In cooperation with the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan, file will publish opportunities for volunteers each week. To find out about these or other volunteer opportunities, please call 983-0912 in the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor area, 683-5464 in the Niles area; visit our website at www.volunteerswmi.org; or e-mail us at volunteer@volunteerswmi.org for further information. To arrange an appointment, please call ahead. Appointments do not constitute an obligation to accept a volunteer opportunity.  The center is a United Way partner agency.

Spotlight of the Week
“You don’t have to be a superhero to help somebody” – local volunteer

Even on TV and in comic books superheroes aren’t just buff characters. They are real people with real jobs and problems in their lives. Think of Clark Kent when he isn’t Superman; he has a full time job and is the geeky guy that Louis Lane doesn’t notice. Spiderman is an orphan being raised by his aunt and uncle who deals with normal teenage problems. Last week we as a community recognized ordinary people who are volunteer superheroes. They understand the power within them to make a difference in their community. You have that power as well whether you volunteer once a year or once a week. Keep reading to find your opportunity or visit www.volunteerswmi.org.

Families
The National Association of Letter Carriers Annual Post Office Food Drive is coming up May 8. Pleases leave food by your mailbox for the carriers to pick up. Niles has one of the largest drives around so they are counting on lots of volunteers to load and unload food from the trucks to the docks. Volunteers will also work the routes to collect the food. If you haven’t done this before you are missing a lot of fun. The whole family is welcome to get involved. Check out Niles’ posting at www.volunteerswmi.org. If you don’t live in Niles why don’t you call your local post office and find out how you can help them try to beat Niles!

Adults
• In one hour a week you can make a difference in the life of a child. Big Brothers Big Sister’s Lunch Buddy program is at many schools throughout Berrien and Cass counties. Your commitment is to have lunch with an elementary school student once a week. Even though the school year is coming to a close you can still sign up. Kids are waiting for you to sign up!
• Join AmeriCorps VISTA program as a fulltime stipended volunteer for 10 weeks with the opportunity to earn money for your education. Work with kids from the Benton Harbor Boys and Girls club on volunteer projects. College students interested in teaching careers, current teachers or retired teachers especially encouraged to apply. Anyone welcome to contact the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan and speak to Callie for more information.
• Capstone provides services that strengthen families. If you are an accountant you can make a huge difference when you help them complete a financial review and meet audit requirements for grant reporting. You can also help with filing their 990 and other needed federal and state forms. Yes, number crunching can make a difference in the lives of families!
• Michigan Flywheelers Museum’s annual Farm History Day will be on Friday, May 7.  More than 1,200 students from all over southwest Michigan will attend the event to learn about our early settlers’ life and participate in hands-on activities. You can volunteer to demonstrate old trades like coopering, basketmaking, weaving and spinning.  Don’t worry, training will be provided and you will have a great time!
• 4-H Volunteers offer youth ages 5-19 personal development experiences. The programming is activity-based, cooperative, fun and experiential. It allows youth members a variety of learning opportunities with a non-competitive focus.  You will work closely with Michigan State University Extension staff who will also provide you with any needed training.

Blood saves lives.  Donate today!

Berrien County Chapter of the American Red Cross
o Friday, May 7 – Grace Christian Schools, 325 North M-140, Watervliet, 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
o Friday, May 14 – Community Hospital 400 Medical Park Drive, Watervliet, noon to 5:45 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.berrienredcross.org www.berrienredcross.org.

Michigan Blood (formerly known as Michigan Community Blood Centers)
• Thursday, May 6 – Lakeshore High School, Auxiliary Gym, 5711 Cleveland, Stevensville, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Saturday, May 8 – Salem Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 275 Marvin, Coloma, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Monday, May 10 – Salvation Army-Niles, basement, 424 North15th St., Niles, 2 to 7 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.miblood.org.

Adult and youth
Do you love to talk about all the great things to do in the New Buffalo area? Are you thinking about a career in hospitality? Harbor Country Convention & Visitors Bureau in New Buffalo has openings for you to come and assist visitors with area tourism information including lodging, shopping, outdoor recreation, area attractions and dining.  Volunteer on Friday, Saturday or Sundays May through September. Training will be provided but volunteers should already be familiar with Harbor Country (Grand Beach, Michiana, New Buffalo, Three Oaks, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert and Sawyer).

Youth
Youth volunteers will engage senior residents of Lakeland Continuing Care in St. Joseph in a variety of organized activities with a team leader on the first Saturday of each month.  Volunteers should arrive 10 minutes early for instructions. This opportunity is open to youth in middle and in high school. Contact the Volunteer Center to learn more.