By Staff
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Are you looking to make a connection? Are you interested in making your community a better place? Would you like to build new skills or use the talents you have developed over the years? For 30 years the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan has promoted, supported and connected volunteers seeking to build strong, caring communities. The Volunteer Center is excited to offer you a new way to connect to volunteer opportunities throughout Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties. Visit www.volunteerswmi.org to visit the new interactive site listing over 100 volunteer opportunities with new ones being added every day. If you are already volunteering, make sure your organization is listed. Welcome to making a personal connection in the technology age!
ADULTS
Are you looking for an exciting weekend? Do you enjoy working with people? If so, the Concessions Coordinator is the position for you. The Krasl Art Center is looking for a person or persons interested in developing and operating concessions during the annual "Krasl Art Fair July 12 -14, 2008. Food and art together….what could be better?
Hospitals always have lots of volunteer opportunities for all ages and abilities. At Community Hospital in Watervliet you can volunteer in the gift shop, patient registration, book cart, radiology, clergy service, outpatient therapy and many other areas as well.
Can we talk? Better yet, can you talk? Have you found your niche within a mentoring organization and have to shout it from the rooftops or you'll burst? Now is your opportunity to share what you know and speak to local groups about your adventures. This opportunity will help others learn what you already know "mentoring changes lives, two at a time" and encourage others to mentor someone today.
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. You can help with intake and other small duties needed on tax preparation days or you can choose to receive the IRS training and prepare actual tax returns. No experience is necessary. Training will be provided. Whether your commitment is big or small your efforts will make a financial difference in the life of a local family.
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.
Give the gift of life this holiday season!
BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS blood drives:
For a complete listing visit www.berrienredcross.org
MICHIGAN COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER blood drives:
Saturday, Dec. 29 – Martin's Supermarket, 720 S. 11st. Niles: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.miblood.org
ADULTS AND YOUTH
Clerical Worker is the title of this volunteer opportunity at Polly's Place in Niles, but it is really so much more! You can help with data collection, answering phones, working on writing quarterly newsletters, filing of reports, or even coming up with your own ideas for projects that will uplift and encourage abused women and children. Hours are available 24/7 since this is a residential program. If you have a graphic design background that would be great for special projects, but is not required. However you should have good computer skills and a compassion for others not as fortunate as yourself.
FAMILIES
Does your family love animals? Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan is looking for 25 temporary homes for rescued dogs and cats until they are adopted. Your current pets must be current on all vaccinations and home visits are required for initial approval. Volunteers also help out at adoption days.
YOUTH
Bridges to Digital Excellence changes a family's life by getting a computer into their home. Families receiving a computer must attend classes on basic computing, related technology and the internet.