In cooperation with the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan, the Niles Daily Star will publish opportunities for volunteers each week.  To find out about these or other volunteer opportunities, please call 983-0912 in the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor area, 683-5464 in the Niles area; visit our website at www.volunteerswmi.org; or e-mail us at volunteer@volunteerswmi.org for further information. To arrange an appointment, please call ahead. Appointments do not constitute an obligation to accept a volunteer opportunity. The center is a United Way agency.

Spotlight of the Week

Krasl Art Center is celebrating this summer with its 50th Annual Art Fair. The place to be is going to be on the bluff in St. Joseph on the weekend of July 9 and 10. Do you have a few hours to volunteer, before or after you visit the fair? Tasks looking for volunteers include:

• Booth sitters: cover the booth for an artist while they take a break.

• Krasl Kids Zone Helpers: Activities for kids show them how to do it, supervise, restock supplies, etc.

• Water Sales: Water will be for sale — benefits the Krasl Art Center.

• Visitor Survey Helpers: survey the visitors as to their art fair experiences.

• Parking and Operations: provide directions as to parking for both visitors and art fair participants; tend to the behind the scenes details required to make the event go smoothly.

The Danielle, volunteer coordinator with the Krasl Art Center, will be able to provide you with details as to slots and tasks that are open to see if it fits your schedule: dshepherd@krasl.org.

Adults

• The Readiness Center in Benton Harbor provides educational programs for low-income parents and their preschool through grade 5 children. Most programming runs September through May but they are looking for volunteers to sign up now so they can be ready. You can volunteer as a parent room volunteer and participate in sewing, craft, writing or computer projects. Classes meet Monday through Thursdays with morning and afternoon activities. So pick a time that works for you and let your creative juices flow.

Have you visited the Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph? If not, you have been missing out! The Box Factory is a multi-use facility practicing and celebrating the arts while generating opportunities for the artists of our region to interact, educate, learn and grow. Be that friendly first person people talk to when they call or visit. As a volunteer receptionist greet and direct visitors and perform other duties such as occasionally helping with the gift shop. The Box Factory is open seven days a week and you can pick which shift you want to work. Support local artists by volunteering.

• Do you have special skills or licenses? Would you like to use those on a regular basis or a couple times a year? Contact the Volunteer Center and we would love to match your skill to a local organization. For example if you are an electrician, you can do a project or be on call for The Salvation Army in Niles. If you are a barber or beautician, Lakeland Hospice patients would love to have you visit them at home and attend to their hair care needs.

• First Tee, co-located with the Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor, provides local youth with activities that promote character development and life enhancing values through the game of golf. If you are a volunteer who likes kids and golf you are invited to join the action. Golf experience is helpful but not necessary since the program teaches life skills through the game of golf.

• Remember Mayberry? When you volunteer as an office assistant at the Paw Paw Police Department you can find out if Paw Paw is just like the TV show. Volunteers work mornings to help answer the phones, screen incoming calls, greet visitors, do data entry and other office work. You should have basic computer skills, and a working knowledge of copiers, faxes and other office equipment. Good communication skills and an ability to maintain confidentiality is required.

• Let’s get those kids active and safe! As a bicycle safety trainer for the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission you will assist with bicycle safety promotions which could include: creating promotional materials, distributing materials to communities, attending community festivals to promote bicycle safety, evaluating program effectiveness and coordinating events in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties. A background check is required to attend events with children. Training and supplies provided and a travel reimbursement is available.

• Did you attend any local graduations? Local high school students are donating blood at an inspiring rate…how about you?

Berrien County Chapter of the American Red Cross

Monday, June 27 — Andrews University, 400 University Blvd., Berrien Springs, noon to 5:45 p.m.

Thursday, June 30 — Just 5 Days at Orchards Mall, 1800 Pipestone, Benton Harbor, 11 a.m.  to  4:45 p.m.

For a complete listing, visit www.berrienredcross. org.

Michigan Blood

For a complete listing, visit www.miblood.org.

Adults and youth

Mmm, mmm good!  Every morning from 9:30 – 11 a.m. Bronson Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Lawton serves residents hot or cold refreshments. This morning social time is special to the residents and you as a volunteer can pick a day that works best for you. Residents will appreciate your time and conversation.

Families

Have you heard of Voluntourism, where people travel to another country to volunteer and vacation? Your family can do that locally.  Help pack food in Douglas on June 25 in the morning and then head to nearby Oval Beach in Saugatuck for the afternoon.  Think Globally, Act Locally!

“Who let the kids out … oof, oof … who let the kids out” (sing it). Are you wanting ways for your younger children to keep busy and do some good this summer? One idea is to make cards for the troops.  Contact Debra at the Volunteer Center for lots of other family volunteer ideas.

Youth

What are your plans for the summer? Callie and Crew have lots of great ideas on how you can connect to the volunteer opportunity that is just right for you.  Check out opportunities online at www.volunteerswmi.org or send Callie at e-mail at  youth@volunteerswmi.org for list of youth oriented opportunities. Remember to track your hours and earn recognition for participating in 2011 Youth Summer Serve.