In state where volunteering lags, opportunities abound to lend hand in Paradise, Downtown

Though Las Vegas may not garner as many volunteers as other U.S. cities, numerous opportunities to participate in community service are available in the downtown and Paradise areas.

Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center, for example, has a program that consists of more than 160 volunteers ages 15 or older. Volunteers work in a number of areas, from the neonatal intensive care unit to the front desk under a commitment of six months and 100 hours' worth of service.

Tracy Netherton, volunteer coordinator at Sunrise Hospital, 3186 S. Maryland Parkway, said even though the facility provides various opportunities for volunteer involvement, the toughest obstacle she faces is retention.

"I think life gets the better of (the volunteers), and they can't make the commitment," Netherton said. "What we are looking for are retired individuals who are willing to make a true commitment."

Nevada ranks 50th out of 51 when it comes to volunteering. A national study for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service, states that factors such as high foreclosure rates, the number of homeowners versus renters and education levels help determine whether residents have a long-term commitment to their communities.

Netherton said she's seen a significant change in people's desires to volunteer at the hospital.

"We've gotten a lot of volunteers from this tough economy," Netherton said. "Many of them volunteer just to keep their skills up and stay busy until they find a job."

Leslie Valdes, volunteer program coordinator for the Clark County Library District, said she's seen an influx of senior volunteers.

"We get a lot of senior citizens here who have no families," Valdes said. "It's a good atmosphere to be in, and we've seen a positive outcome with those volunteers."

The library district, with headquarters at 7060 W. Windmill Lane, also offers opportunities for children and adults . Valdes estimates that about 500 volunteers take part in the different programs offered each year, from helping students in the annual summer reading program to assisting with shelving books, greeting visitors and working in the bookstores.

Valdes is most impressed with the number of teenage volunteers she's seen come through the programs.

"With teens, a lot of times they need community service hours, but they come back to (volunteer) more once they're complete," Valdes said. "Teens get a taste of the real job life and get to work with kids a lot of the time."

Las Vegas ranks 38th of 48 cities in the number of teens who volunteer, at 18.8 percent, according to the study. Netherton places much emphasis on the teenage volunteers at Sunrise Hospital as she accepts 50 students during the summer and about the same number through programs at Valley and Las Vegas high schools during the school year.

"We typically put kids in different areas from where we place adults," Netherton said. "We try to entice our youth into getting a career in health care."

Jairo Sanchez, a Valley High School senior, is one teen who has gained interest in pursuing a medical profession because of his volunteer work at Sunrise Hospital. When his father's best friend died in the oncology unit several years ago, Sanchez decided he wanted to volunteer in the same area.

He began volunteering two to three days a week up to every day during the summer. He continues his volunteer work at least one day a week during this school year.

"I realized during the summer that volunteering is one of the things I love to do the most," Sanchez said. "I saw how thankful people were, and it made me feel good inside. Now I'm more responsible ... and I'm not afraid of public speaking."

Some organizations offer volunteer opportunities for children as young as 12 . Leslie Carmine, community relations coordinator for Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, said children at this age usually accompany their parents to the St. Vincent Lied Dining Facility, 1501 Las Vegas Blvd. North, where they serve dinners to those in need every weekday, Sunday evenings and during holidays.

Additionally, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada provides options for volunteers to assist in areas such as tutoring students in English as a Second Language classes, working in one of four thrift stores and participating in various social service projects and programs for senior citizens.

Carmine said she relies on volunteers to help with numerous aspects of the organization.

"Volunteers are really important to our agency," Carmine said. "They're an integral part of what we do every day, and we couldn't do anything without them."

Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-0492.