Who do you call in a disaster? The Red Cross
Published 7:32 am Tuesday, July 1, 2008
By Staff
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Reading the newspapers about the flooding along the Mississippi reminds us that one thing is certain, disaster will strike and compassionate people will be needed to provide humanitarian relief. Did you know that over 2000 Red Cross volunteers responded to over 30 large scale disasters this past spring? The Red Cross is a powerful national resource whose strength comes from volunteers. Volunteers train at their local chapter to assist with disaster relief anywhere it may occur whether in Michigan or along the Mississippi. The Berrien County Chapter of the American Red Cross has a full schedule of basic courses for disaster volunteers. Other counties offer these courses as well. There is no better time than now to become a Red Cross volunteer! ADULTS
Volunteers can make the most of every moment in the children's corner at the Hartford office of the Van Buren Department of Human Services by playing games and doing crafts with children while their parents are meeting with the staff.
MI Works! is not only the place to go to find a job, it is now the place to volunteer. Gain valuable work experience as you greet and assist job seekers. Choose the hours that will be best for you for a minimum of 20 hours a week.
Do you love discovering unique items at Goodwill? Be the first to see the items as a volunteer sorter. Choose the day and time that will be best for your schedule.
Who taught you how to put a worm on a hook so you could fish? Who showed you how to use the mixer and bake cookies? There are children hoping an adult will step up and show them how.
Learn more about mentoring opportunities on-line at www.volunteerswmi.org or call Nancy at the Volunteer Center.
ADULTS AND YOUTH
Many summer camps are still looking for volunteers. You can help with arts and crafts, nature education, horseback riding, athletic events, office work, and much more! Day camps and overnight camps everywhere give you the opportunity to volunteer with youth with disabilities, inner city youth, and children of all ages.
As one of the top art fairs in the country, the Krasl Art Fair on July 11- 14 attracts crowds of 70,000. Volunteer with a friend and enjoy the sights and sounds for an hour or two as you assist with the details to set up, take down and to keep things running smoothly.
Big Brothers Big Sisters, a Community of Caring has a special event planned for Van Buren County. As a Bowl for Kids' Sake committee member you will attend monthly meetings, assist in event planning, and seek the involvement of other community members. You will need to attend a training/orientation and should be at least 15 years old.
YOUTH
The Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph is looking for a volunteer youth intern, part-time to full time, to be administrative assistant to the director. Volunteers should be a strong advocate for both the fine and performing arts. Potential volunteers should be at least 16 years old.
FAMILIES
Calling all families! It is never too late to serve together and have fun while you are doing it. On Saturday, July 12 at the Benton Harbor Children's Art Fair, a premiere family event, volunteers will help children make bandanas, tropical flowers, masks and pottery. This annual event will take place at the Dwight P. Mitchell City Center. Volunteers are needed.