Phillyanthropy

Get Up, Get Out, Get Involved

by Dana Henry

Wednesday night is ladies night at the Bike Church in University City. In response to the generally male-dominated adult repair co-op nights, Neighborhood Bike Works now hosts this evening for women to fix up their wheels in a comfortable environment. A few handy ladies (and those who identify as ladies) who know a thing or two about bike repair are needed to show the newbies how it works. Girl power, indeed. Call Nadine Vassallo at 215-386-0316, visit neighborhoodbikeworks.org or e-mail volunteers@neighborhoodbikeworks.org.

Want to share your nerdy passion for chemistry with others? The Academy of Natural Sciences has plenty to keep you busy. The museum relies on more than 300 volunteers putting in around 25,000 hours of service each year. Find out about all of the positions at the upcoming open house, including tour guides and instructors as well as behind-the-scenes office and research assistants. In exchange for your interest, you'll get to check out the museum — including the current Ends of the Earth: From Polar Bears to Penguins exhibit — for free. Call Lois Kuter at 215-299-1029, visit ansp.org or e-mail kuter@ansp.org.

Philadelphia RSVP is a staffing agency for the 55-and-over crowd who want to help out the city's nonprofits and public institutions. Opportunities include everything from elementary school tutoring to food delivery to staffing museums and historic organizations. Currently, the Arthritis Foundation, the American Cancer Society and 30th Street Station's Travelers Aid Society are among the top agencies in need. Transportation is available for do-gooders 65 and wiser. Call Suzanne Udell at 267-345-7787 or e-mail sudell@phillyjcc.com.

As the seasons change, so do the needs of our animal neighbors. Help keep them safe and healthy this spring as a wildlife rehabilitator at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. Duties include animal care, cage building and repair, cleaning and laundry. Those interested in patching up some of our furry friends must be willing to put in at least four hours a week and attend an hourlong orientation meeting. Call Sara Davis at 215-482-7300, ext. 139, visit schuylkillcenter.org or e-mail sdavis@schuylkillcenter.org.