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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Springs Rescue Mission (SRM) urgently needs more volunteers to strengthen its services and outreach efforts to those who are struggling in Colorado Springs.

As people lose their jobs due to the state of the nation's economy, more are in need of services that SRM provides.

It’s kind of disappointing as I look at the continued growth of people who need help, and at the same time, realizing we need people who are willing to give of their time and assist the Mission as it provides for many who need our support. In reality, we are also reaching out to the part of our community who can personally give of themselves by offering their gift of time to serve those in need," said Eleanor Vazquez, volunteer coordinator.

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Licensed Volunteer Drivers: Hours range from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday – Saturday.  Positions include:  Food donation pickups, deliveries, addiction recovery resident appointments, furniture donations (using SRM vehicles).
• Direct Services Department Volunteers: Helps provides emergency assistance to families with children and single parents. Positions include: Intake of donations, warehouse assistance, and licensed drivers.
• Samaritan’s Kitchen: Helps provide food for hungry children, families and individuals in Colorado Springs. Positions include:  Packing lunch boxes for children, prep cooks and drivers.
• Administrative Assistant: Supports a variety of programs and services within the Mission. Positions include:  Data entry (requires computer knowledge), answer phones, and various special event projects.

“We want to work together with gracious people who can offer their time. Springs Rescue Mission offers tremendous opportunities to utilize their talents to provide resources to those who need it the most. For many facing financial difficulty, we may be the only place they can come for the hope of survival through help that is free of charge. Volunteers make this possible,” said CEO Joe Vazquez.

To learn more about Springs Rescue Mission and how to help, call the volunteer coordinator at 719-314-2314 or visit its Web site at www.mysrm.org.

Information provided by Springs Rescue Mission.