By Volunteer Southwest Michigan

Each Christmas season, people who are elderly and adults with disabilities are genuinely remembered by our community. For one weekend each year, greeters are needed to stand inside the entrance doors at Martin’s Super Market in St. Joseph and Stevensville. The greeter inquires if shoppers would like to become a Secret Santa for a senior.

Near the entryway is a Christmas tree adorned with ornaments that list the wishes of the elderly/person with disabilities. Shoppers simply need to select one or more ornaments from the tree, find the item during their shopping trip and give the ornament and purchased item(s) to the cashier at the checkout as they are leaving the store. Gifts are delivered to the person’s home by  staff members of the Area Agency on Aging.

Court work

The Berrien County Trial Court Family Division needs volunteers for its Intake Department. Volunteers should have experience or perhaps be retired from working in an office environment and should be familiar with confidentiality and computers. Call (269) 983-7111 ext. 8454.

North Berrien Historical Museum

The museum is seeking assistance with moving and setting up more than 25 artificial Christmas trees in preparation for its annual Holiday Open House. Volunteers may also perform cleaning or decorating to help set up for the event.  Moving and set-up will take place between now and Nov. 16.

The museum’s Holiday Open House (Nov. 30-Dec. 2) and “Lights and Delights Fundraiser” on Nov. 29 also need volunteers. Activities could include greeting visitors/counting attendance, assisting with children’s crafts and gingerbread house decorating, or assisting with the Cookie Walk Fundraiser. Call (269) 468-3330.

Emergency Shelter Services

ESS is in need of volunteers to provide basic yard maintenance, such as raking, planting and mulching.  Projects range from light residential maintenance, such as replacing a door knob and weatherizing windows, to fixing a leaking roof.  Call (269) 925-1131.

In cooperation with Volunteer Southwest Michigan, we are pleased to publish opportunities for volunteers each week. To inquire about these opportunities or to make an appointment, call 983-0912 in the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor area, 683-5464 in the Niles area; visit www.volunteerswmi.org; or send email to volunteer@volunteerswmi.org for further information. Appointments do not constitute an obligation to accept a volunteer opportunity.  The center is a United Way agency affiliated with the HandsOn Network.