Help clean up the world – or at least Tiscornia Beach

Published 9:11 am Tuesday, September 9, 2008

By Staff
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Clean up the World Weekend! Sound impossible? It's not if you join in by cleaning up one corner of the world. Join Gay Story, AmeriCorps Volunteer from the Michigan State Extension office and other world lovers at Tiscornia Beach in St. Joseph on Saturday, Sept. 20 anytime from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Come for an hour or stay all day … either way you can feel good about helping the environment, wildlife and your community.
ADULTS
Do you enjoy working with children and know how to laugh? Come join the fun by volunteering at the second annual Niles Costume Contest at the Niles District Library on Saturday, Oct. 25. Last year over 150 adorable children in scary, cute, funny and ridiculous costumes participated. Volunteers will assist with games and activities for the children and do general kid wrangling. You will be very busy, but the library will provide you with food and chocolate. Volunteers are encouraged to dress appropriately for the occasion – big shoes and a red nose would be just right.
Want to make a big impact helping working families? Become a part of the Earned Income Tax Coalition. Low income working families often do not take advantage of tax credits meant to help them, or they pay too much money for tax preparation services. Volunteer Tax Assistants receive a free IRS training that can be taken as a class or on-line. In 2006, volunteers helped Berrien County clients receive an average of $876 in earned income tax credits. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and willing to do tax preparations from late January through April 15, 2009. Opportunities are available in your local community. In Niles, two informational meetings are being held on Sept. 16 at noon at LMC and at 5:30 p.m. at the Niles District Library. Trainings will be held in Niles on Tuesdays and Thursdays for three weeks starting Oct. 28 with an additional update training in January.
BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS blood drives:
Saturday, Sept. 13 – Harbert Community Church, 6344 Harbert Rd., Sawyer: 10:15 a.m. – 4 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.berrienredcross.org
MICHIGAN COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER blood drives:
Saturday, Sept. 13 – Wal-Mart, 2107 S. 11th St., Niles: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 17 – Berrien Teachers Credit Union, 2920 Lakeview, St. Joseph: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.miblood.org
ADULTS &YOUTH
Blood saves lives. Come be a part of an American Red Cross Blood drive by helping unload equipment and setting up. Volunteers should be over 18 and able to lift 50 lbs. Volunteers can also play an essential part in getting donors to the drives by distributing posters to businesses and community buildings. Volunteers should be over 18, reliable and have a dependable vehicle. Places and times will vary for both these opportunities so contact the Red Cross for specifics.
Still saying goodbye to summer? Believe it or not plans are already in the making for the holidays. Salvation Army depends on bell ringers November through December to raise the funds needed to help the community all year long. Sign up now and get it on your calendar before you get booked with other activities. Volunteers should be at least 15 years old and willing to donate at least 2 hours.
FAMILIES
Hunger and proper nutrition are an issue all year round for more families in your own back yard than you might realize. With current economic conditions, area food banks are experiencing a large increase in families seeking help. Supplies are running low. How can you help? You can go through your pantry and donate a bag of groceries. You can organize a food drive … it is easier than you think. A food drive doesn't need to fill a whole truck…grab a couple bags and have your neighbors, family and friends help your kids fill them. Let your children deliver the bag of groceries and learn about community issues. Not sure where your local food bank is? The Volunteer Center can put you in contact with the food pantry in your neighborhood.
September is National Preparedness Month. www.ready.gov has a special kid's page with information on how to be prepared for an emergency. Kids can learn important information and get their household prepared.