Spotlight of the week

Volunteers who are mature adults act as liaisons between the City of Niles’ departments and community citizens. Volunteers in policing report neighborhood concerns and needs to the police department, as well as assist the police department during parades, festivals and other large gatherings.

Adults

• Cass County Council on Aging Handy Helpers assist in making homes safer so individuals are able to remain in their homes longer. Volunteers help put in grab bars, install or repair railings, put down non-skid tape, install smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, weatherize structures and build wheelchair ramps. Carpentry experience is a definite plus.

• Consider contacting your local school and offering to volunteer in the classroom, on the grounds, with special projects or on a committee. Schools can use help and support, and the children will benefit.

• Kids love coming to the Boys and Girls Club in Benton Harbor. Just visit their Facebook page and you’ll see what all the excitement is about. One of the ways you can volunteer is as a computer lab assistant. Engage children in fun, in teractive and hands-on creative activities. Supervise children’s behavior and encourage participation.

• If you are hairdresser or barber, Hospice at Home invites you to style the hair of their clients. You should be willing to go to clients’ homes.

• Do you have the ability to teach basic pencil art, work with watercolors or provide instruction on completing kit projects? Do you enjoy being creative in the development of ideas and projects for young people? If so, consider sharing your talents at the Berrien County Juvenile Center in Berrien Springs. You should be at least 18 years old, and a background check is required.

• Volunteer as a newsletter assistant at the Buchanan District Library.  Help on a monthly basis and should be experienced with publisher and have good writing skills. Help get the word out.

American Red Cross of West Michigan

• Aug. 28: Lawrence Conference Center, 490 S. Paw Paw St., Lawrence, noon to 6 p.m.

• Sept. 7: First Baptist Church, 902 Broad St., St. Joseph, noon to 6 p.m.

For a complete listing and to schedule an appointment visit www.redcross.org.

Michigan Blood

• Aug. 27: Boy Scout Troop 579, All Purpose Room, 905 N. Front St., Niles, 3 to 7 p.m.

• Aug. 29: Shoreline Wellness & Rehab, Conference Room, 950 S. Bailey Ave., South Haven, noon to 6 p.m.

For a complete listing visit www.miblood.org.

One-day volunteer opportunities

Big Bear Auction Co. is hosting a summer festival on Aug. 25 in Eau Claire with a portion of the proceeds going to support the Berrien County Council for Children.

Volunteers will help with parking, judging contests (pie eating, bakeoff, chili cook-off), organizing and handing out paperwork for the car and motorcycle show and many other activities during this all-day festival for families.

Adults and youth

Do you have a team of people who would like to volunteer together or sponsor a project on Oct. 27 for Make a Difference Day — the largest national day of service? Projects are being planned or have a project added to the list. Contact Sharon at Volunteer Southwest Michigan for more information.

Youth

Time to finish reporting volunteer hours for 2012 Youth Summer Serve. Go to www.volunteerswmi.org and report them today. If you volunteered more than 40 hours over the course of the summer, you will be officially recognized. If you need assistance, contact Callie at youth@volunteerswmi.org.