Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee (DSAMT)

“We took every step we could to prepare for our special angel, but no matter how many books you read or websites you visit, nothing beat the testimonials and advice of people who have walked this journey a few steps ahead of you.”

April Booten knew that having a community of supporters around her would make a huge difference as she stepped into unknown territory. At 12 weeks into pregnancy, her baby was diagnosed with Down syndrome. She was so glad there was already an organization filled with people who were willing to be by her side. “I knew we were joining a wonderful family,” she comments as she remembers the director of the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee (DSAMT) visiting her in the hospital the day her son was born.

DSAMT works to enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. DSAMT provides support, information, and education to everyone who is touched by Down syndrome within the Tennessee area. Like many other parentswho are part of this organization, April believes that the supportive services offered through DSAMT can help her son be an engaged and welcomed member of our community.

When volunteers participate in DSAMT gatherings, they provide more ways for individuals with Down syndrome to interact with peers and be a part of their communities in a meaningful way. From exercise and creative games to cooking, there are all sorts of ways to be involved. Most importantly, volunteers enable the families to become stronger and help connectthem to more resources and support.

Interestingly, those who start volunteering at DSAMT become part of the family and aren’t likely to leave. DSMT volunteers often talk about how they’ve had life-changing experiences after spending time working with people who have Down syndrome.

If you are interested in joining the team and helping out at DSAMT, here are a few upcoming opportunities to volunteer:

Bike Camp
iCan Bike camp is a life-changing, five-day camp for kids and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to learn to ride a conventional two-wheeled bike independently. Campers each attend a 1.5-hour session each day for five days as they learn to ride on specialized equipment, assisted by trained staff and volunteers. Volunteers will work one-on-one with a biker each day for the week.
> Sign up here.

DSAMT Creative Arts Camp
DSAMT Creative Arts Camp is a week-long creative experience for teens and adults with Down syndrome and other disabilities. Activities include visual arts, music, creative movement, games, and hanging out with friends. This year’s camp will focus on nature and the environment and will include a field trip to the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. Volunteers will assist with the campers’ experience.
> Sign up here.

DSAMT Kid’s Camp
DSAMT Kids’ Camp is a new camp for DSAMT, designed and led by two behavior analysts who work with children with disabilities including Down syndrome and have extensive experience and understanding addressing goals in a group environment. Children benefit from small group instruction with one of two behavior analysts, while learning alongside age-appropriate peers. Volunteers will assist with small group activities or record data, all under the direction of the behaviorists.
> Sign up here to help with campers ages 3 to 5.
> Sign up here to help with campers ages 6 to 8.

The Buddy Walk
The Buddy Walk® was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to promote acceptance and awareness of people with Down syndrome.The Nashville Buddy Walk has grown significantly over the past 15 years. Our friends with Down syndrome bring their friends, family, teachers, neighbors, legislators, celebrities, therapists, or anyone to promote the importance of understanding, acceptance, and awareness and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of those with Down syndrome. Volunteers will help plan and organize the walk in advance, and on event day will distribute t-shirts, work registration, hand out water, direct people to/from staging areas, supervise activities, and more.
> Sign up to help.
> Sign up to be on The Buddy Walk planning committee.

Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Nashville Film Festival

No need to fret about the rain because a flood of creatives will be infusing this town with new talent and interesting stories to share. Join them to celebrate the diversity of the human spirit expressed through the art of film. Watch out – the Green Hills megaplex will host the annual Nashville Film Festival (NaFF) from April 18 to 25, bringing together regional, foreign, and international filmmakers, actors, media critics, photographers, and film enthusiasts.

Founded in 1969 by Mary Jane Coleman, NaFF was originally known as the Sinking Creek Film Celebration. Most recently, in 2003, it was renamed The Nashville Film Festival and has been named one of the Top 5 Film Festivals in the U.S. by the Brooks Institute. Over 25,000 visitors attended last year’s event, and another awesome crowd is expected again this year. While last year’s event was saturated with nominations from Middle Tennesseans, this year’s adds on a new twist, welcoming more female directors than ever before. Four of the 13 films so far in the narrative competition are created by women. Nice work, ladies. According to the Nashville Scene, that’s four more than Cannes had in it’s 2012 lineup. Groups like Sundance labs and additional outreach programs have incubated a great era of female filmmakers.

