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
• Are you hungry for corn dogs or other fried foods?  Would you like to volunteer for four hours and receive a free in and out day pass that allows you to both volunteer and visit the animal displays at the Berrien County Youth Fair?  If so, Kristen would like to talk to you about staffing the History Center at Courthouse Square/Berrien County Historical Association’s booth. They will be selling local and regional history books as well as items from the museum store. Funds generated from the sales will directly support the History Center.  Shifts are available Aug. 15-20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 3 to 7 p.m. and 7 to 11 p.m.

Adults
• Live United by becoming a community impact investment team member with the United Way of Southwest Michigan. You will meet with your investment team in one of four areas: education, income, health and basic needs. Volunteers ensure that dollars raised are invested in the community’s most needed and effective human service programs.  The team reviews progress reports submitted by sponsored agencies, provides constructive feedback and may recommend funding adjustments. Investment Team members can expect to spend approximately 10 to 15 hours a year in meetings and another 6 to 20 hours reading reports to prepare for meetings. A three-year commitment is requested. Team business is normally conducted during the workday and the regular meeting time is determined by the individual teams making every effort to accommodate the schedules of their members.
• Thinking about fall and how you would like to volunteer? The Readiness Center in Benton Harbor provides educational programs for low-income parents and their children. As a preschool volunteer you would work with children ages 3 to 5 assisting in learning activities, circle time, crafts and play. Classes meet Tuesday through Thursday, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and Monday through Thursday, 1 to 3 p.m. September through May.  Find a time that suits you and join in the fun!
• Dealing with cancer is hard, but your friendly face and kind words of assistance can make a difference.   Volunteer at the welcome center information desk at Lakeland HealthCare Marie Yeager Cancer Center by assisting patients and visitors. Currently there are open slots waiting for you Monday through Friday, 12:30 to 5 p.m.

• Volunteer by donating blood!

Berrien County Chapter of the American Red Cross
• Thursday, Aug. 11 — St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2673 West John Beers Rd., Stevensville, noon to 5:45 p.m.
For a complete listing, visit www.berrienredcross.org.

Michigan Blood
• Monday — Benton Harbor Girls’ Association for Learning and Self Esteem, 580 Columbus, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Wednesday — Coloma High School, Junior High Library, 300 West Saint Joseph St., 3 to 8 p.m.
For a complete listing, visit www.miblood.org.

Adults and youth
• Hot weather calls for Gelato. Volunteer as a gelato server and retail assistant at the Water Street Glassworks/Gelatoworks and you will get to sample all the flavors available. Not only will you serve gelato and assist shoppers, but you will get to introduce customers to the Water Street Glassworks School and Studio. You can tell them about the artists and all the great education opportunities they are offering the community -especially young people.
• Do you have a special skill? Recently a clown came to visit the Volunteer Center and since then has been a part of several community events — having fun and making people smile. What is your talent? Contact the Volunteer Center and we will find the volunteer opportunity that matches your skill and schedule.
• Have you thought about doing your own volunteer project? If you have a box and know people, we have got an easy but important project for you! Children in protective and foster care and vulnerable adults are in need of the following personal care products:  personal hygiene items, baby diapers, baby wipes and other baby care items. You could also collect new toys for children of all ages as well as coloring books and activities.  Pillows (with pillowcases or covers) are other items that can give a child something to cuddle. So here are your project steps: Step 1: decorate a box or bag. Step 2: make a simple flyer or practice what you will tell people. Step 3:  ask people to donate or put your box someplace where people will see it. Step 4: contact the Volunteer Center about how to get your donations to the Berrien County Department of Human Services.
• The Michigan Nature Association is always looking for people like you to help out at their sanctuaries across the state.  Activities include removing invasive species, trail maintenance, and general land stewardship. Work days are scheduled throughout the year at different days, times and locations. Visit www.michigannature.org to check out upcoming work days.
• Which animal is your favorite to ride on the carousel? Or do you love to eat popcorn and watch all the kids having fun? The Silver Beach Carousel is run by volunteers who take tokens, pop the popcorn and make sure the kids are safe. They are running many shifts and counting on you to keep the carousel running! Sign up to today and keep the carousel going round and round.

Youth
• The Volunteer Center and the City of New Buffalo are sponsoring beach cleanups on Mondays at the New Buffalo Beach from 8 to 10 a.m. Help clean up and then stay to enjoy the beach. You receive a free parking pass and a cool T-shirt. Contact Callie at 983-0912 or youth@volunteerswmi.org to sign up. Pre-registration for unaccompanied youth required. Families can just show up and help out.
• Join other youth volunteers for Activity Fun at Lakeland Continuing Care in St. Joseph from 2 to 3 p.m. the first Saturday of the Month — Aug. 6. As a volunteer, you will interact and help facilitate various activities with residents which may include wheelchair basketball, bowling and ring toss.  You may also play tabletop games such as Scrabble or just talk. Contact Callie at the Volunteer Center for more information. RSVPs appreciated but not required.