By Staff
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
One of the joys of living in Southwest Michigan is finding quiet places where nature creates heaven on earth. If you haven't visited Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve you are missing just such a place. Volunteers are essential to maintaining and ensuring Fernwood's enduring beauty. On Thursday, July 31, in the morning you can work on invasive plant control by helping hand-pull crown vetch and cutting black locust saplings from the prairie area. Other projects, both outdoors and indoors are available on a regular basis.
ADULTS
Do you enjoy parties? The Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan is having its second annual roast on July 25. Coach Uzelac of St. Joseph High School will be roasted and toasted for being an example of the power of mentoring. Sign up to come the day of the event to help with set up, greet attendees, or hand out information about the importance of volunteerism.
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. Being prepared and trained takes time. The Berrien County Chapter of the American Red Cross has a full schedule of basic courses for disaster volunteers.
BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS blood drives:
Tuesday, Aug. 19 – Michiana Christian Embassy, 1922 E. Main St., Niles: 1 to 6:45 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.berrienredcross.org
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.
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. Help raise awareness of the importance of mentoring while you help raise funds. You will need to attend a training/orientation and should be at least 15 years old.
YOUTH
Harbor Habitat for Humanity builds houses and can help you build your resume and skills. They have created a special administrative assistant position for a high school junior or senior to learn and serve in all aspects of Habitat's Benton Harbor Office. Duties will include, but are not limited to: some data entry, phone work, computer skills and filing. This position is a part of the Volunteer Center's Summer Youth Serve.
Dude it's time to leave facebook and myspace behind and get in touch with the real world. Need something to do for the rest of summer? Transportation an issue? Why not create your own service project? Collect food from your neighbors for a food pantry or pop tabs for a Ronald McDonald House. Help a neighbor with their yard or play with their kids.
FAMILIES
Are you worried about your kids losing their writing skills over the summer? Why not have them write letters to soldiers serving overseas? They can also write notes, make cards or create small art for homebound seniors receiving Meals on Wheels.
Curious Kid's Museum is an educational, hands-on discovery center that stimulates children's curiosity, learning, and creative expression. On Aug. 9 they are taking the Museum outdoors during Chalk the Block Festival in downtown St. Joseph. Volunteers will assist staff members with free games and craft activities. Assistants can work 1-3 hours according to the hours that fit their schedule. Three assistants are needed for each shift.