Volunteer opportunities available at A&FRC Published June 28, 2007 By Ashley Mangin 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office Volunteer SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The Airman and Family Readiness Center has been working to bring Sabers the most up-to-date information on volunteering in the Eifel region. They are making changes to the process and making way for new volunteer opportunities. "Our goal is to educate the community on the many volunteer opportunities available in the Eifel region," said Amy Smith, volunteer coordinator. The A&FRC is the center of information for anyone interested in volunteering. They have been working together with the American Red Cross to streamline the process from filling out volunteer registration forms to getting to the desired volunteer opportunity. "There are many benefits to having our community members register as volunteers at the A&FRC," Ms. Smith said. "Base wide, there is a central location to gather information on volunteer statistics. Registered volunteers are eligible to receive free child care, and it is a great way to meet new people and network with in the community. Volunteers, although not volunteering just for recognition, are also eligible to be nominated for wing quarterly and yearly volunteer awards." Volunteers with children are eligible for up to 40 hours of free child care per month while volunteering. The care is provided through Family Child Care and a list of the current providers is available at the A&FRC. Once someone has decided to volunteer, the volunteer services at the A&FRC can be of assistance yet again. "We have a listing of volunteer opportunities in the community available at the A&FRC," said Ms. Smith. "If you currently have a volunteer working with you or would like to have a volunteer in your work center, please consider adding a volunteer job description advertisement with us. As the Air Force meets force shaping guidelines, there may be added value to having an active volunteer community." All volunteers interested in volunteering in a medical capacity must be registered with the American Red Cross. They will provide training if needed. The Red Cross also provides free childcare. The opportunities provided by the Red Cross will also be available in the listing at the A&FRC as part of the streamlining. Once the ideal location has been found, it is encouraged the volunteer make contact with someone at the place he or she wishes to work to find out the availability of the position and the details of the work involved. There is also a volunteer distribution list put out by the A&FRC. They send out e-mails with new volunteer positions and other volunteer opportunities. To sign up, send an e-mail with your name, e-mail address and that you would like to be on the volunteer distribution list to amy.smith2@spangdahlem.af.mil. "Our e-mail distribution list is a great way for the community to find out where to volunteer and a great way for organizations to get the word out about events needing volunteers," said Ms. Smith. Volunteering is a great way to spend free time, get bullets and help out the community. "Having volunteers even in just one organization saves the government and families thousands of dollars," said Sally Fuller, youth center director about how volunteers can take the places of paid coaches saving enough money to keep the programs going. "Our volunteers are really appreciated base wide," said Amy Gilchrist of the American Red Cross. For more information on volunteering or volunteer opportunities, contact Amy Smith at 452-6244 or 06565-61-6422 or e-mail amy.smith2@spangdahlem.af.mil.