Volunteering is a great way to meet other young people

Published 8:24 am Tuesday, April 21, 2009

By Staff
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
V-Junction is a new group sponsored by the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan that combines social and volunteering opportunities. You will meet other young professionals at a monthly mixer at the Boulevard Inn &Bistro. Each month a different speaker educates the group about a local nonprofit and community issue. Monthly Saturday volunteer opportunities offer you an easy way to give your time with a group of your peers. Send an e-mail to vjunction1@gmail.com to be added to the e-mail list. ADULTS
SeniorNet is an all volunteer program of the Area Agency on Aging that teaches computer skills. If you are 50 or older and would like to share your computer expertise, meet new people and make an important contribution why not become a SeniorNet coach? You will assist the instructor during class and help students. You should be patient and enjoy helping others. A minimum two week commitment is required.
Be a part of the largest national one day food drive. The National Association of Letter Carriers Annual Food Drive is on Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Come help for an hour or stay all day. You can
choose to stay at the Post Office and help move donated food at the loading dock. Another option is to walk or drive with letter carriers to pick up food along mail routes. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. This
is a great opportunity for youth, families, and groups to volunteer together. You can also help by setting out food for the letter carriers to collect. It is fun day that will reinforce your faith in neighbors taking care of neighbors.
Would you like to do a little bit of everything? This volunteer position at the Michigan Community Blood Center provides a variety of tasks. You will fill in where needed doing tasks as varied as answering phones, folding t-shirts, mailing letters, or serving juice and cookies at drives. This volunteer position is Monday through Friday, but the times you volunteer are flexible. Training will be provided.
Do you have a reliable vehicle? Would you be able to pick up prescriptions, get mail, take a patient to an appointment, go grocery shopping for a patient or care giver? If you answered yes to one or all of the above Lakeland Hospice has a volunteer opportunity for you. Your volunteer service can be done at a time that fits your schedule. Volunteers should be over 18.
FAMILIES
Does your family have extra love to give? Your family can provide a
temporary home for a rescued dog or cat until it is adopted. Animal Aid
is an all volunteer animal welfare/rescue organization dedicated to preventing the suffering of injured, abused, neglected and homeless animals in Berrien County. Home visits are required for initial approval and any currently owned pets must be current on all vaccinations.
Does your family enjoy music and the beach? The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra has opportunities to join their volunteer summer concert staff. They have a total of six beach concerts over the summer, two in New Buffalo and four in St. Joseph/Benton Harbor. Volunteers greet people as they arrive, collect tickets, assist with concert set up and clean up, or help with parking.
Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's 24 hour national signature event. It offers everyone the opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. Relay for Life isn't just a fundraiser. It provides your community an opportunity to fight back-to make a difference in the battle against cancer through support of increased research, education, advocacy efforts and patient service programs. You can become
involved by rallying a team, joining the planning committee, walking a lap or making a donation.
YOUTH
Do you love going to camp? Van Buren Youth Camp has opportunities for high school students aged 14 to 18 to serve as cabin counselors for young campers. You will live and play with the children attending camp Sunday through Saturday and grow as a leader. The mission of the Van Buren Youth Camp in Bloomingdale is to develop youth leadership opportunities through programs and experiences in the natural environment that builds a healthy physical, mental and spiritual person.
Ronald McDonald House Charities has a family room at Memorial Hospital in South Bend providing a home away from home: for families of seriously ill children in Michiana area medical facilities. Their teen board offers an opportunity for young people to get involved with a global charity at a local level. Teen will perform community service, outreach, and volunteer. Teens will also promote and fundraise for the charity to specifically benefit the local family room. Days and times vary for meetings and events. You should be between 15 to 18 years old.