PENN TWP — Those considering volunteering but unsure of how to go about it can now take advantage of a new program at the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania — Butler Office that connects volunteers with more than 30 nonprofit agencies in Butler County.

Regardless of the amount of time a potential volunteer has to spare, the skills they possess or the type of volunteer work they're looking for, United Way volunteer coordinator John Furman says he can find a slot.

“People can do anything from cutting down trees to playing bingo with the elderly to answering phones,” Furman said.

Furman gave a presentation on the program this week and had three current volunteers at the event to share their stories and answer any questions for potential volunteers.

About six individuals attended to learn about volunteer opportunities.

“The people that came seemed really high quality,” Furman said.

Another open house will be held in a few months to try and gather more volunteers for the county's nonprofit organizations, Furman said.

He said the new program eliminates the need for people to call agency after agency to ask if they need volunteers.

“We're trying to make it easier for the (nonprofit) partners and volunteers by creating this one-stop shop,” Furman said.

He said he now has 20 to 25 individuals who volunteer on a regular basis and about 100 active volunteers.

Many of the 350 volunteers on the United Way roles work the annual United Way Week of Caring, which will be held Oct. 1 to 5.

Jack Cohen, president of the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau, said his office helped coordinate Thursday's open house because of the value of Furman's program.

“There are so many people looking for volunteers for different projects,” Cohen said. “This is a great way to connect them with volunteers.”

He said the bureau was able to get some volunteers from the open house for its Glacier Ridge Trail Ultramarathon to be held May 12 at Moraine State Park. The volunteers will work in the aid stations at the race, Cohen said.

Cohen and Furman encourage everyone who is considering volunteering to check out the opportunities available at www.butlerunitedway.org. Click on “Volunteer” and scroll down to “View project list” to see the volunteer opportunities available.

Applications can be filled out and sent in on the website as well.

Furman can be reached at 724-285-4883, Ext. 233, or by e-mail at volunteer@butlerunitedway.org.