Each year, the Schuylkill United Way (SUW) has a campaign from September through November to raise funding for participating SUW agencies: The American Red Cross in Schuylkill County, Avenues, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Schuylkill County, Boy Scouts of America, Hawk Mountain Council, Child Development Inc., Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA, Salvation Army - Pottsville Corps, Salvation Army - Tamaqua Corps, Sexual Assault Resource and Counseling Center of Schuylkill County, Schuylkill County Society for Crippled Children, Schuylkill Wellness Services, Schuylkill Women in Crisis, Schuylkill YMCA, Tamaqua Area Tamaqua Area Meals on Wheels and Tamaqua Area YMCA.
During the campaign, the SUW reaches out to the community to educate and inform on the programming provided by the agencies. Last year, they raised $1 million. All the money raised in Schuylkill County stays in the county. Any companies or individuals seeking to participate in this year's campaign can contact Kelly Malone at 570-622-6421. They would be happy to present to your organization regarding the campaign and invite you to our campaign kick-off event.
Their Stuff the Bus campaign started July 1 and ends on July 29. During that month-long period, the SUW and their agencies work very hard to secure school supplies for children in need. Supplies needed include erasers, pens, pencils, colored pencils, highlighters, markers, crayons, organizers, planners, filler paper, binders, glue, folders, rulers, scissors, sharpeners, pencil cases, book covers and backpacks. Last year, the SUW and the agencies stuffed more than 1,000 backpacks.
There are many ways for the community to contribute. Anyone who wishes to drop off supplies may do so at designated drop off points throughout Schuylkill County - the Schuylkill Mall, Cressona Mall and Fairlane Village. Interested contributors, or caregivers who would like to request a backpack, can also call the Schuylkill United Way offices to speak to Michelle Halabura at 570-622-6421, ext. 139.
The Penn State Master Gardeners remind you their helpline is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays until the end of September. Volunteers are on hand to answer questions about trees, flowers, shrubs, lawn, garden soil, vegetables, pH, insects or disease. Call 570-622-4225 to speak to one of their reps.
Mark your calendars and make your reservations now: Sweet Arrow Lake invites you to join them for a Full Moon Clambake, Walk and Float from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 9. Enjoy a clambake, take a guided moonlight walk and then canoe or kayak under the moon. Pre-registration is required. A limited number of canoes and kayaks are available for rent on a first-come basis or bring your own. Register or get details by calling Susan at 570-624-3018.
Use the above contact info for those specific volunteer opportunities and find other opportunities at www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Community Volunteers in Action can be reached at 570-628-1426 or jjohnston@co,.schuylkill.pa.us. Check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/communityvolunteersinaction.
Therapeutic horse riding
Times: Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m., Sept. 8 to Oct. 22,
Responsibility: Assist programs in a variety of ways. Side Walkers walk beside the rider, assisting with their safety. Horse Leaders are in charge of a horse prior to, during, and after the session and need prior experience. Ring and Facility Assistants help with ring and equipment preparation, groom horses, paint/repair fencing, tend to memorial garden, etc.
Skills: Must be at least 14 years old, commit to an eight-week session, be able to perform assigned tasks, have patience and an understanding of the consumer's needs and of animal behavior. Successfully complete required training.
Location: Horses and Horizons Learning Center, New Ringgold.
Contact: Facility at 570-386-5679.