Around The Cracker Barrel - The Green Valley Sahuarita Volunteer ClearingHouse (Aired 11/07/2025)

On this week’s Around the Cracker Barrel, Guy Atchley speaks with Joyce Finkelstein, Executive Director of the Green Valley–Sahuarita Volunteer Clearinghouse, and Amber Woods, Board Chair, about one of the community’s most meaningful annual events — the Volunteer Showcase. Taking place on Wednesday, November 12, from 10 AM to Noon at the GVR West Center (1111 GVR Drive), the showcase connects residents with more than 40 nonprofit organizations looking for passionate volunteers. There is no cost to attend, and anyone curious about giving back or becoming involved in local projects is welcome.The event features organizations focused on health and wellness, community safety, senior services, youth mentoring, the arts, and more. Groups include Catalina Hospice, CASA, Continental School District, The Animal League of Green Valley, White Elephant, the Community Food Bank, and the Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers. Attendees can walk from table to table, talk to volunteers and leaders, and learn how their interests or skills—whether technology, clerical work, animal care, or one-time event support—can make a difference.Joyce and Amber share how volunteering can change lives—not just for the organizations served, but also for the volunteers themselves. From mentoring children who discover the joy of reading to delivering holiday gifts through the Angel Tree program, both guests talk about how service strengthens relationships and builds community. Volunteers gain purpose, connection, friendships, and the satisfaction of knowing they are improving lives right here in Green Valley and Sahuarita.Whether someone has one hour a month or several days a week, there are opportunities suited to every schedule. The Volunteer Clearinghouse also runs Hot Ops, a newsletter listing current volunteer needs, and a comprehensive website at GVSVolunteering.org where users can browse opportunities anytime. As Joyce says, “Green Valley runs on volunteers,” and the showcase is the perfect way to discover where you can make an impact.