By Staff
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Michigan Gateway Community Foundation's youth advisory group consists of high school student leaders who gain an understanding of philanthropy through the practice and experience of investing foundation monies in their communities. As Youth Advisory Coordinator you would facilitate and guide meetings one Sunday a month for two hours in Buchanan. An additional eight hours a month of coordinating work should be expected, but can be done on your schedule. Any adult, including a college student or retiree, who has a desire to lead high school age youth, knowledge of the community, a passion for helping others and a familiarity with foundation work, is eligible. Training will be provided. Contact the Volunteer Center to connect.
ADULTS
The Veterans Administration and the Disabled Veterans Transportation Network are seeking a roster of drivers for Tuesday and Thursday trips to the veteran's hospital in Battle Creek. Drivers should be willing to leave at 6 a.m. and be gone all day. You need to be insurable, pass a physical and tuberculosis test, and attend a training session.
Looking for the perfect red gift for Valentine's Day? Give the gift of life – give blood.
BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS blood drives:
Friday, Feb. 9 – Peace Lutheran Church, 3590 Lincoln Ave., St. Joseph – noon to 5:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 14 – Celebration Cinema, Benton Harbor – noon to 5:45 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.berrienredcross.org
MICHIGAN COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER blood drives:
Tuesday, Jan. 30, Community Donor Center, 3900 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph – noon to 7 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 1 – Grace Lutheran Church, 7185 N. Elm St. Eau Claire – 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.miblood.org
ADULTS AND YOUTH
Each year, fifth graders in Berrien County have the opportunity to attend Natural Resources Day at the Berrien County Fairgrounds in Berrien Springs. Students learn how to care for their environment and why it is important. Four volunteers can assist the organizing committee on Tuesday, April 24 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with set up. No special skills are required. Berrien County Resource Recovery has opportunities for additional volunteers to present information to the kids either on Wednesday, April 25 or Thursday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Volunteers will enjoy giving a 20-minute presentation multiple times as students rotate through information stations. Volunteers will receive information and a presentation outline well in advance. Volunteers should be comfortable standing and working either in a barn or outside. They will also be invited to a volunteer appreciation lunch following the event.
National Project Homeless Connect is happening nationwide on Jan. 25. The goal is to collect data on who is homeless, what their needs are and where they live. Data will also be collected on families and individuals who are at risk of becoming homeless. This is an urban and a rural problem so activities will be happening throughout Berrien County. This day will also serve as a test run for a new approach by seeing if we as a community can create a one-stop place for families and individuals to receive services to help prevent and end homelessness. On Jan. 25, opportunities are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout Berrien County. One hundred volunteers are sought to work in two-hour shifts.
FAMILIES
Do you have young children? Would you like to teach them about volunteering, but aren't sure how? The Family Volunteer Coordinator can help you figure out a fun activity for the whole family. One idea is to make cards for seniors or service men and women. One family who contacted us recently colored placemats and took them to a local senior center. During the meal, dad played some music on his guitar and the mom and child talked with seniors who enjoyed their placemats and conversations with the four year old. Contact the Volunteer Center to connect.
YOUTH
It may feel like spring, but it is still winter and that means ice festivals. The Greater South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce is having theirs on Saturday, Feb. 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ten volunteers are needed to assist with ice clean up, handing out information and with the amateur chili cook-off. Keep your heart warm on a winter day and have fun. Contact the Volunteer Center to connect with this and other festivals throughout the area.
To connect with any of these volunteer opportunities, call the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan in Niles at (269) 683-5464.