By Staff
ADULTS
THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT COALITION, a program of Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency, welcomes volunteers who have some accounting or tax preparation experience and an ability to empathize with low-income residents of our area. Bilingual volunteers, especially those fluent in Spanish, are encouraged to apply, as well. If you are available for a few weeks on Saturdays (8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.) or Mondays (3:30 – 7 p.m.) between January and April and are willing to attend a training session, your assistance would be welcome. Volunteer support is also welcomed for reception duties; conducting client registration and surveys; and answering the telephone.
FERRY STREET SCHOOL COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER in Niles invites volunteers to serve as literacy teachers in helping local residents of diverse ages learn how to read. Volunteers would meet with students on Mondays and Thursdays from 2-4 p.m.
BERRIEN COUNTY TRIAL COURT, FAMILY DIVISION assists young people to avoid delinquent behavior and grow into mature adults. The program invites volunteers to become Intake Assistants who would work one day a week at the Courthouse in St. Joseph supporting the work of the Deputy Registers.
FAITH IN ACTION RESPITE CARE provides short-term intervals of relief for individuals and families who have fulltime, round-the -clock responsibility for a homebound person. If you would like to volunteer to become a respite care aide in this non-denominational program, you will receive six hours of training from a variety of professionals in South Bend. Volunteers, who only socialize with the homebound person, (no cooking, cleaning or dish-washing allowed) are asked to be available once a week for 2-4 hours, and they may choose daytimes, evenings and/or weekends to participate.
THE BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS invites you to participate in one of its blood drives this month: Tuesday, Nov. 15 at Eau Claire High School on Hochenberger Rd. 10 a.m.-3:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 16 at Red Cross office, Riverview Dr. Benton Harbor 10 a.m.-3:45 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 17 at Highlands Church on Red Arrow in Sawyer 12 noon-5:45 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 18 at River Valley High School, Three Oaks Road – 8 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 28 at St. Joseph Elks Lodge on Broad Street – 9 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
Wed., Nov. 30 at Lake Michigan College on Napier in Benton Harbor 9 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
ADULTS AND YOUTH
CITIZENS FOR PROGRESSIVE CHANGE works to improve the quality of life for Benton Harbor residents. To that end, the organization is collecting clothing for Hurricane Katrina residents who now live in Benton Harbor.
Volunteers are invited to help sort the clothing by size and gender to make distribution easier and more efficient. If you can help on any Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. or between 5 and 7 p.m., please call the Volunteer Center.
FAMILIES
Even though it is slowly cooling down outside, there are still plenty of things families can do at this time of year. Why not, anonymously or not, rake up leaves in the yard of an elderly neighbor or friend. It will allow all members of your family to help, it will be greatly appreciated. IT will teach your children a lesson about being kind and it will give your family something to talk about for weeks to come!
If you would like a family project in June that would culminate in a unique event on Saturday, June 17th, then THE HUMAN RACE 2006 at Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Center is just the thing! The Human Race is an opportunity for individuals, families, groups, and businesses to support the local nonprofit of their choice by registering for the race and then collecting pledges for their participation in the event. The event includes a certified 10K run, 1 5K run, a 5K walk and a One Mile, barrier-free, paved walk. Sponsored by the Volunteer Center, this event raises funds for nonprofits throughout southwest Michigan. To receive a copy of the Registration forms, call the Volunteer Center. Join The Human Race!
YOUTH
Interested in helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina? Like to bowl with your friends? You can do both on Saturday, November 12 10 a.m. and Sunday, November 13 at 1 p.m. at Blossom Lanes in Benton Harbor. Council for World Class Communities' Youth Empowerment Team is sponsoring the event and is recruiting four-person teams who are asked to raise $40 per team for the cause. Great prizes include XBox, MP3 Players, IPOD Shuffles, and gift certificates. To sign up, call 269.923.3856 or go to www.bowling.cwcconline.org.
Call the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan in Niles at (269) 683-5464.