The holidays are a time of year when many people’s thoughts turn to volunteering and working to make a difference in our community. Volunteer Greater Nashua, a web portal hosted by United Way of Greater Nashua and The Telegraph is a great place to start your search for the perfect volunteer opportunity. Whether you are looking for an outdoor project, would like to be on a committee or board of directors, or would like to stop by an agency to help occasionally, Volunteer Greater Nashua can help you find your volunteer niche. Volunteer opportunities can be found by searching by zip code, interest area, and more. We’ve included several new listings featured on the site in this article. You can always find more on Volunteer Greater Nashua at http://www.volunteergreaternashua.org.

The PLUS Company

The mission of the PLUS Company, whose name is an acronym for People Learning Useful Skills, is to empower individuals and maximize independence. They serve over 400 individuals and families with offices in Nashua, New Hampshire, and Lawrence and Tewksbury, Massachusetts. Their goal is to provide a supportive, innovative, and creative environment that assists individuals with disabilities to develop useful skills, increase self-reliance, and become vital, productive members of their communities. Their services allow individuals to explore Home and Life skills, along with Educational/Social and Work Skills. Programs are created with the vision that all people with disabilities have the confidence, dignity, and skills needed to lead quality lives.

The PLUS Company needs volunteers to help with their PLUS Pride Special Olympics program. This could be helping the coaches on the sidelines or playing alongside our athletes on the softball field or basketball court. They also need volunteers to teach classes in art, music, reading, or stitching/quilting.

For more information, visit www.volunteergreaternashua.org and search for “PLUS Company.”

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need. They aspire to turn compassion into action so that:

• All people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter and hope;

• Our communities are ready and prepared for disasters;

• Everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products;

• All members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed; and

• In an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.

The American Red Cross needs donors to provide excellent and enthusiastic customer service to enhance the blood donor experience, engage with blood donors to promote blood donation and set the stage for a long-term commitment to regular blood donations. They also need volunteers to help with safely transporting blood from collection sites to the lab for processing and/or deliver blood to hospital customers.

For more information, visit www.volunteergreaternashua.org and search for “American Red Cross.”

Symphony NH

The mission of Symphony NH is to inspire and enlighten through exceptional live music. They fulfill this mission by collaborating with artistic, community, and educational partners across the state of New Hampshire, welcoming all members of our communities to participate in their activities, creating and adding value to arts education programs in schools and communities and engaging patrons, sponsors, and donors to ensure our sustainability for generations to come.

Symphony NH is in need of volunteers to fill the role of ushers at concerts and to help in the box office before performances.

For more information, visit www.volunteergreaternashua.org and search for “Symphony NH.”

United Way of Greater Nashua

Founded in 1930, United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. They serve the 11 communities of Greater Nashua. With their commitment to financial and governance accountability, United Way of Greater Nashua is a 4-Star Rated nonprofit from Charity Navigator and due to their commitment to transparency, they are rated “Platinum” by GuideStar. 98% of the funds they raise stay in the local community, and over 85% of what they raise supports the mission of creating positive community impact.

United Way of Greater Nashua needs help at their upcoming winter obstacle race, the Blizzard Blast, an annual fundraiser which takes place on Saturday, January 25th in Nashua’s Mine Falls Park. Volunteers may choose to help with registration, bag check, as obstacle monitors, help with the after-party or cheer on the runners. All volunteers will be invited to race for free!

For more information, visit www.volunteergreaternashua.org and search for “United Way of Greater Nashua.”

Sara Ceaser is the director of volunteer and community engagement for the United Way of Greater Nashua.