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 just 20 more 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 service area. Transportation volunteers are invited to provide rides to clients of the Center on weekdays between 7:45 a.m. and noon or between noon and 3 p.m. If you can help once a week, have a clean driving record, and are willing to drive the Center's vehicle, please call the Volunteer Center.
THE CASS COUNTY MEDICAL CARE AUXILIARY in Cassopolis seeks to improve the health and welfare of residents of the facility. Gift Shop attendant volunteers are welcomed to staff the shop one afternoon per weekday from 1-4 p.m. An understanding of long term care residents is a must. To connect, call the Volunteer Center.
LIGHTHOUSE HOSPICE serves Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties, providing quality end-of-life care to those in need. Volunteers are encouraged to become a part of this important work by providing pet or music therapy, patient visitations, community outreach or office support. If you are available on any weekday, your time would be a gift. Call the Volunteer Center.
THE BENTON HARBOR STREET MINISTRY GED sessions are held Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-12 noon. Students would welcome the support of volunteers to tutor them in English, math, science, social studies and reading on one of those days each week. To connect, call the Volunteer Center.
THE BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS invites you to participate in one of its blood drives this month: Mon., Oct. 31 – Celebration Cinema in Benton Harbor – 12 noon-5:45 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 3 at First Baptist Church, E. Main St., Niles from noon-5:45 p.m. Wed., Nov. 9 at 1st United Methodist Church, Leco Ct., St. Joseph 10 a.m.-3:45
ADULTS AND YOUTH
THE YWCA OF BERRIEN COUNTY provides fitness classes for seniors once a week at sites in Berrien Springs, Paw Paw; Benton Harbor, South Haven; Benton Harbor; Covert, and St. Joseph. The YWCA will provide training and certify all volunteer instructors. If you have one hour a week that you can spare to keep folks limber, call the Volunteer Center!
FAMILIES
Did you know that Fall is an ideal time to plant trees – to increase the beauty of your yard and to increase the oxygen level in your breathing area!
In fact, a single tree with an 18-inch trunk produces enough oxygen throughout the year to support a family of four, and an average-sized tree absorbs as much carbon from the atmosphere as is produced by a car driven 26,000 miles. Tree lower heart rates and reduce stress. Hospital patients who have a view of trees heal faster, use fewer pain medications and leave the hospital sooner than those with a view of a brick wall. So, why not make it a family affair and plant trees this Fall. It will make the tree happy and it will make you healthier!
THE CASS COUNTY PARKS DEPARTMENT is hosting a Halloween event on Saturday, Oct. 15 in Vandalia. Families are invited to be part of the Halloween event support staff on that day between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Volunteers will be greeting visitors; overseeing the children's fun trail, and helping with concessions. To connect, call the Volunteer Center.
YOUTH
BROOKVIEW SCHOOL in Benton Harbor provides a Montessori program for children six week of age to fourteen years, nurturing children as whole and integrated persons and supporting families. The school welcomes volunteers of all ages interested in supporting its Tuition Assistance Program by participating as Silent Auction supervisors at the event to be held Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Mendel Center. Sound like fun? Call the Volunteer Center to connect.