Gypsy Caravan refers to the NaFF as “a mythical place” and comments that it contains “a rich selection of top-quality films, lively audiences from early morning to late at night, and really friendly festival staff making everything flow quite smoothly.”

Never experienced the thrill of engaging in these independent films? Maybe you just want to support talented women making a big statement in the filmmaking business? If you’re inclined to see a few films, why not take the time to volunteer, get a free ticket, and scope the scene (no pun intended)? NaFF has a reputation of being one of the friendliest festivals on the circuit, and that would not happen without the volunteers. The volunteers help guide people to the right places, assist guests into and out of theaters, make sure the grounds are tidy, answer questions about the facility, and much more.

While the list below is not all-inclusive, here are a few areas NaFF could use your help:

Scan Ushers – Collect tickets upon entry, hand out ballots and balloting instructions, collect ballots as patrons exit the theater, direct patrons to correct theaters, and help clean up theaters between films.

Volunteer Booth – Assist with check-in and check-out of volunteers, point people in the right direction, and assist Volunteer Coordinator.

Box Office – Organize will-call tickets, assist patrons with scheduling questions, and check on ticket availability.

Logistics/Facilities – Assist the Facilities Manager with various areas of responsibility including area transitions, fleet vehicle parking and clean-up, extra seating needs, and whatever else is needed.

Floaters – Help out in ‘hot-spots’ when extra help is needed in any of the above areas – usually crowd control and ushering with the large theater seatings.

Press & Industry (VIP) tent – Check laminates to verify access to the VIP tent; set-up and replenish refreshments; clear tables when necessary; call any issues to the attention of the proper people. Some off-site opportunities.

Projection – Help organize films to be shown by day and time; queue and mark times, aspect ratio, and other notes on films; keep films organized on the shelf before and after their viewing times; run any errands necessary for the projection staff. This position is in the projection hall above the theaters, so low light and close quarters are to be expected.

> Click here to sign up and volunteer to be a part of this great festival.

Volunteer Leader Spotlight: Julie Hill

Between her hobbies of hiking, biking, camping, and painting, Julie Hill seems to find herself leading volunteers and helping others on a regular basis. Just like getting in that habitual workout at the gym, Julie needs her community fix – and the community needs her. Twice a month, this southern California native works with a team to help prep and cook food for people who don’t have easy access to fresh produce. She has become an integral part of The Nashville Food Project, a local nonprofit that seeks to provide increased access to healthy foods in homeless and working poor communities across Davidson County.“I like the Nashville Food Project because you have two steps: preparing the food and handing it out to the individuals in need. I find it very fulfilling to be able to meet the individuals that we are there to help,” says Julie. “For me, volunteering is such a rewarding experience; I get the benefits of helping others and meeting great people who enjoy giving back to the community.”

She’s been working with The Nashville Food Project as a Volunteer Leader since September 2012, but has been an active Hands On Nashville volunteer since 2009. From a very young age, Julie was taught that helping her community was part of normal life. She continues to value the opportunity to help out her community and encourage those around her to do the same.

Julie has found Hands On Nashville to be a wonderful place to get connected. “By offering such a great website and partnerships, and the amazing people, Hands On Nashville makes volunteering truly a no-hassle and thoroughly enjoyable experience.”

Are you looking to get involved with The Nashville Food Project like Julie?
➢ Click here to see a list of upcoming opportunities and sign up.

Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Metropolitan Homelessness Commission

It’s a new year with new possibilities for anyone seeking employment. But before beginning the search, job seekers must have all their ducks in a row. This includes legal proof of identification, an appearance of good health and hygiene, showing the physical ability to follow through with job requirements, and, of course, confidence in acquiring the job. For the homeless population, these aren’t merely ducks… they are elephants. And reining them in without help or resources can prove to be a daunting task.

Volunteer to help guide the Project Homeless Connect attendees on February 13.

