2006 Wishbook offers many ways to help

Published 9:25 am Tuesday, December 13, 2005

By Staff
ADULTS AND YOUTH
Time over the holidays is a precious commodity, and it is often spent with family and friends. Why not consider doing something special for a nonprofit organization during this time?
Call the Volunteer Center and ask for our 2006 Wishbook; it will give you lots of ideas on ways you can make donations of items that you have in your home. Spring cleaning knows no season!
ADULTS
Generosity knows no season, but this is the time of year that we all remember that the best gifts don't come wrapped in ribbons and paper. They are gifts of the heart whose value is priceless to those who receive them.
Your time is a gift. Your energy is a gift. Consider giving that kind of gift this year to your loved ones, your neighbors and your community.
THE CASS COUNTY MEDICAL CARE FACILITY AUXILIARY seeks to provide service to the residents that help improve their health and welfare. Volunteer gift shop attendants are invited to participate in making this happen.
If you can help keep the gift shop open from 1-4 p.m. on any day, then residents can depend on the shop to be open regularly. The schedule is flexible, and changes can be arranged as needed. To connect, call the Volunteer Center.
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.
FAMILIES
Hey, sports fans! “Great Teams, Great Players, Great Coaches” is the theme of the BERRIEN COUNTY HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION'S upcoming exhibit (now through January) at Orchards Mall in Benton Harbor. The exhibit will trace the history of high school basketball in Berrien County, so come and volunteer as a family to host the exhibit, greet visitors and learn some exciting sports information about our area.
Shift choices are Monday through Saturday from 12 noon-4 p.m. or 4-8 p.m. Sundays, you could volunteer from noon to 3 or from 3-6 p.m. If you can work one or more of these shifts, please call the Volunteer Center and we will get you started!
YOUTH
‘Tis the season! There is lots going on at many of the local nonprofit organizations at this time of year, and you may be able to help them accomplish their holiday missions! Some are packing holiday baskets from families who need them; others are welcoming volunteers willing to come in and offer musical programs to clients; while still others are hoping that you can provide a gift for a child during this season.
There are many opportunities to help during this very special season. Connect by calling or e-mailing the Volunteer Center.
Looking for a hands-on opportunity during your holiday break this year?
CURIOUS KIDS' MUSEUM is planning a robot exhibit for kids of all ages beginning Dec. 26-31 and again from Jan. 2-7 from noon to 4 p.m.
If the kid in you is looking for a unique activity, why not have fun setting up the exhibit with staff members, supervising children playing with the exhibits that includes a huge chain reaction controlled by the marble works and dominoes!
Join the fun and call the Volunteer Center to get connected.
Call the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan in Niles at (269) 683-5464.