By Staff
FAMILIES
Do you and your family love the outdoors and the cool beauty of a wooded creek. If so, the BUCHANAN FRIENDS OF THE TRAIL would love to have you join them as they improve and beautify the McCoy Creek area in Buchanan. For more information on the next event when you can participate, call the Volunteer Center.
ADULTS
EMERGENCY SHELTER SERVICES in Benton Harbor provides temporary housing for families and single parents with children while assisting them in finding a permanent home. The shelter welcomes the support of maintenance volunteers who could work one half-day a week or more to maintain the facility on Pipestone. To connect, call the Volunteer Center.
VENETIAN FESTIVAL is just around the corner in mid-July. There are scores of volunteer opportunities for those who would like to get involved. Some choices include helping with: beach events; bluff entertainment; classic car show; craft show; information central; kids' games; photography; and many other opportunities. If you would like to get involved, connect by calling the Volunteer Center.
BENTON HARBOR CHILDRENS' ART FAIR is scheduled for Saturday, July 9th, in the Territorial Rd. Arts District of Benton Harbor. If you can allow just three hours to support this event, your time will be appreciated. Duties include set-up from 8-11 a.m.; assisting artists; and encouraging interaction of children attending. To connect, call the Volunteer Center.
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS, BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER, reports that Berrien County residents utilize more blood products than are collected here. Here's your chance to change that! Participate in a blood drive in your area in June:
Tues., June 14 – First Church of God, Niles Ave. St. Joseph – noon-5:45 p.m.
Wed., June 15 – Red Cross Chapter, Riverview, Benton Harbor – 10 a.m.-3:45 p.m.
Fri., June 17 – St. Joseph Catholic Church Annex, Roosevelt Rd., Stevensville -noon-5:45
Tues., June 21 – Orchard Mall, Benton Harbor – 9 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
Sat., June 25 – Berrien County Fairgrounds, Berrien Springs – 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m.
ADULTS AND YOUTH
PARENTS AS TEACHERS, a part of GREAT START works with families to ensure that children are competent, self-assured and ready for school. Volunteers aged 16 and older are invited to participate in the summer program which will work with a small group of children to teach gardening techniques. The program will be held on June 13th and 14th in Benton Harbor, and children will take home plants in pots at the end of the session. To connect, call the Volunteer Center.
CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES runs a Respite Summer Camp for children with special needs at a local park during three one-week sessions between July 11th and August 12th. If you can volunteer to help foster the development of these children, your help would be welcome. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday during the weeks mentioned. If you can work one week or a few days over the entire period, please call the Volunteer Center to connect.
YOUTH
THE BERRIEN COUNTY HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION's 1839 Courthouse Museum welcomes volunteer maintenance and groundskeeper support on weekdays during the summer months. If you like working outdoors and are available between 9 and 6 p.m. on any weekday, this would be a great way to get in community service hours during the summer.
Duties would include repairs, painting, yard work or other related tasks as they arose. In addition, gift shop and information desk support also welcomes support from teen volunteers on Tuesdays through Fridays for a few hours. To connect, call the Volunteer Center
Call the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan Niles at (269) 683-5464.