Thank goodness for Nashville’s largest homeless service provider event, Project Homeless Connect. The Metropolitan Homelessness Commission is recruiting 500 volunteers to assist individuals and families in need at this important event, which takes place on Wednesday, February 13.

This is a one-day, one-stop event providing individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness, or on the brink of homelessness, with access to a broad range of services including housing and employment assistance, medical checkups, eye screenings, foot care, legal services, employment assistance, pet care, food, toiletries, and more. The goal of Project Homeless Connect is to remove barriers to housing and employment. This is a true collaborative effort in which more than 70 agencies and hundreds of volunteers come together to provide thousands of services to an expected 1,000 to 1,500 guests.

With such a large event, your hands are certainly needed. Volunteer Vette Hughes, a Bank of America employee, said volunteering at Project Homeless Connect was a great experience for her. “The best part is to be able to help people. I love being able to give time. It has made me see that I can do more about homelessness. I am more aware - homeless people are just people like you and me. Everybody needs help sometime.”

Jason Vanover, of Reliant Bank, volunteered for the second year and said he felt like the day really made a difference to a lot of the guests. “Navigating the ID system is not an easy task. And having the right ID is the lynchpin for so many things. And the people are so appreciative.“

If you’re interested in getting involved, volunteers are needed to help with registration, crowd management, check out, guidance, setup/cleanup, and other duties. One of the main needs is for volunteer guides to pair up with the guests. As a volunteer guide, you will ensure that your assigned guest receives the proper services and respect as they navigate the event. Because so many people in our community come together and care, life is more navigable for our homeless population. You, in addition to the 500 other volunteers and 70 agencies, will help move Nashvillians who are experiencing homelessness one step forward. Read below and see how to be a part of this amazing day.

How to volunteer for Project Homeless Connect on Wednesday, February 13:
> Click here to see volunteer opportunities.
> View Project Homeless Connect’s Website.

Still have questions? Email Tojuana Jordan at Tojuana.Jordan@nashville.gov or call her at 615-880-2773.

Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: NALC

Remember that time you spelled “rhinoceros” wrong in the first grade? It was supposed to be your shining moment, a spelling bee stud kind-of-moment, yet you stood there with the blank stare, and showed everyone what you didn’t know. Imagine if everyday felt that way even though your spelling bee days were long past. The truth is, over 1,500 Nashville adults struggle with literacy, yet most of us don’t know it.

Thankfully, the Nashville Adult Literacy Council (NALC) has recognized the need for volunteer tutors to help teach reading to U.S.-born adults and guide adult immigrants in learning English skills. NALC serves over 1,500 adults annually, with the help of 500 volunteer tutors and 33 classes. NALC’s vision is for all to learn and for all to help build a community of adults empowered through literacy.

James Morehead, 2012 NALC Literacy Learner of the Year, comments, “When I was young, I always had a hard time reading and writing. I could not do things like make a grocery list. I had to draw pictures of the food when I went to the store. It was also hard to do things like fill out job applications to see if I could get a job. For a long time, I could not drive because I could not pass the driver’s test,” says James.

“Now, I can do things like write ‘Happy Birthday’ and read the newspaper. Most importantly, I can write a letter to my wife to show her how much I love her.”

James has the confidence he needs to flourish in the world today because of people like you who volunteer their time to teach him to read. The NALC would not exist if it weren’t for the people who share their knowledge, patience, and encouragement. Annually, over 500 volunteer tutors dedicate thousands of hours to teaching their fellow adults to read and write, and speak English. Volunteers from all backgrounds and occupations tutor with NALC. No teaching experience is necessary! If you can read, you can help.

Aside from volunteering with the Start Now Program and One-on-One Tutoring Program, creative and devoted volunteers help NALC with events, office work, speaking engagements and community outreach, teaching classes, and facilitating extra-curricular activities for learners.

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Nashville Adult Literacy Council holds volunteer trainings once or twice per month for both the Start Now and One-on-One Tutoring programs. Currently, there are 100 learners on NALC’s waiting list waiting for a one-on-one tutor.

One-on-One Tutoring Program
The One-on-One Tutoring Program is Nashville Adult Literacy Council’s primary mission. In this program, NALC matches one adult learner with one volunteer tutor based on schedule and location preference. Tutors are asked to commit to a minimum of six months with their learner, meeting between two and three hours per week.

