By Staff
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Art, music, crisp fall air and beer must mean it is time for Artoberfest 2007, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the Benton Harbor Arts District. The New Territory Arts Association is expecting up to 3,000 visitors. There are volunteer opportunities for everyone from assisting artists and performers, helping with food and drinks, parking and maintenance, to assisting in the first aid tent. Volunteers completing a four hour shift will receive lunch and a souvenir t-shirt.
ADULTS
Meals on Wheels is well known for ensuring home bound individuals get a nutritious meal thereby improving their overall health. Niles-Buchanan Meals on Wheels is seeking 16 volunteer drivers to cover various days and routes Monday-Friday 10:45 a.m. – noon deliveries. Volunteers can drive once a month or as often as they like. Volunteers should be reliable and enjoy visiting as they deliver the meals.
Can you imagine struggling to read this column or not being able to read at all? The Community Partnership for Lifelong Learning is working to improve community systems that impact learning and workforce competitiveness. In conjunction with Western Michigan University they are offering tutoring for adults learning to read. Volunteers will receive 12 hours of training and should be willing to tutor an adult 1 to 2 hours a week. Tutoring will take place in any public space and at a time agreeable to the adult learner and tutor.
Would you like to be involved on a regular basis with an energetic arts organization? The Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph has openings for volunteer receptionists seven days a week from either 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. You could choose once a week or once a month. Volunteers will be trained to greet the public, answer the phone, sell items in the gift shop and complete other duties as required.
The Michigan Department of Human Services assists children, families, and vulnerable adults to be safe and self supporting. Volunteers will assist with assorted clerical and office duties including updating materials, filing paperwork, helping to complete applications and taking phone messages. Clerical Aide volunteers should be dependable, write legibly, understand confidentiality and be able to file. Training will be provided.
Polly's Place in Niles provides temporary shelter to battered women and children. Volunteers will assist clients by working in one or more of the following areas: teaching classes in financial management or health and nutrition, providing child care, counseling, assisting as needed in the office, or maintaining facilities. Several trainings will be held in September.
Nearly 70 percent of people need a blood transfusion in their lifetime, yet only 5 percent of those eligible give blood. Donate lifesaving blood Today!
MICHIGAN COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER blood drives:
Wednesday, Sept. 19 Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union, 507 E. Main St., Niles: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For a complete listing visit www.miblood.org
ADULTS AND YOUTH
Cass County Cancer Services provides cancer patients with equipment and financial assistance. Volunteers can work anywhere in the county by assisting with the delivery of equipment and taking information from patients. They can also assist with fundraisers that make these services possible. Volunteers can work on a regular or an as needed basis.
FAMILIES
Hello Neighbor! Many of us miss the days neighborhoods were the center of community. Why not change that on National Good Neighbor Day. Since 1971 the fourth Sunday in September (this year the 23rd) has been dedicated to neighbors helping neighbors and to teaching kids to perform good deeds. So why not take your neighbor some cookies, send the kids to mow an elderly neighbor's yard, or watch a young mother's kids so she catch up or just relax for an hour. How about picking up trash in your neighborhood or inviting a neighbor to dinner? Making a difference is easy and can start in your own back yard. Create community, create change.
School is back in session! Why not become involved as a family in your local drive to provide school supplies, clothing, or books?#