By Staff
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Would you like to put money back in the pockets of working families? The Tri-County Earned Income Tax Coalition is gearing up to prepare taxes and make sure low income working families receive all the tax benefits to which they are entitled. As a volunteer you will help families save the money they would spend on tax preparation and also save them from the lending fees associated with receiving early tax return checks. No experience is necessary. Training will be provided.
ADULTS
For holiday volunteering and giving ideas visit our web site at www.volunteerswmi.org
Do you enjoy driving, but have no where to go? The Cass County Council on Aging invites you to drive others to doctor appointments out of the county. Mileage reimbursement is available. Days and times vary so call with your availability.
Are you a Martha Stewart wanna-be? Would you like to plan parties and organize special events? At the Emergency Shelter, Inc. you can do all this and more for families and single parents with children while they search for permanent homes. Doesn't everyone deserve a party?
"Without YOU we don't ride." As a newsletter editor or web master you can ensure that children and adults benefit from Therapeutic Equestrian Center's programming. Enriching the mind, body and spirit for people with special needs through horse-related activities is their mission and you can play an important role by telling their stories.
Do you think you are just too average to be a mentor? As a stable and caring adult, you can spend time with a youth in need of developing academic or life skills and in just an hour a week help change a child's life.
Do you enjoy computers and children? At the Benton Harbor Boys and Girls Club, Computer Lab Assistants provide instruction and assist with computer activities, encourage participation and monitor behavior, and serve as a role model for children.
BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS blood drives: For a complete listing visit www.berrienredcross.org
MICHIGAN COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER blood drives:
Tuesday, Dec. 11 – Bosch, 816 E. Third S., Buchanan: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For a complete listing visit www.miblood.org
ADULTS AND YOUTH
Do you find wonder in learning? Do you enjoy kids and their natural curiosity? The Curious Kids Museum in St. Joseph is an educational, hands-on discovery center that stimulates children's curiosity, learning, and creative expression. As a floor interpreter you will interact with visitors by demonstrating exhibits or answering visitor's questions. You will also return exhibits to order by cleaning and tidying as necessary enhancing visitor's museum experience.
FAMILIES
Does your family like to fix things? Are you interested in teaching your older children your knowledge about home repairs? Many organizations that provide housing have an on-going need for such help. One of them is the Safe Shelter which provides a safe and well maintained environment for women and children escaping abuse. Doing house maintenance entails changing light bulbs and making light repairs.
There are many ways to support a cause you believe in. The Berrien County Council for Children seeks to shape a community that shields children from abuse and neglect. At the Children's Assessment Center they work to reduce the trauma of investigating child sexual abuse and seek to compassionately meet the children's needs. Would you like to be a part of maintaining a pleasant, peaceful environment for victims and their families? It is as easy as spending an afternoon in January and transplanting their thriving house plants into bigger pots. Your green thumb will have a long term impact.
YOUTH
You are the technology generation! The Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan is launching a new way to connect to volunteer opportunities through a web site that is the match.com of volunteering. It will also allow students to sign up for volunteering via e-mail and help track volunteer hours. Would you be interested in promoting this to your school? We would provide you with materials, goodies, and training.