Upcoming trainings for the One-on-One Tutoring Program are:
> Friday, January 11th, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
> Saturday, January 26th, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Start Now Program
Due to NALC’s growth and success, immediate accommodation for every learner is difficult. In fact, it can take six months or longer for a learner to be matched with a volunteer tutor. The Start Now Program allows learners to get immediate service while waiting to be matched with a long-term volunteer tutor. It also allows volunteer tutors greater scheduling flexibility than the One-on-One Tutoring Program. Tutors sign up for hour-long appointments as often or as little as their schedule permits, and meet with a new learner each visit.

Upcoming Trainings for the Start Now Program are:
> Wednesday, January 30th, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
> Tuesday, February 26th, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Monthly training dates are always listed on NALC’s website.

GET INVOLVED
If you are interested in volunteering with the Nashville Adult Literacy Council, please email info@nashvilleliteracy.org or call 615-298-8060. For more information, visit the website at Nashvilleliteracy.org.

Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Nashville Humane Association

They eat your homework, snuggle with you when it’s cold outside, burrow in spaces you didn’t think possible, make you giggle, accompany you on that morning run, and follow you around like you’re better than bacon. They don’t have much of a voice, but could certainly use your support. Feeling the nudge to help out these lovable, loyal, and sometimes silly, tail-wagging friends?

 

Betsy Warren and Emily Warren pose with Critter Campers.

The Nashville Humane Association (NHA) could use your assistance. Committed to finding responsible homes, controlling pet overpopulation, and promoting the humane treatment of animals, NHA makes the animal world a bit brighter.

Of course, volunteers play a key role in helping NHA fulfill its mission, from hands-on work with the shelter residents to keep them happy, healthy, and adoptable, to clerical assistance. NHA volunteers serve as ambassadors in the community and fill various roles during special events. Volunteer roles include staffing Teddy’s Wagon mobile adoption unit, promoting the healthy people-pet connection via Pet Visitation at various facilities, operating the Community Pet Food Bank for pet owners in need, and much more. Callie Jennings, a current NHA volunteer comments, “NHA is the purest form of service. Though animals can only show you love, the volunteer usually leaves feeling richer from giving one hour than taking a day’s pay.”

Jennifer Ford pets this furry friend at 12 South Farmers Market.

Jennifer Ford, another NHA volunteer says, “Deciding to volunteer at NHA has been one of the best decisions I made in my life. It is such a joy to work with the animals, staff, and other volunteers. I am happy to make a difference.”

Here are some upcoming opportunities for you to join in and make a difference:

Critter Care
Come help out on a Sunday morning (8:30-11 a.m.) and encourage animal socialization and do some deep cleaning prior to the shelter opening to the public.
> Learn more and sign up.

Drive NHA’s Mobile Adoption Unit
One Saturday each month, drive large vehicles, work with customers, and handle dogs. This is a To-Be-Scheduled opportunity (offering more scheduling flexibility), until filled.
> Learn more and sign up.

> See all opportunities with NHA. 

Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Nashville OIC

Hope. A sense of purpose. These things are priceless, and when given to individuals who otherwise would feel hopeless or without purpose, lives can be changed.

Nashville Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) is in the business of changing lives. OIC provides education, training, counseling, and job placement services at no cost for citizens of the community who are disadvantaged economically, educationally, and socially. And during these challenging economic times, this is an incredibly valuable service that makes the Nashville community a better place.

Clinton Washington, a graduate of OIC’s GED Prep Program, says the organization’s guidance has changed his life. “The impact OIC has made in my life: 1) It has given me hope. 2) It has given me a sense of purpose. 3) It is life-changing. Now I see I have a future and can be a positive example to my son. I can show him that you can do whatever you set your mind to.”

Larry Harper, who spent 10 years in prison, found OIC by dialing the 2-1-1 help line. He enrolled in the Job Placement Program, and is now working two jobs. He is in college and studying Health Informational Technology. Larry’s background created employment barriers, but OIC helped him overcome them.

Clinton and Larry’s stories of self-achievement and success are two among hundreds.

