, usually on Wednesdays and Sundays. The location of the clinics is at the Chemung County Humane Society and SPCA on Route 352. Commitment time is approximately 6 hours per clinic, but this is flexible depending on your availability. Training will be provided. A minimum commitment of 2 clinics per month for 6 months is required. Contact Matt Guagliardo at 607-732-1827 ext. 2207 or mguagliardo@chemungspca.org.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library: You can help spread the word about the Imagination Library at local events. Please email Lois Wilson at United Way or call (607) 377-5834 to help.

Meals on Wheels of Chemung County, 409 William St., Elmira: Help deliver or prepare meals for delivery or become a substitute driver. Email info@mealsonwheelschemung.org or call 607-734-9535.

Steuben Prevention Coalition: The Steuben Prevention Coalition's Marijuana Prevention Task Force is seeking volunteers to help educate local youth about the risks of marijuana use. To learn more, email colleen.banik@dor.org or visit the website.

Turning Point Food Pantries: Volunteers are needed at the Bath and Hornell Turning Point food pantries. To get started, fill out this form: https://ccsteubenlivingston.org/volunteer/.

Donation Needs

Catholic Charities of Chemung & Schuyler:
• Paper Products: Cups, plates, plastic silverware, paper towels, toilet paper.
• Personal Care Items: Soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, feminine care products.
Please call before dropping off at either: The Samaritan Center (607-734-4898; 380 S. Main St., Elmira) 10 a.m.– Noon, Tuesday or Thursday (Tuesday is the best day to drop off); OR Schuyler Outreach Food Pantry (607-535-2815; 112 Tenth St., Watkins Glen) Tuesday & Friday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday: Noon-4 p.m.

Chemung County SPCA, 2435 State Route 352, Big Flats: Seeks canned cat and dog food, dry kitten and cat food, meat-only baby food, spray cheese, and kitten milk replacer. Items may be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. or ordered online and shipped to: Chemung County SPCA, 2435 State Route 352, Elmira, NY 14903. Call 607-732-1827 ext. 212 for more information.

Corning Meals on Wheels, 144 Cedar St., Corning: Seeks handmade "thinking of you" cards on up to 8.5x11-inch paper. Cards may be dropped off between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.

If your Chemung or Steuben county non-profit organization has a volunteer need, please email Lois Wilson.