By Staff
Spotlight of the week:
Every girl likes to look pretty whether she is 9 or 90. Helping someone feel pretty can be as easy as giving them a manicure at the Bronson Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Lawton. You can volunteer 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Once you start they will be waiting for you, so a weekly commitment is preferred. All volunteers must pass a criminal background check and complete a half-hour training session. Why not grab a couple friends and start your own nail salon?
ADULTS
Your financial donation to United Way makes it possible for many social services to be provided in our communities. Find out how you can donate your time as well. Van Buren County United Way is looking for office help Tuesdays -Thursdays and with special projects. United Way of Southwest Michigan is updating its data base and volunteers are needed.
Do you know family, friends and neighbors who are struggling to live independently in their own home? Would you like to help? Senior Volunteer and Intergenerational Programs has openings for its Family Friends Program. You would be matched with an older adult or someone with disabilities. As a volunteer you would visit them, play cards, take them to lunch, run errands, take them shopping … in other words be a friend. Volunteers in this program must be over age 50 and have transportation.
Nearly 100,000 pounds of electronics were recycled in Berrien County last year. Be part of the green solution and volunteer to help greet event participants, unload materials from people's vehicles and separate the electronics into their proper recycling category. Join Berrien County Resource Recovery on either April 9 or June 7 from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. Come for two hours or stay all day. Volunteers must be able to lift 25 to 50 pounds and be over 18 years old.
ADULTS AND YOUTH
Benton Harbor Children's Art Fair in July provides free access to the arts in all forms and brings together people and families from diverse backgrounds creating important bridges and relationships between generations, individuals, families and communities. All committees have opportunities for you to be involved.
Do you love kids? Then Harbor Harvest Urban Ministries in Benton Harbor has a great opportunity for you to join their exploration program as a leader. Urban Ministries has developed a holistic summer program for first – fifth graders. Caring volunteers over the age of 14 will provide loving supervision and facilitate these unique programs for 60 awesome kids. Sessions run 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday this summer.
Are you a handyman or woman willing to use your skills for hospice patients? Can you help with light housekeeping or minor carpentry work? Would you be willing to shovel (hopefully not till next winter!), mow a yard, plant a garden, rake autumn leaves? If so, Hospice at Home can use your skills and willingness to help. Opportunities are flexible to your schedule and talents.
FAMILIES
Is your family tired of the snow? Summer will eventually get here! Planning is already happening for the Berrien County Youth Fair. One of the many volunteer opportunities includes being a building watcher. Volunteers will sit in the exhibit buildings and help with entries and exhibit releases. The fair is Aug. 10 – 17 and shifts start at 10 a.m. and close at 10:30 p.m. Shifts are usually 2 to 4 hours. Think fair and sign up now.
Pears Mill is a 19th century water powered flour mill located in Buchanan. It is operated and restored by the Buchanan Preservation Society, an all volunteer organization. The mill is open for visitors every Saturday this summer and some Sunday afternoons. Guides take small groups of visitors on a 15 minute tour of the mill, as well as, initiating and controlling the milling operation. New guides will be trained and paired with an experienced guide their first time on duty. Come be a part of history.