Being a part of OIC as a volunteer is a wonderful opportunity to empower people to help themselves. Volunteers instill the value of education in OIC students, who then pass this value along to their families and children.

Here are ways to jump in and connect with OIC students as a volunteer:

GED test preparation – Volunteers are needed to tutor GED test preparation students in one of more of the following subjects: math, social studies, science, reading, and essay writing. Volunteers may select the subject(s) they prefer and are provided with materials to prepare for tutoring sessions. The instructor pairs each tutor with a student and identifies concepts to work on during each session. There is no minimum time commitment per week or month. There are two options for locations: The OIC campus, or Park Avenue CCC.
> Read more and express interest here. (OIC campus)
> Read more and express interest here. (Park Avenue CCC)

 

Computer Training Instructor – A Computer Training Lab Monitor & Instructor is needed one or more days each week to answer student questions about how to use the internet, basic computer skills, and Microsoft Office programs. This person needs to be highly proficient in one or more of the following: Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Powerpoint.  Ability to instruct students in basic computer skills: turning on a computer, logging in, using a mouse, using the Start menu, opening a folder, saving a document, using flash drives to save documents such as class assignments and resumes, etc.
> Read more and express interest here.

Be a part of this inspiring atmosphere as a volunteer!

If you have questions or would like to learn more about OIC, contact Holly McIndoe at hmcindoe@oicnashville.org or (615) 248-2906, or visit www.oicnashville.org.

Volunteer Leader Spotlight: Kristen O’Hare

Guest blog post by Kristen O’Hare
I got to know Hands On Nashville 10 years ago as a Belmont University student.  Then, I would volunteer periodically and participate in events like Hands On Nashville Day, our community’s largest day of service in Metro Schools.

My real and meaningful relationship with Hands On Nashville began with a simple text message I received on May 3, 2010.  It read, “Sandbaggers are needed immediately in Metro Center to stop the levee from breaking.” While my own apartment had water from Mill Creek filtering in through the front door, I felt an undeniable need to respond to that text; so, I drove to Metro Center.  As I approached the volunteer site, Metro Police warned me that if the levee were to break, we’d all be in danger. With a smile and a nod, I joined dozens of other volunteers.

“The pride I had looking at the volunteers around me was overwhelming.”

With the toss of my first sandbag, something inside of me changed. I could actually feel it. With every additional sandbag I touched over the next 6 hours, the pride I had looking at the volunteers around me was overwhelming.  We were wet, cold, tired, and covered in sand fleas; yet we kept working.  Each of us wanted to lessen the impact of the 1,000-year flood.

We came together as strangers, but we left as neighbors.  For me, the dirty water from the flooded Cumberland River washed me clean.

In the weeks following the flood, I’d deliver food and water; tear down homes; and set up distribution centers.  I even honed my skills driving a big rented Budget truck to deliver supplies. Volunteering had become by passion, and I was glad that Hands On Nashville provided me so many opportunities to make a difference.  In fact, through my HON flood volunteerism, I connected with the Red Cross.  Today, after months of training, I am a certified Red Cross first responder.  I assist in a variety of disasters – from house fires to floods – and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help people when they most need me.

I am also proud to serve as a Hands On Nashville volunteer leader.  One Saturday every month, I guide other volunteers in cleanup projects at the Nashville City Cemetery – our city’s oldest public cemetery.  Due to its historical and architectural significance, the Nashville City Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Many prominent figures are buried there – from Nashville’s founders Charlotte and James Robertson to two of the original Fisk Jubilee Singers.

This project is a perfect match for my skills.  As a museum curatorial assistant at the Grand Ole Opry, I have expertise in the preservation and restoration of historic artifacts.  During this project, I teach other volunteers  how to slow the deterioration of headstones.  By clearing away magnolia tree seeds, nuts, and other natural materials, we do our best to maintain this important piece of history.

But, for me, being a HON volunteer leader is even more than completing important service projects.  When I put on my volunteer leader shirt – the one with the handprint surrounded by little circles – I do so knowing that I represent not only Hands On Nashville, but all of the volunteers that go out and give of themselves in their free time.  That’s powerful.

