In cooperation with the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan, we are pleased to 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 affiliated with the HandsOn Network.

Spotlight of the Week
• Are you interested in learning about Child Protective Services, foster care, adult services, assistance payments and other programs of the Berrien County Department of Human Services? As a general volunteer aide you will learn all about them as you assist with clerical tasks. Volunteers should be responsible adults who understand the importance of rules, policies, procedures and confidentiality.

Adults
• Heartland Human Care Services — The Opportunity Center in Benton Harbor is a busy place helping respond to human needs and promoting permanent solutions. Volunteers are key to their ability to serve.  As an administrative volunteer you will make copies, answer phones at the front desk, make phone calls for participants, file, stuff envelopes, distribute brochures and assist office staff as needed. You will not be bored! Training is provided so you are an integral part of the team.
• 4-H Berrien County MSU Extension utilizes volunteers to offer a wide range of personal development experiences for youth ages 5-19. Five- to 8-year-old programming is activity-based, cooperative, fun and experiential. The combined efforts of parents, volunteer leaders, resource personnel and MSU Extension staff provide opportunities to learn, grow and have fun. Days and times vary based on club and project arrangements. Volunteers should be at least 21 years old and will need to complete an application process that includes a background check, interview and reference check.  Orientation and training will be provided. Check out this and other opportunities either online at www.volunteerswmi.org or call the Volunteer Center to connect.
• Berrien County Cancer Services provides free, skilled home nursing services, equipment, information and supplies. They have a Facebook page but need someone like you to keep it up-to-date with interesting and educational information. Think about it — in 15 minutes a day you could help cancer patients!
•Would you like to be a Handy Helper? Cass County Council on Aging invites you to help make seniors’ homes safer. Do simple repairs and installations such as grab bars, railings, non-skid tape and smoke detectors. Doing weatherization and building wheel chair ramps is also a big need. If you are Mr. (or Mrs.) Fix–it or have some carpentry experience your skills are highly sought- after. Licensed electricians or plumbers are also in demand. Days and times are flexible.
•It’s getting close to that time of the year when some of our lucky friends and neighbors head south for the winter.  Some of these snowbirds volunteer to drive for local organizations like veterans, Senior Nutrition, senior centers and CARES.  Your skills as a driver are in demand!  Contact the Volunteer Center to explore which driving opportunity is right for you.  We’ll even let you take the summer off when the snow birds return.
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance provides services to people with mental illness. Volunteer as a publishing assistant and help create a booklet to educate people about mental health topics.
Ask your circle of friends, family and co-workers how many of them have received blood products during their life? You might be surprised at how many people you personally know have benefited.

Berrien County Chapter of the American Red Cross
For a complete listing visit www.berrienredcross.org.

Michigan Blood
Monday, Nov. 14 – The Chapel, Classroom, 4250 Washington Ave., St. Joseph, 4 to 8 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 18 — First Church of God, The Gathering Area, 2627 Niles Ave., St. Joseph, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 18 — New Buffalo High School, gym/track, 1112 E. Clay St., New Buffalo, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.miblood.org.

Adults and youth
• Michigan Blood helps people make a life-saving difference through blood products and service excellence.  Do you have special talents you want to contribute to their mission? They want you to call them and talk about what they have available and about your next great idea of how you would like to help.
• The Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven is dedicated to the preservation of Michigan Great Lake waterways, maritime history and culture.  The ship “Friends of Good Will” may be docked for the winter but there are plenty of volunteer opportunities inside. For example, you can be a docent tour guide and promote and interpret exhibits for visitors. You should have good communication skills and the ability to work independently. Your willingness to learn, share and interpret historical and cultural information to the public will be appreciated. You will provided with training and have the opportunity to shadow an experienced docent.

Families
• Mark your calendars — National Family Volunteer Day is Saturday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. until noon at First Church of God in St. Joseph. The Volunteer Center has invited multiple nonprofits that will have on site, hands-on volunteer activities for all ages and abilities. Everything from making cat toys for the animal shelter to creating cards for the troops. It’s a great way to start the holiday season by giving back.
• Holidays are just around the corner and many organizations are having food drives. It is easy to go through your pantry or pick up a few extra items at the store. Involve your kids and do a food drive at their school, your house of worship or in your neighborhood. Contact the Volunteer Center for more information on groups needing your donation.