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Bookworms browsed for bargains at the Friends of Lancaster Public Library Big Book Sale, held in May 2023 at the former Bon-Ton building at Park City Center. Volunteers are needed for the sale, which returns to the Franklin & Marshall College campus in June 2024

 SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer file photo

The start of summer is here, even if the summer solstice, which is the astronomical start of summer, isn’t until Thursday, June 20. The festivals, block parties, summer camps, sports and community events that fill our summer are getting underway, and many of these events and activities rely on community volunteers.

Do you have a full summer schedule already? Or are you looking for something new to do? No matter what your schedule looks like, I encourage you to find even a couple of hours to volunteer to help support summer events and activities in our area. Here are a few that are currently seeking volunteers.

Peace in the Streets Block Party

This event, which is Saturday, June 8 from noon to 4 p.m. at Culliton Park, 210 S. Water St., Lancaster, is in need of volunteers. The block party is being held in honor of Kendall Cook and all those who have lost their lives to gun violence. SoWe, a resident-driven initiative of Tenfold in Southwest Lancaster City that works to strengthen the economic and social well-being of the neighborhood, is hosting the event.

A variety of volunteer roles are available, including setup, welcoming visitors, helping with games, activities, art, and relays, food, and cleanup and teardown. There are multiple volunteer shifts, and volunteers can choose one shift or to serve throughout the event. This is a great opportunity for both individuals and groups. To find out more and to volunteer please visit: tinyurl.com/PeaceBlockParty.

Volunteer at Camp Schreiber

The Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development is seeking volunteers to help operate Camp Schreiber, their annual summer day camp. Camp Schreiber is a five-week summer day camp for children of all abilities. The camp brings together children with disabilities and typically developing children to enjoy summer camp activities, and volunteers play an important day-to-day role helping campers engage in arts and crafts, activities, sports, games and more. The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, to Thursday, July 18, and is held at Church of the Apostles, 1850 Marietta Ave., Lancaster. Volunteers can serve all day or take a morning or afternoon shift. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, are required to complete a volunteer registration form, and must have required clearances. For more information and to volunteer please visit: tinyurl.com/CampSchreiber.

Friends of Lancaster Public Library Big Book Sale

The 69th annual Big Book Sale is coming soon, and volunteers are needed to help with setup and cleanup. The Big Book Sale is a major fundraiser that is powered by community volunteers, with all proceeds directly benefiting the Lancaster Public Library.

The sale runs Monday, June 10, to Wednesday, June 12, and is held at Franklin & Marshall College’s Alumni Sports Fitness Center.

Setup volunteers are needed on Sunday, June 9, from noon to 4 p.m. to help unpack and arrange books ahead of the sale. Cleanup volunteers are needed on Wednesday, June 12, from 5-8 p.m. to help pack unsold books and to remove signs and tables. This can be physical work. All volunteers must be at least 14 years old and should wear closed-toe shoes. More information is available at: tinyurl.com/BIGBookSale2024.

Get connected to volunteer opportunities

Visit the United Way of Lancaster County’s Get Connected volunteer site at uwlanc.galaxydigital.com. At the site you’ll find a variety of volunteer opportunities from around the county, and you’ll be able to sign up to receive updates when new opportunities are posted.

Joel Janisewski is director of the volunteer center and community listening for United Way of Lancaster County.

Joel Janisewski is director of the volunteer center and community listening for United Way of Lancaster County. 

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