Volunteering is a great way to be a part of The Arc’s work. We rely on the valuable support of volunteers and would love for you, your organization, or friends and family to be a part of helping us achieve!
To volunteer for one of our programs, please contact the person indicated
Special Olympics
The Arc provides Special Olympics programs for children eight years and older in Calhoun and Cleburne Counties with intellectual /developmental disabilities and coordinates with the Anniston Parks and Recreation Department’s Therapeutic Recreation Program for Special Olympics programs for adults.
Volunteer Requirements
- School-Aged Volunteers are required to participate in an agency fundraiser (see below)
- Coaching volunteers must be available to work with one or more classes in the designated sport
- Availability on designated competition day
- Ongoing volunteers must be willing to submit to a background check
Contact person at The Arc: Pati Tiller – 256-236-2857
Fundraising Activities
Each fall and spring, The Arc conducts events to raise money for its programs.
- The Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive, held nationally each Columbus Day Weekend, allows an opportunity to volunteer at one of a number of participating area retail stores exchanging tootsie roll candies for donations to The Arc.
- The Wal-Mart Fundraiser is similar to the Tootsie Roll Drive, except all activities take place at the three Calhoun County Wal-Marts.
Shifts for both fundraisers last two and one-half hours, and high school students who participate are eligible to volunteer – with the permission of his/her principal – at the Special Olympics Track and Field Events in April.
Volunteer Requirements
- Ability to physically participate in a two and one-half hour fundraising shift
Contact person at The Arc: Kristen Scully – 256-236-2857
The Kids on the Block Educational Puppet Program
The Arc is the local chapter of the international educational puppet program, The Kids on the Block. Designed to inform children and adults on such issues as disability awareness, medical information and social concerns, The Kids perform – free of charge – for regular education school children in Calhoun and Cleburne Counties.
Volunteer Requirements
- Available for one or more days a week during the school year.
- Ability to memorize and perform an assigned 5 –10 minute script
- Attendance at puppeteer training and workshops
- Prior experience is not required!
Contact person at The Arc: Pati Tiller – 256-236-2857
Summer Day Camps for Children
Each summer The Arc offers four summer day camps for children with intellectual disabilities and or other developmental disabilities.
Volunteer Requirements
- Willingness to work with children with developmental disabilities
- Ability to work in a camp environment
- Submission to a required background check
- Aged 16 or older
- Provide own transportation to and from campsite
Contact person at The Arc: Pati Tiller – 256-236-2857
Summer Day Camps for Older Teenagers and Adults
Individuals 17 years of age or older with developmental disabilities are eligible to attend the Adult Therapeutic Day Camp The Arc co-sponsors each summer with The Anniston Parks and Recreation Department.
Volunteer requirements
- Willingness to work with adults with developmental disabilities
- Submission to required background check
- Provide own transportation to and from camp
- Creativity a plus, but not a requirement
Contact person at The Arc: Pati Tiller – 256-236-2857
Art Instruction for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
The Arc provides weekly art classes for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The classes are led by artist Peg Tyler and take place each Wednesday afternoon with art students in groups from Northern Calhoun County and Southern Calhoun County attending every other week (due to transportation scheduling. Students from Cleburne County are also welcomed to attend.
Contact person at The Arc: Pati Tiller – 256-236-2857
Volunteer requirements
- Willingness to work with adults with developmental disabilities
- Provide own transportation
- Creativity a plus, but not a requirement
Contact Person at The Arc: Pati Tiller– 256-236-2857
The Arc office is located at
401 Noble Street, Anniston AL
Across the Salvation Army Chapel
You are welcome to come by and speak to us in person!