By Staff
ADULTS
Everyone is wondering how s/he can help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. One of the best ways, according to the BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS, is to be prepared in your own region of the country. The Red Cross needs 90 volunteers to be trained in Basic Disaster Preparedness classes which are being scheduled immediately for individuals who:
1. Have a valid driver's license with no restrictions
2. Can lift 50 pounds
3. Have no health restrictions
4. Have no criminal background (this will be checked)
5. Can commit to 7-10 consecutive days to be away from home
6. Have health insurance coverage
Classes will be taken in the following order: Introduction to Disaster and Red Cross Orientation; Mass Care Overview; Shelter Operations; Shelter Simulation. To connect, call the Red Cross directly at 927.2288. Your help is needed
THE ST. JOSEPH-LINCOLN TOWNSHIP SENIOR CENTER provides safe, friendly and positive social educational and recreational services to enhance the independence of older citizens in the area. Volunteers are invited to become drivers for clients who no longer drive and need to get to medical appointments, the Senior Center and to necessary shopping. Vehicles are provided by the Senior Center. If you have a clean driving record and would like to support this service by volunteering one or more days a week of your choice for 3 or 4 hours, please call the Volunteer Center.
MADISON CENTER in South Bend provides SOS Volunteer Advocates for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. The next training series begins on Sept. 22 and will continue on 10 consecutive Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 10 p.m.
CITIZENS FOR PROGRESSIVE CHANGE would welcome the support of a volunteer bookkeeper who could maintain an organized bookkeeping system, including Quick Books. If you have such a background, have a few free hours each week, and would like to assist this Benton Harbor organization promote partnerships in the area, please call the Volunteer Center and we will help you get started.
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS blood drives continue with events scheduled for:
Wed., Oct 5 at Andrews University, Pioneer Memorial Church in Berrien Springs 10 a.m.-9:45 p.m.
Wed., Oct. 5 at Red Cross offices, Riverview Dr., Benton Harbor 10 a.m.-3:45 p.m.
Thurs., Oct. 6 at Lane Automotive, 8300 Land Dr., Watervliet from 10 a.m.-3:45 p.m.
Sat., Oct 8 at Weller Chevrolet, 9630 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman, 9 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
ADULTS AND YOUTH
THE SALVATION ARMY CORPS COMMUNITY CENTER in Benton Harbor provides a Homework Room that meets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. throughout the school year. Children in first through eighth grades can receive assistance from volunteers with their homework assignments and develop weaker skill areas. A quiet, supervised education setting is equipped with learning materials under the direction of a retired teacher.
SOUTH HAVEN AREA HOSPICE welcomes volunteers aged 16 or older to work in the office, work directly with families providing respite care through music therapy, reading, letter writing, or caregiver transportation on any day of the week. Eight two and a half hour training sessions, beginning Oct. 4 on Tuesday and Thursday evenings are required of all volunteers, as well as a TB test. If you would like to ease the burden of terminally patients and their families, this is a wonderful opportunity to do so.
FAMILIES
If ever there was a time to plan a neighborhood fundraiser, the time is now. Victims of Hurricane Katrina are in dire need of support through the Red Cross and other organizations. One of the best things local residents can do is raise money for the relief fund of the Red Cross. A bake sale, a car wash or any other activity that a family can plan will help the men, women and children of the Gulf Coast to reorganize their lives. For more ideas, call the Volunteer Center
YOUTH
THE SALVATION ARMY CORPS COMMUNITY CENTER in Benton Harbor maintains an Elementary After School Tutoring Program for Benton Harbor students in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades. Volunteers are invited to serve as aides to the staff teacher on any day of the week, Monday through Thursday from 4-5:30 p.m. Volunteers would work with one, two or a small group of children to develop mentoring relationships.
Call the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan in Niles at (269) 683-5464.