By Staff
ADULTS
FERNWOOD BOTANICAL GARDENS on Range Line Road near Buchanan produces "The Lights Before Christmas" each year. This is a magnificent lighting display on the grounds that is open each evening from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Due to the high volume of visitors to the event, volunteer parking attendants are invited to assist staff with directing visitors' cars into the parking lot.
If you would like to be a part of this event this year, please call the Volunteer Center to connect.
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.
To connect, call the Volunteer Center.
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. 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:
Monday, Nov. 28 at St. Joseph Elks Lodge on Broad St. – 9:00 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 30 at Lake Michigan College on Napier in Benton Harbor 9-2:45
ADULTS AND YOUTH
THE BERRIEN COUNTY HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION maintains the 1839 Courthouse Museum in Berrien Springs. Over the holidays, the Association will host an exhibit at Orchards Mall beginning Nov. 19 and ending on Jan. 15.
If you are at least 16 and can staff the exhibit for a minimum of one four-hour shift during that time, your help would be welcome. Shifts times are 12 noon-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12-6 on Sunday. To connect, 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 17, 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
THE BERRIEN COUNTY COMMUNITY RESTORATIVE BOARD assists young people to avoid delinquent behavior and to grow into mature adults. The board is seeking youth members between the ages of 15 and 18 from the Bridgman, Niles and St. Joseph areas to serve as peer mentors. Peer mentors sit on a panel to help youth make amends to society and the victims of the crime. Youth board members would attend meetings on one weeknight per month from 6-8:30 p.m. If you would like more information, call the Volunteer Center.
Call the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan in Niles at (269) 683-5464.