By Staff
ADULTS
THE CITY OF ST. JOSEPH POLICE DEPARTMENT invites prospective volunteers to attend a Trail Watch volunteer training on Tuesday, March 28 at 7 p.m. at City Hall. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and be willing to walk, jog, bike, skate or skateboard the city's recreational trail system approximately once per week. Trail Watch volunteers will wear brightly colored vests to make others aware of the program and will act as the eyes and ears of the police department.
Remember in addition to welcoming volunteers to provide direct services in their organizations, agencies also welcome volunteers interested in becoming members of their boards of directors. If you have an up-to-date resume and would like to be considered for a position on a local board, contact the Volunteer Center and we will see that you get a BOARDBANK application to complete. Resume painfully out of date? Bring it up to speed and e-mail it to us. It's good to have it current!
LAKELAND HOSPITAL in St. Joseph provides a variety of volunteer opportunities for teens and adults alike. Volunteers may work one four-hour shift per week at the hospital or at the Center for Outpatient Services providing support in Radiology, the Women's Center, the Gazebo Gift Shop, or as a Courtesy Cart driver.
BERRIEN COUNTY RESOURCE RECOVERY increases awareness and opportunities to manage solid waste with the most environmentally sound methods available. Volunteers are invited to be recycling presenters on National Resource Day, April 27, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The goal is to teach 5th graders about recycling at an event at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds. This is a one-day volunteer assignment.
THE BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS reports that Berrien County residents use more blood products that we donate. Let's change that! The next Blood drive will be coming to your area soon:
Today, Tuesday, March 7 - The American Red Cross blood drive will be held in Niles today from noon to 5:45 p.m. at St. Mark's Catholic Church at 3 N. 19th St.
Thursday, March 23 - Masonic Lodge 68, 122 N. Oak St., Buchanan, noon-5:45 p.m.
Thursday, March 23 - Berrien Springs High School, Sylvester Ave., 8 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
ADULTS AND YOUTH
BRIDGES TO DIGITAL EXCELLENCE, a program of the Council for World Class communities, invites volunteers with computer skills to become Basic Computer Skills instructors in its program that conducts introductory classes for people learning to use computers on Mondays through Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. or from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. If you enjoy teaching and have a knowledge of computers, please connect by calling or e-mailing the Volunteer Center.
FAMILIES
Now is a good time for your family to plan on a day of tree planting, either in your own yard or, with permission, at a local park. Did you know that a single tree with an 18-inch trunk produces enough oxygen throughout the year to support a family of four? Did you know that an average-sized tree absorbs as much carbon from the atmosphere as is produced by a car driven 26,000 miles? Placed right, a tree can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent or through windbreak protection cut energy used for heating by 25-50 percent. Trees lower heart rates and reduce stress. Plant an oxygen-maker this Spring!
YOUTH
The smell of grease paint, the roar of the crowd! If you love theater, acting, behind-the-scenes activity, and just the atmosphere of the theater experience, why not volunteer to support TWIN CITY PLAYERS in its efforts to bring the cultural benefits of plays to this area.
Be a volunteer usher, work the concession stand, be a stage hand n or you might even get a part in one of the productions!
HELPING HANDS OF CASS COUNTY in Cassopolis provides county residents with food, clothing and medicine in times of emergency. Youth volunteers are invited to help sort donations and assist in providing items to needy families.
To connect with any of these volunteer opportunties, call the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan in Niles at (269) 683-5464.