In honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s upholding spirit, we’re highlighting local volunteers, nonprofit workers, and more.

Allentown Art Museum Auxiliary

Established in 1946, the Allentown Art Museum Auxiliary supports the Museum’s most pressing needs through social gatherings, excursions & other fundraising activities. Learn more about the Allentown Art Museum Auxiliary.

Darnell G. Davis, YWCA Empowerment & Justice Committee

YWCA Bethlehem

YWCA Bethlehem is one of more than 200 branches dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Learn more about YWCA Bethlehem.

“Every single day I seek to give voice to the voiceless & empower those who have been exploited. As someone on the frontlines in the fight against human trafficking, I believe that the mission of the YWCA lends to a great partnership in that fight.” — Darnell G. Davis, YWCA Empowerment & Justice Committee

“I volunteer with the YWCA because I am passionate about empowering the next generation of women to be bold, to lead with courage and to be heard. No matter our ethnicity or background, knowing our value is one of the greatest strengths we bring to the table.” — Natasha Ljuljic, YWCA Empowerment & Justice Co-Chair

“I deeply believe in YWCA’s mission of Eliminating Racism and Empowering Women, and I volunteer to make a difference, to challenge the status quo, and drive change in our community.” — Michelle Chrin, YWCA Empowerment & Justice Co-Chair

“I enjoy volunteering with the YWCA Bethlehem because I believe in their mission to “Empower Women and Eliminate Racism. The YWCA is a great vehicle for accomplishing these goals.” — Amanda Hecker, YWCA Empowerment & Justice Committee

“As the program director at YWCA Bethlehem, I work with amazing people who share my values and share in the challenge to eliminate racism and empower women in the Lehigh Valley” — Jen Wanisko, Program Director

Society of the Arts (SOTA)

SOTA offers a wide variety of fun and fulfilling volunteer opportunities to fit an array of talents, schedules and interests. Whether you want to learn more about art or simply enjoy interacting with others in a dynamic organization, there is something for everyone. SOTA members lead gallery tours, assist with children’s programs, work behind the scenes with Museum staff, help man the Museum Store and provide extra hands for Museum events, to name just a few of our many volunteer roles. Learn more about Society of the Arts.

“I have been a volunteer at the Museum for 25 years, volunteering for SOTA. I have also volunteered at many not for profits over the years, often offering my accounting skills where they are needed.” — Teri Johnson

“Many friendships have been made in my volunteer commitments. I feel volunteering has given me way more in return than the time I have donated. I find helping others very fulfilling.” — Jill Weinhold

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley serves the local communities’ need for affordable housing solutions. The Habitat Lehigh Valley ReStore is a local retail store accepting new and gently used items, with profits directly supporting Habitat Lehigh Valley’s home ownership program. Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley’s 75% volunteer-based organization doesn’t just build homes–it builds dreams! Learn more about Habitat for Humanity.

Tom Foster is a U.S. military veteran and continues serving by building homes and dreams at Habitat Lehigh Valley with many other dedicated long-time volunteers. Tom worked with the Let’s Build Construction Camp participants in summer 2020, is a core construction team member, and a Blue Crew member at ReStore for many years.

Cindy Miller spends much of her time as a Blue Crew member at the Habitat Lehigh Valley ReStore. Her favorite part about volunteering at the ReStore is the unique art and antiques treasures that cross her path after a round of donations come in.

Volunteer Opportunities: To volunteer on our construction site and/or at the ReStore, contact Gina Loiacono, Community Engagement Manager, at gina@habitatlv.org.

Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley

Meals on Wheels provides nutritious, medically-tailored, home-delivered meals to homebound seniors, adults with disabilities, and individuals recovering from illness, as well as other services that enable clients to remain in their homes. Since the pandemic, not a single day of deliveries have been missed thanks to the hard work of volunteers, staff, and donors! In 2020, the organization received the 2020 Nonprofit of the Year award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Eastern PA chapter. Learn more at Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

Volunteer Opportunities: Grocery Shopping Volunteers and Shoppers available on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis, to grocery shop and deliver groceries to the client’s home. Learn more about volunteer opportunities.

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley fights for the health, safety and education of every person in the Greater Lehigh Valley. Learn more at United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

Scott Blair is one of the volunteers supporting the Fund for Racial Justice & Equity through United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. The Fund for Racial Justice and Equity aims to rapidly invest in community-led solutions that generate reconciliation, cultural competence, humility, and courageous conversations.

Volunteer Opportunities: Friendly Visitation Calls to Older Adults: make calls to seniors enrolled at a senior center or assisted living as part of an initiative to reduce social isolation during the pandemic. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.

Allentown Rescue Mission

The Allentown Rescue Mission is the largest homeless shelter for men in the Lehigh Valley, helping homeless men 18 years and older reintegrate back into the community with its three distinct programs (Emergency Shelter, Transformation Program, and the Clean Team). Learn more at Allentown Rescue Mission.

Donation Opportunities: The Allentown Rescue Mission always needs clothing, food (including ingredients for a meal of your choosing), supplies, and monetary donations.

Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center

Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center provides free LGBT arts, youth, health, and pride programs for the Lehigh Valley. In the new physically-distant world brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, they offer these programs virtually in order to continue to celebrate and strengthen the LGBT community, as well as support their health, vitality, and wellness. Learn more at Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center.

Bill McGlinn is the Development Volunteer and Chair of the Gala Committee at Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center. His intense passion for helping the community and his commitment to delivering outstanding results has brought the development operations of Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center to new heights. In 2019, as Chair of the Gala Committee, Bill assisted the center in producing an incredible Gala & LGBT Community Leadership Awards event. That same night, the community helped the center pay off its mortgage! Recently, Bill has assisted in developing and expanding the center’s planned giving program–an extremely important campaign for the sustainability of any nonprofit. With Bill’s volunteerism, Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center’s future looks brighter and brighter each and every day.

Volunteer Opportunities: Community members can volunteer to raise money on behalf of The Center through Facebook campaigns or create a personalized fundraising campaign page on The Center’s website.

Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley

The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley’s mission is to be the premier resource to connect, empower, and transform an inclusive and engaged diverse culture within the Greater Lehigh Valley by partnering with people, businesses, and nonprofits through volunteer coordination, leadership development, and recognition. Throughout the pandemic, the Center has listened to the community and nonprofits supporting the community by doing such things as creating a COVID-19 resource with information for them to be successful and a COVID-19 needed supply list for those needs. Learn more about the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley.

The Youth Volunteer Council has remained just as active through the pandemic coming up with creative ways to support the community.  They created a social media campaign where council members could play an instrument or read a story and share it with the community in order to bring joy to the community. They also created thank you cards for Lehigh Valley Hospital staff, and have even volunteered at local in-person events.

Volunteer Opportunities: The Youth Volunteer Council is hosting a campaign to thank frontline and nonprofit workers in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. From now until January 22, 2021, anyone can make or purchase thank you cards to send to these workers. Learn more about the volunteer opportunity here.

Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank

The Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank exists solely to provide relief to those who are food insecure in the Lehigh County and surrounding area, through the support of foundations, local congregations, businesses, organizations and individuals. During the pandemic, the Food Bank continues to safely provide food to those in need. As the only food bank in the area open five days a week, 52 weeks a year, the Food Bank serves on average 800 households monthly. Learn more about the Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank.

“As an employee, I feel great satisfaction in helping people in our community that really need food assistance.” — Donna

“As a volunteer, I want to help the Food Bank and also to help others in need of food. They in turn have help me in my retirement.” — Jodi

Volunteer & Donation Opportunities: Any individual or group can assist by donating food, organizing a food drive, or volunteering.

Eastern PA Trans Equity Project

The Eastern PA Trans Equity Project is a transgender-led, volunteer, grass roots nonprofit organization that is dedicated to serving the transgender community of eastern Pennsylvania. The Project’s mission is to empower transgender people while building community and promoting social justice, working to provide support groups and mentoring, grants and scholarships, name change assistance, and education and advocacy. Learn more about the Eastern PA Trans Equity Project.

YWCA Allentown

The YWCA Allentown demands a world of equity and human decency by eliminating racism and empowering women. Their power comes from the women and girls they serve and from their network of bold, passionate volunteers who are equally committed to the work of justice. Volunteers at YWCA Allentown serve more than 1,000 of our neighbors each year.

The YWCA Allentown’s volunteers serve as advocates to advance the YWCA’s mission. Volunteers assist clients in the career clothing boutique as part of the Perfect Fit for Working Women, facilitate health and wellness groups, mentor student-athletes in community rowing program, chair fundraising and outreach events, teach job readiness skills and career development courses, and staff the Perfect Fit Resale Boutique. Learn more about the YWCA Allentown.

Lisa Steirer has volunteered with YWCA Allentown since 2018 as a career development mentor and instructor, teaching employability skills to job seekers at locations throughout the Lehigh Valley. Lisa has chaired the organization’s annual fundraising luncheon for the past two years, an extra challenging task in 2020 as it transitioned from an in-person to a fully virtual event. Lisa has recently become chair of the Perfect Circle, a group of women financially committed to the growth and development of YWCA Allentown’s Perfect Fit for Working Women program.

Chris Beretsel has served in many volunteer roles at YWCA Allentown over the past 10 years. She has used her professional skills in project management as chair of our special event committee and accountancy as our bookkeeper. She has conducted mock interviews with job seekers and leaned on her sense of style to help women select clothing for their new careers.

Volunteer Opportunities: For more information and volunteer opportunities, visit ywcaallentown.org or call 610-871-5060. 

League of Women Voters of Lehigh County

The League of Women Voters encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The LWV is a non-partisan organization but does—and always has—taken stands on issues its members have studied. Through research and advocacy, LWV seeks to encourage the informed citizen who actively participates in government.

The LWV of Lehigh County’s—one of 35 Leagues in Pennsylvania—volunteers are members. Members help facilitate events, create online and printed forms of the annual Government Directory and the non-partisan Voters Guide, provide voter registration, and distribute useful materials to new citizens at Lehigh County Naturalization Ceremonies. Learn more about the League of Women Voters of Lehigh County.

“I volunteer because I care!” — Mary Erdman, Vice-President, Action & Programs

“I volunteer because I believe personal connections are key to all change and progress. Volunteering has opened my eyes to needs in my own community and introduced me to inspiring and committed individuals. While the differences we make may seem small, I believe they can be mighty.” — Barbara Connolly, Voter Registration and Tabling Chair

“I volunteer because true progress takes place at the grassroots level.” — Janet Little, Public Relations and Media Chair, Past President

Volunteer Opportunities: Contact email@lwvlehighcounty.org for additional information about how you can join in uplifting our community.

Lehigh County Humane Society

The Lehigh County Humane Society is a 24/7 organization caring for over 200 animals at any given time and over 3,000 animals per year. They are a managed admission facility and do not turn animals away based on age, breed or perceived adoptability. They provide food, medical care, foster homes, adoption services, lost pet services, cruelty investigations, outreach and education. Their innovative Community Vet Clinic program empowers local pet owners to provide essential veterinary care for the pets they love at an accessible, affordable cost, and is the only program of its kind in the Lehigh Valley.

The LCHS partners with local organizations to provide TNR services to stray and feral cats thus reducing the feral cat population. They work with Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Street Medicine program to provide free veterinary services to the pets of the homeless in Allentown. The LCHS also collaborates with local shelters to ensure that each and every animal in the Lehigh Valley has a chance at finding a new home by taking in the dogs that our team of specialized animal handlers can evaluate and rehabilitate. Their mission is to provide a safe haven for all animals in the Lehigh Valley. Learn more about the Lehigh County Humane Society.

“Ever since I was a little kid, I loved dogs. I retired early, and eventually I needed something to do, so I decided to come volunteer with the dogs here. I just got more and more involved, and now I can’t stay away!” — Gerry Roba has been volunteering as a dog walker and board member at the LCHS for 10 years. Gerry’s kind and generous heart shines through in everything he does.

“I like animals! And I like bingo, and our bingo helps raise money for the animals. That’s why I do it.” — Tracey Daniel has been volunteering for the LCHS for 10 years. She walks large dogs and has been the mastermind behind our bi-annual Coach & Michael Kors bingo for many years. This vital fundraising event would not be possible without her hard work and dedication. Her efforts have raised over $100,000 in the last decade toward animals in need.

“We love the animals, we love to help take care of them. And it’s so rewarding to work with them from the time they come in, when they are very scared, to the time they are adopted. It’s a lot of fun to see that awesome transformation.” — Tom and Rose Brauchle have been volunteering as dog walkers at the LCHS for 6 years. They come to walk the dogs in the medium dog area every week, rain or shine, week after week. Their commitment and dedication truly appreciated.

Volunteer & Donation Opportunities: Dog walkers, feline friends, husbandry helpers, and advancement committee members are all volunteers needed. As a nonprofit organization, private donations help continue the care of the animals and the people of our community. Most-needed items can also be donated. All are invited to visit for a tour of the shelter and to learn more about this year’s expansion and renovation. Contact Deirdre at deirdre@lehighhumane.org to schedule your visit.

Allentown Public Library

The Allentown Public Library provides value to the community with educational programming and materials, access to the internet, support for job seekers, and preservation of shared culture and history. They play a meaningful role in English language learning by delivering programs, materials, language resources and courses. The Library’s programming supports the local economy by aiding in workforce development–offering resume writing support, job search resources, workspace for telecommuters, and test proctoring for college students.

The Library provides early childhood literacy programs to foster a foundation for reading skills for the youngest library users. They also offer literacy-based activities throughout the summer months to maintain learning academic skills for local, at-risk students. Free Wi-Fi access along with 60 computers for public use, complete with internet access, Microsoft Office products, and printing services bring 275,000 library users through the doors annually. The Library has an extensive collection of 250,000 print, electronic, and audio-visual materials and with staff trained in library skills and public service to meet the broad informational needs of our users. Learn more about the the Allentown Public Library.

Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites

Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites interprets three centuries of the history and culture of Bethlehem from its founding as a Moravian community in 1741 to the 21st century. By vividly telling the stories of Bethlehem’s people through well-maintained buildings and sites, rare collections that are available through exhibits and research, and electrifying educational programs, we show the zeal and commitment of Bethlehem’s community in forging our American nation. HBMS is part of Historic Moravian Bethlehem National Historic Landmark District which has been shortlisted for nomination to the World Heritage List. Learn more about the Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites.

Volunteer & Donation Opportunities: A wide variety of volunteer opportunities will use your skills, pique your interest, and help us bring history to life. As a nonprofit organization, donations help preserve 20 historic structures and share three centuries of local history with the public.

Hometown Heroes is a part of a virtual weeklong Martin Luther King Jr. celebration.
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