By Staff
YOUTH
Are you a Girl Scout or Boy Scout leader? Contact the Volunteer Center to discover how your troop can volunteer in your community. Volunteering as a group is a visible way to serve and build skills in youth with hands on experience.
Rake rake rake ….rake your groove thing. Don't know the song? That's ok, grab your rake and some friends and help your community do spring clean up. Parks, elderly or disabled neighbors all can use your help
For more spring volunteer ideas contact Pat Leonard, Youth Volunteer Coordinator to connect.
ADULTS
Michigan Community Blood Centers' mission is to provide a safe and adequate blood supply. Volunteers 17 and older may choose from a variety of volunteer opportunities at area blood drives. Volunteers who enjoy making small talk can serve refreshments; making sure donors get something to eat and drink. These volunteers will receive training to help watch for any adverse reactions. Volunteers can also be involved by handling labels in preparation for blood donations or by preparing blood for testing and transportation. Training for both these positions is required. If you like to drive, are in good physical health and can lift 50 lbs., you can assist with transporting equipment, set up and break down of equipment and transporting blood. There are also periodic opportunities to help with clerical and other office tasks.
The Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan works hand in hand with over 230 nonprofits in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties to connect volunteers to community needs. If you work part time, are retired, or are a student looking for an internship, volunteering for the Volunteer Center allows you to help all these agencies.
If you are experienced in the workings of the web there is a special opportunity for the next six months. The Volunteer Center is implementing a web based interactive site to match volunteers and nonprofit agencies. As the program implementation assistant, you will have access to national training materials and will work with staff and other volunteers on the equivalent of the match.com of volunteering. You will also be using materials provided to enhance the Volunteer Center's presence on the web. Some of your volunteering can be done from home. Contact the Volunteer Center by April 30 to discuss this exciting project with no obligation. The future is today!
Spring has Sprung! Celebrate new life by donating blood Today!
BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS blood drives:
Thursday, April 19 – Buchanan High School, 401 W. Chicago -noon to 5:45 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.berrienredcross.org <http://www.berrienredcross.org/>
MICHIGAN COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER blood drives:
Wednesday, April 18 – Bridgman Public Library, 4460 Lake St. – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.miblood.org <http://www.miblood.org/>
ADULTS AND YOUTH
St. Joseph Today is the place to meet interesting visitors from all over the world. As a volunteer at their welcome center in downtown St. Joseph you will greet guests and assist in keeping brochures stocked. You can even do some computer work if you are interested. Adults and mature older teens are welcome to volunteer. Volunteer hours are available all week from 9 a.m. till 8 p.m.
FAMILIES
Families come in all shapes in sizes. The Volunteer Center can help connect your family to fun and exciting ways to get involved. So connect with your family by volunteering together.
To connect with any of these volunteer opportunities, call the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan in Niles at (269) 683-5464.