More than 550 volunteers, whose ages range from 14 to 90, help out at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Northampton. VA volunteers fill many roles, including those of escort, companion, driver and clerical worker, and they help with activities such as creative writing and computer training. Call Peter A. Galante at 582-3042. The mission of Everywoman's Center at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst is to support and educate survivors of sexual assault, rape and domestic violence. The center provides rape crisis services to females and males.
Training is provided for both programs.
Hampshire Community Action Commission's First Call for Help in Amherst links people who need help with local agencies and services. Volunteers answer phones and provide information and referrals on such diverse topics as emergency shelter, legal aid and consumer protection. Help is also needed in updating the database and with clerical tasks. Call Karen Hakala at 256-0121. The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts in Hatfield supplies food for soup kitchens, food pantries, homeless shelters, child care centers and elder programs throughout Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties.