There are a number of charities, churches and nonprofit agencies in Cherokee County that need volunteers to help accomplish their mission.
To include your agency in this list, email news@cherokeescout.com.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cherokee County
828-361-0989; cherokee@bbbswnc.org; bbbswnc.org
This group selects and matches mentors with children facing adversity and provides ongoing activities, training and support services to sustain those relationships.
Cherokee/Clay Senior Games & SilverArts
Coordinator: Terence Faries; P.O. Box 1062 Murphy, NC 28906; cherokeecountyseniorgames.org; cherokeeclaycosrgames@gmail.com
The Senior Games, which are held from mid-April through mid-May each year, need volunteers to run the various events and sports. Directing parking, timing races, checking in participants and measuring throws are some of many ways to help out.
Fire departments
828-837-0090; Fire Marshal Kevin Carter; kevin.carter@cherokeecountync.gov
The best qualification for being a firefighter is a willing heart and soul. Firefighters receive 36 hours of state-mandated training each year and can attain EMT or other certifications, fee waived, at community colleges. Those interested should contact their district’s fire chief or the Cherokee County Fire Marshal’s office.
Four Square Community Action Inc.
P.O. Box 2290 Andrews, NC 28901; 828-321-4475; foursquarecommunityactioninc.com; sue.ledford @foursq.org
The organization, which provides services and resources to encourage self-sufficiency for individuals and families, is looking for volunteers who can plan events and run them. It needs people with executive assistant experience to help with tasks like assembling PR packages. There is also an ongoing need for help with construction, painting and landscaping.
Guardian ad Litem Judicial District 30 – Satellite Office No. 2
40 Peachtree St. Murphy, NC 28906; coordinator: Tonya Steiert; 828-835-7788; VolunteerforGAL.org; GAL.District30@nccourts.org
A Guardian ad Litem represents the interests of children who have possibly been abused or neglected. After a background check and 40 hours of training, the guardian advocates for children and helps the court determine what is best for them. The application is on its website.
Hope for Abuse Victims Through Education & Nurturing (HAVEN) Children’s Advocacy Center
4297 U.S. 64 E. Alt., Murphy, NC 28906; 828-837-5872; havencac.org; director@havencac.org
The organization helps those whose lives have been altered by abuse, assault and human trafficking. Its team strives to eliminate barriers and disadvantages for children and non-offending family members who have experienced trauma. Families are given an opportunity to heal and regain hope. Apply to volunteer on the website.
High Lonesome Therapeutic Equestrian Center
15712 Joe Brown Highway, Murphy, NC 28906; 828-835-3739; highlonesomestables.org; highlonesomestables@gmail.com
The equestrian center in Ogreeta needs volunteers who are comfortable around horses during its summer riding sessions to assist in lessons as side-walkers.
Hinton Rural Life Center
2330 Hinter Center Road, Hayesville, NC 28904; 828-389-8336; hintoncenter.org; Jeremy@hintoncenter.org
The center serves residents in Clay and Cherokee counties, N.C., as well as Towns County, Ga. Help with Safe & Healthy Home Assessments and Repairs – looking for retired or part-time construction-minded folks – or with the firewood ministry (such as pick up, chop, split, deliver) for local residents. No experience is required.
Logan’s Run Rescue
3000 U.S. 64 W., Suite 118, Murphy, NC 28906; Manager: Lynelle Morris, 828-837-1360; logansrunrescue.com
A thrift store and an appliance warehouse subsidize low-cost spay and neutering at the clinic. Volunteer security personnel are needed as well as folks who can be on their feet, lift and sort heavy boxes. Volunteers also can help sort, sanitize, price, hang up and arrange donations. Helpers are also needed at the clinic. Apply to volunteer on the website.
Mountain Projects
Central Intake: 828-452-1447; Foster Grandparent Program Director: Sherry Tabor, 828-356-2834
People ages 55 and older in Cherokee and six surrounding counties are sought to volunteer 5-40 hours per week at child-care centers, early childhood programs and schools. Mileage reimbursement as well as an hourly, tax-free stipend are paid – with vacation, holiday and sick leave. Volunteers must meet income guidelines.
Reach of Cherokee County Inc.
1980 W. U.S. 64, Murphy, NC 28906; volunteer coordinators: Tiffany Crawford and Cecelia Faulkner, 828-837-7570; reach@cherokeecounty.org
This organization needs people to work at its thrift store, which funds its mission to eliminate domestic violence and sexual assault through education, advocacy and empowerment.
Valley River Humane Society Animal shelter:
7450 U.S. 19 Marble, NC 28905; 828-837-2304; valleyriverhumanesociety.org
Thrift store: 1161 W U.S. 64, Murphy, NC 28906; 828-837-6137; sandyanne52@aol.com
Volunteer coordinator: Ariane Reeves, volunteer@vrhs.org
The humane society – which serves residents of Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties – needs volunteers at the shelter to walk dogs, socialize cats and dogs, do laundry and perform grounds maintenance; at the thrift store to sort donations and serve as cashiers; and at community events to participate in adoptions and fundraisers.