Interested in leading a volunteer project?
> Click here and learn how to get started.

Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge

“If it wasn’t for Hope Lodge, I would have slept in my car at Wal-Mart.” Samuel, a guest of Hope Lodge, is one of many for whom this has been a place of refuge and hope during a very difficult time.

The mission of the American Cancer Society (ACS) is to eliminate cancer as a major public health problem through prevention, saving lives, and easing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service. The Hope Lodge is a service of ACS, providing lodging at no cost to cancer patients and their families who come into Nashville for treatment. Each year, Hope Lodge serves nearly 1,800 people and gives 23,000 free nights of lodging annually.

One of the easiest ways to lift the spirits of someone suffering from cancer is by offering

Volunteers comfort families at Hope Lodge by providing home-cooked meals.

a home-cooked meal. Several times a month, Hands On Nashville volunteers put together a delicious dinner menu for Hope Lodge guests.

“I really enjoyed meeting and talking to the residents at Hope Lodge,” says one recent volunteer. “They brightened my day and I hope I did the same for them. I also enjoyed meeting the other volunteers.”
> Learn more and sign up here.

Not into dinner, but love the idea of bringing light into someone’s world who is dealing with illness? Consider game night, where you can play a simple game of bingo with the guests and provide a welcome break from stress.
> Learn more and sign up here.

Or give just a few hours a month driving cancer patients to their life-saving treatment as a Road to Recovery driver. Anyone who has a driver’s license, a safe driving record, personal auto insurance, owns or has access to a car, and can spare as little as one morning or afternoon a month is perfect for this volunteer opportunity.
> Learn more and sign up here.

If you’re interested in raising awareness or funds to support the work of American Cancer Society, check out Relay for Life or consider becoming an event committee member.
> Learn more and sign up here.

Read more about additional volunteer opportunities with the American Cancer Society and Hope Lodge here.

Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Soles4Souls

Fall is in the air. And the perfect pair of shoes makes taking an afternoon stroll even more enjoyable, especially if you’re hiking those Percy Warner hills.

A child in Haiti gets a new pairs of shoes from Soles4Souls!

It’s hard to think that anyone wouldn’t have shoes, especially when being exposed to the outside elements. Step on a stick the wrong way, and you’re down for the count. Or imagine walking barefoot outside in the winter.

Thankfully, Soles4Souls knows this need and provides shoes to individuals living in extreme poverty and recovering from natural disasters. One in four adults lives on less than $1 a day, and most cannot afford proper footwear. The charity, headquartered in Nashville, has provided more than 19 million pairs of shoes to those in need since 2005.

Adrian Guetter, a Soles4Souls Cornerstone Team Member, shares her

Volunteers travel with Soles4Souls to help them distribute shoes.

testimonial: “What an incredible experience to be able to provide shoes to the students at Huruma in Kenya. One of the first things we noticed was how when students did have a pair of shoes that had any life left to them whatsoever, they were shared with other students. When we lined the students up to give out the shoes the excitement was contagious. It was Christmas in August for them. As we walked them over to their size, fitted them with the shoes and were able to see them walk away with shoes on their feet the appreciation was overwhelming. Some of the students have spent so much time without any wearable shoes. This was one of the best days we had at the orphanage.”

Soles4Souls volunteers wash every person’s feet that they distribute shoes to before placing new shoes on their feet.

With so many needs, Soles4Souls volunteers really make the difference. Soles4Souls’ biggest upcoming need is for volunteers to help with the Ragnar Relay race on November 9. The runners start off in Chattanooga and end in Nashville. Soles4Souls needs volunteers along the 196 mile course to help with passing out water, cleanup, setup, routing courses, and other tasks. For every one volunteer that Soles4Souls provides, the Ragnar Relay race donates $100 to the organization, which translates into 100 pairs of shoes that Soles4Souls is able to distribute to those in need. There are various shifts to sign up starting Friday at 4 a.m. until Saturday at 7p.m.
> Sign up and learn more here.  

If you’re looking for an ongoing need you can help fill, volunteers are needed to help with sorting shoes and processing them for shipments.
> Sign up and learn more here. 

> View all Soles4Souls volunteer needs here.