By Staff
SPOTLIGHT AGENCY
OF THE WEEK
The Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor inspires and enables young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. If you are available four hours a week after 3:30 p.m., you can become an art assistant. You will help elementary age children enjoy art and develop a caring positive relationship with an adult. State and Federal background checks are required. Orientation and training are provided. Contact the Volunteer Center to connect.
ADULTS
The Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph brings people and art together. Volunteer as a greeter and receptionist once a week Monday through Friday for a three-hour shift between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. You will enter the world of art and learn about exhibits and existing galleries.
If you ever wanted to walk the beat, now is your chance! You are invited by the Saint Joseph Police Department to join their Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (RSVP). RSVP strives to improve the community by enhancing the delivery of municipal services and improving the overall life of the community. This includes activities such as vacation home checks and ordinance patrol. If you are 55 or older, have daytime availability and have an interest in maintaining a safe community, this may be the position for you. Interested volunteers must also pass a background check and participate in at least 15 hours of training. Contact the Volunteer Center to connect.
Need to find the perfect gift? Holidays are often a critical time for our blood supply since fewer people donate. Give the gift of life, give blood.
BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS blood drives:
Monday, Jan. 15 – Elks Lodge #541, 518 Broad St., St. Joseph – noon to 5:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 24 – Jordon Nursing Home, 9934 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman – 12:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 26 – Community Hospital Watervliet, 400 Medical Park Dr. – noon to 5:45 p.m.
For a complete listing, visit www.berrienredcross.org.
MICHIGAN COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER blood drives:
Tuesday, Jan. 2 – Blood Donor Center, 3900 Hollywood Rd., St. Joseph – noon to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 3 – Baroda American Legion, 9214 First Street – 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 6 – Blood Donor Center, 3900 Hollywood Rd., St. Joseph – 8 a.m. to noon
For a complete listing, visit www.miblood.org.
ADULTS AND YOUTH
Berrien County Network Teen Parenting, a program of Child and Family Services, helps teen parents make good decisions for themselves and their babies. As childcare assistants, volunteers will receive training in child CPR and first aide. Volunteers need to be available Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Benton Harbor while young mothers attend group meetings.
FAMILIES
Many organizations including Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency in Benton Harbor and Helping Hands of Cassopolis are busy this time of year packing food boxes for families in need. Although hunger is not something we think of as a problem in our town, every day 33 million Americans do not get enough to eat. After all the food baskets are distributed the need continues. Your child can help these and other organizations by initiating a food drive at home, school, or place of worship. Cold months like January force some families to make difficult choices between heating bills and a nutritious dinner. Hunger is everywhere, so contact the Volunteer Center to help feed the hungry where you live.
YOUTH
Did you know more paper waste is created than any other kind of waste? How about starting a school recycling program? Need a little help? Contact Berrien County Resource Recovery to receive a free Steps to a Successful School Recycling Program guide. Ask if your school already has a program you can participate in or expand. If not, call a meeting, gather some friends and a teacher or school administrator and save the earth for your future. For other great projects and support contact Pat Leonard, Youth Volunteer Coordinator.
To connect with any of these volunteer opportunities, call the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan in Niles at (269) 683-5464.