SUBMITTED

Each week, United Way of Southwest Michigan releases a list of volunteer opportunities in the southwest Michigan area. To learn more about these opportunities, visit uwsm.org.

Rake A Difference

Before winter hits, raking the yard and cleaning the gutters is a vital step to ensuring spring snow melt does not cause water damage to a home or lawn. Many area seniors try to accomplish this work on their own, putting them at risk for falls and serious injury, said United Way officials. On Thursday, Nov. 7 and Friday, Nov. 8, volunteers are being sought to join hundreds of Berrien, Cass and Van Buren County volunteers who will give area seniors a helping hand. Gather co-workers or friends and create a team to rake and bag leaves, and clean gutters for seniors as part of United Way’s ninth annual Rake A Difference: A Day of Action for Seniors. For more information or to sign up, visit uwsm.org/volunteer.

Be part of the art

The mission of the Buchanan Art Center is to provide a place in the community dedicated to nurturing the arts by providing a quality educational program for all ages, as well as gallery exhibits, sales opportunities, and a gift shop that are supportive of class offerings and local artists, thereby enabling the center to creatively enlist the power of the arts in promoting positive social change, according to officials. For anyone who loves the arts and wants to volunteer, the Buchanan Art Center has an environment for them to be a part of. Whether its visitor services and reception, being a docent or serving on one of its event committees, there are plenty of places that a volunteer can fit their skills. For more information, or to sign up, visit uwsm.org/volunteer.

Alleviate weekend hunger for children

Feeding His Sheep Backpack Program is an outreach program that provides balanced and nutritional meals to elementary children over the weekends. The program needs delivery drivers, delivery assistants, pick-up drivers and pick-up assistants. The delivery driver is responsible for the delivery of backpacks every Thursday to area schools in southeast Berrien County and Cass County. The pick-up drivers are responsible for the pick-up of the empty backpacks every Monday. The assistants are responsible for helping the delivery and pick-up drivers. Background check is required. For more information, visit uwsm.org/volunteers.

Home tour seeks volunteers

The popular Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra’s Home Tour Returns on Sept. 22. Six homeowners open their doors, allowing visitors a peek into some innovative and fresh home styles. Whether gathering ideas for a remodel project or enjoying a glimpse of the new architectural designs and trends, these distinctive properties are sure to inspire, organizers said. Volunteers will be stationed throughout the home to keep an eye on things in the homes and make sure people are respectful of the property. Volunteers will also answer questions, direct people which way to go, smile and be helpful. One person will be stationed at the front door to check tickets, give booties and sell tickets if needed. For more information, or to sign up, visit uwsm.org/volunteer.

Help make a shelter feel like a home

The Cora Lamping Center is the only shelter for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in southwest Michigan, and thanks to donors and grant funding, survivors will be welcomed into a new home. The Avenue Family Network is looking for community members to help make this new location truly feel like home. Volunteers are needed to help with deep cleaning including but not limited to, dusting and washing base boards, window, painting offices and bedrooms. For more information, or to sign up, visit uwsm.org/volunteer.