By Staff
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Blueberries, crafts, sun and fun. Come be a part of the Blueberry Festival Craft Fair on Aug. 11 or 12 in South Haven. The Greater South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce would appreciate volunteer support to make this a successful fundraiser. As a craft show volunteer, you will receive a general orientation and be assigned your duties for your four hour shift. Double your fun by volunteering again on Sept. 1 and 2 for the All Craft Fair at Stanley Johnston Park.
ADULTS
United Way of Southwest Michigan improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. One of the ways it does this is by providing the community with an information and referral call center, First Call for Help. This call center helps about 700 people a month. The data base used is ready for an update and as a community resource database volunteer you can assure that the needed information is accurate and up to date. You will also learn about the many nonprofits and their services that are available in southwest Michigan. You will be working from a prepared script calling agencies to verify basic information. Requirements include good communication and phone skills as well as good handwriting. You can work anytime of your choosing Monday – Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Computers have become an important communication link to family, social services, information and the world. The Area Agency on Aging's SeniorNet and Bridges to Digital Excellence have teamed up to offer access to computers and education specially tailored to adults over 50. As SeniorNet Volunteer Coordinator at the Benton Harbor site you will coordinate all volunteer activities and oversee operations of the classroom. You should be over 50 yourself, but do not need to be retired. You will be mentored by the experienced volunteer who coordinates all the activities at the St. Joseph site. This position requires two to four hours a week with a minimum one year commitment. A small stipend is available.
Do you love animals, but prefer working with people? The Humane Society of Southwest Michigan depends heavily on volunteers to "get the job done!" Managing these valuable human resources is a critical task. Join the Humane Society as their Volunteer Coordinator and you will recruit, train, schedule, retain, and enjoy working with their many volunteers. You should have excellent people skills as well as strong leadership and problem solving abilities.Background in nonprofits or human resources is an asset. You should have a working knowledge of computers to facilitate your work.
BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS blood drives:
Thursday, Aug. 9, Buchanan Senior Center 131 S. Oak: noon – 5:45 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.berrienredcross.org
ADULTS AND YOUTH
Did you know the gift shop at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles helps buy important medical equipment? Of course they also help encourage and cheer patients by making it easy for visitors to bring gifts.
Come be a part of this important service when you volunteer at the Niles gift shop. You will help customers with their purchases, deliver phone orders, run the cash register and visa machines. You can choose to work on either Saturday or Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
YOUTH
Sarett Nature Center, Benton Harbor – Do vast wide outdoor spaces intrigue you? Can you answer phones, help staff the gift shop, assist with general maintenance and cleaning, and work with the naturalist to eliminate invasive non-Native to Michigan species by removing them? Think, maybe working out in nature is something you'll enjoy this summer.
Call the Volunteer Center today to volunteer.