SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
• Harbor Harvest Urban Ministries (HHUM) in Benton Harbor provides academic assistance, social skill development and relationship building opportunities for youth and their families. If you are familiar with QuickBooks and Excel and are ready to be responsible for all phases of accounting, payroll, assisting with budgets and HHUM’s annual tax return (990) contact the Volunteer Center to learn more about how to learn more about what is required to become their volunteer bookkeeper.  This is an important volunteer position that is a great way to keep your skills sharp or build new ones.

ADULTS
• Are you looking for a volunteer position you can do from your computer and phone? As special projects volunteer coordinator for Therapeutic Equestrian Center you will contact volunteers about special volunteer opportunities for fundraising activities and work days. You will also be responsible for paperwork for these volunteers (tracking volunteer hours, etc.). You will work with the PR chairperson and volunteer coordinator and will need to attend occasional meetings. Help enrich the mind, body and spirit of people with special needs by volunteering today.

• Gateway improves the life and level of independence of individuals with disabilities. Summer is still here and their grass keeps growing. You can make a difference by simply coming whenever it suits your schedule Monday through Friday and mowing the lawn with their riding mover and push mower. Also trimming hedges when needed and cleaning up would be appreciated.

• Do you have one lunch hour a week that you could share with a child in your work community?  Have you thought about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister but were not sure how to get started? Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass is welcoming new Bigs to its Lunch Buddy programs in communities through out southwest Michigan. The volunteer mentors for Eastside School in Niles say it is a unique opportunity to work together to provide friendship and support to children between 6 and 12 who welcome the connection.

• The Berrien County Courthouse in St. Joseph will hold a volunteer orientation in September for the new members of their Welcoming Team.  The Welcoming Team provides assistance and directions to the public as they enter the building. They are looking for out going and friendly adults with at least eight hours to give each month.

• The stores are right, it is time to start thinking back to school. Van Buren Intermediate School District wants to make sure students in Van Buren County have a backpack and school supplies to start the year off right. On Tuesday, Aug. 25 from 4 to 6:30 they will be distributing backpacks at the Tech Center in Lawrence. You can help at the event.

• Bust the Barriers to homelessness and connect people in need of services with agencies who provide those services all in one place on Aug., 26 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Project Homeless Connect at the First Presbyterian Church located at 13th South 4th St. in Niles.

• Have you saved a life today? Donate blood and you will!

BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
Monday, Aug. 24 – American Electric Power, 500 Circle Drive, Buchanan:  9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

For a complete listing visit www.berrienredcross.org

MICHIGAN COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER
When you give blood between May 26 – Sept. 8 you will be registered to win one of 3 trips either to Las Vegas or Little River Casino and Resort. For a complete listing visit www.miblood.org

ADULTS & YOUTH
• Lots of volunteers are needed to help South Haven Area Habitat for Humanity raise money with their fundraising sale in September. Volunteers over 15 are needed.
• Michigan’s Flywheeler Museum is dedicated to promoting educational interest in American farming history. Located in Bangor, you can volunteer at the 26th annual Antique Engine and Tractor Show, on Sept. 10 -13 assisting with the food, crafts, games or displays.

YOUTH
• Build your leadership skills by serving on the Youth Advisory Panel for the Volunteer Center. The monthly meetings will be held in the evening. Participants can be in elementary, middle school, and high school, ages 9-18. The panel will be responsible for developing, deciding, and promoting volunteer projects for youth involvement throughout the school year and summer.

To connect with any of these volunteer opportunities, call the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan in Niles at (269) 683-5464.

Doris Higgins is the executive director of the Volunteer Center.