A small community with limited resources relies heavily on volunteers. This is no exception for the northeastern California community of Fall River Mills. In a small town residents wonder what there is to do. Plenty. Volunteers are needed in many local organizations including the community library, citizen’s patrol and Lion’s Club.
Libraries
If books, reading and helping children are of interest, The Fall River Valley Library is a perfect place to volunteer. Severe budget cuts in the late 1980’s, closed the county library. Community members recognized the need for the library and got to work. Many volunteer hours, fundraising and community support has built the library into a community centerpiece.
Over 60 volunteers are currently on staff, but more are always needed. Volunteer opportunities are available as librarians, tutors, literacy coaches and for youth programs. Assistance is also needed with fundraising, newsletter publication, maintenance and gardening in the outside reading area. Volunteer forms are available at http://www.fallrivervalleylibrary.com/
Citizen’s Patrol
The Fall River Valley Citizen Volunteer Patrol (FRVCVP) is another volunteer opportunity that only requires eight hours per month. Their mission statement says, “Personnel will strive to enhance community safety and security through programs of crime prevention and education with active involvement in these efforts.”
The group is under the jurisdiction of the Shasta County Sheriff’s Department and has been active in the community for 17 years. They perform over 640 business checks per month and patrol at last 20 times per month. The group is non-confrontational and makes no arrests. “Presence is what we are all about.” Said local lieutenant Jan Shafer. The patrol hopes to expand hours and patrol daily, thus more volunteers are needed. In addition, vacation and welfare checks for elderly residents are an important facet of the patrol. For more volunteer information see www.fallrivervalleycvp.org.
Lion’s Club
A membership organization may seem like the last place to look to volunteer, but there are several opportunities to lend a hand. The Fall River Lions Club can always use volunteer help. This local service organization maintains two community parks, hosts the annual Easter Egg hunt, provides scholarships, contributes to the food pantry and offers their building to community functions. Volunteers are welcomed to help in any of theses areas, especially the care and maintenance of the parks. The Lion’s would appreciate new members as well. For more information contact http://www.fallriverlions.org/
Similar volunteer opportunities can be found in most local communities.