In March 2020, volunteering in the Upper Valley as we knew it changed.

Some nonprofit organizations halted their programs altogether while others saw the makeup of their volunteers change: Some older adults stepped back while younger adults pitched in, perhaps helping to help deliver meals or care for those who were at greater risk of contracting complications from COVID.

As lockdowns began, the state of volunteering was changing by the day, with programs being suspended, events being postponed and questions remaining unanswered for volunteer efforts across the Upper Valley. To avoid giving readers outdated information, the Valley News made the decision to stop updating — and running — its Volunteer Jobs List, which includes an alphabetical list of nonprofit organizations and their volunteer needs.

Now as volunteer programs have come back, we have brought the list back. An updated version can be found online at vnews.com/Upper-Valley-Volunteer-Jobs-Listing-1162415. Additions and updates can be sent to calendar@vnews.com. All listings are subject to editing.

If you’re part of an organization that wants to send in an entry to the list, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

■The organization must operate in the Upper Valley.

■Keep the descriptions short and focused on what roles volunteers are needed for.

■Provide a phone number, email address and/or website where people can find more information.

■Stick to roles that are needed on an ongoing basis. If you’re looking for volunteers for a particular event or to serve on a board, send that request to calendar@vnews.com to be included in a Community Briefs package.

In my years at the Valley News, I have had the joy of reporting on volunteer opportunities at dozens of organizations in the region. There are roles that span a variety of interests, from shelving books at libraries to mentoring children to working with animals and driving people to medical appointments. Organizations also have a great need for people to take on these roles, and many are still trying to build back their volunteer base in the wake of the pandemic.

I hear frequently from nonprofit leaders how much appreciation they have for their volunteers. I also often hear from people who speak strongly about the role volunteering has played in their lives: It gives them something to do, it helps them meet people, andat Castleton University’s Fine Arts Center on Friday. it gives them a greater sense of belonging in their communities.

If you’ve been thinking about getting more involved, I strongly encourage you to reach out to an organization you’re interested in. It might sound cliche, but a little bit of a time can make a huge difference for people and organizations in the community.

Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.

]]>