In cooperation with the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan, we are pleased to publish opportunities for volunteers each week.  To find out about these or other volunteer opportunities, please call 983-0912 in the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor area, 683-5464 in the Niles area; visit our website at www.volunteerswmi.org; or e-mail us at volunteer@volunteerswmi.org for further information. To arrange an appointment, please call ahead. Appointments do not constitute an obligation to accept a volunteer opportunity. The center is a United Way agency affiliated with the HandsOn Network.

Spotlight of the Week
• Last year, The Salvation Army in Niles started a new program, Feeding His Sheep. By the end of last school year they were sending home 170 backpacks of nutritious food to feed kids over the weekend.  This resulted in improved attendance, attitude and academic performance. They are getting ready to start up the 2011-2012 school year and have plans to double the number of backpacks! Potential volunteers are invited to a training Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. to learn about the process. Backpacks are packed weekly on Wednesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. At least eight volunteers are needed to make the assembly line process work smoothly. If you want to volunteer as little as 1.5 hours a month and you will be able to tell people, “because of my efforts, kids are doing better in school!” Contact Scott at The Salvation Army in Niles or at www.volunteerswmi.org or give him a call.

Adults
• Junior Achievement is the nonprofit leader in providing innovative financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship education. You can make a difference in the future of K-12 students by teaching them economic success skills. A classroom is waiting for you close to where you live or work. Your commitment is five to seven classroom visits and you and the teacher decide on the exact dates. Training and a kit of materials are provided.
• Did you know you can build houses while sitting at a desk? Harbor Habitat for Humanity in Benton Harbor is looking for someone like you who wants to make a difference without swinging a hammer. As its computer IT support person, you will assist the office manager with IT troubleshooting as needed.  You could also be involved in updating the website and Facebook pages on a regular basis. Parts of this opportunity can be completed virtually from remote locations.
• Help parents meeting with Van Buren Department of Human Services workers by supervising children in the Children’s Corner at the Hartford offices. This includes engaging children in simple games, crafts, storytelling, watching videos and other similar activities.
• Fall is a great time to think about becoming a mentor. Visit us online and use the key word mentor, or call and ask for our free booklet listing local mentoring organizations. There is one close to where you live or work.  The kids are depending on you.
• CARES’ (Community Resource and Education Services) mission is to minimize further transmission of HIV and to maximize the quality of life for all people affected by HIV. It has clients in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties who need drivers to transport them to and from medical appointments on an as needed basis. You can get on the driver list and when they call either say “yes I can drive” or “no, I am not available.” You should be at least 18 years old with a good driving record.
• Their motto is “Without you we don’t ride!” Make sure people with special challenges in their lives have that opportunity when you contact Therapeutic Equestrian Center about helping out with chores. Volunteers help feed, water and care for TEC’s horses every morning and evening. No experience necessary; they will be happy to train you. Basically, if a horse needs it done, they need someone willing to do it. Morning chores are 8 to 9:30 and evening chores are 4:30 to 6. This is an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff inviting you to join its team.
• United Way of Southwest Michigan is sponsoring a Senior Day of Action on Thursday, Nov. 3. Register by Sept. 30 to go to one of 200 seniors’ homes in Berrien and Cass counties to rake leaves, clean gutters and put plastic on windows in an effort to get ready for winter.  Live United and sign up today.
• Vermont didn’t expect to be a hurricane victim! Help southwest Michigan be ready to respond when disaster strikes us. Contact the American Red Cross today to learn how you can train now to be a disaster volunteer.
Volunteer by donating blood!

Berrien County Chapter of the American Red Cross
• Tuesday, Sept. 13 — Buchanan Moose Lodge, 101 South Red Bud Trail, Buchanan, noon to 5:45 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 13 — Harbert Community Church, 6344 Harbert Rd., Sawyer,  noon to 5:45 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.berrienredcross.org.

Michigan Blood
• Monday, Sept. 12 — Whitcomb Towers, Family Room, 509 Ship St., St. Joseph, noon to 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 14 — Southwestern Michigan College, Student Activity Center (room 807, Zollar Building), 58900 Cherry Grove Rd., Dowagiac, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.miblood.org.

Adults and youth
• Put your talents to work by helping repair Watkins Park in the Village of Three Oaks. These bleachers and dugouts are used by Little League, Pony League and adults just having fun! Bleachers need wood replaced and painted. Dugouts need a little sprucing up. Times can be scheduled to meet your availability. Great group opportunity.

Families
• How will your family remember the 10th anniversary of 9-11? Why not volunteer? Blue Star Mothers will gladly accept your cards and send them to the troops. Contact the Volunteer Center for other family friendly ideas.

Youth
• Have you already volunteered 40 hours this summer? It doesn’t matter where you volunteered or who helped you get connected, turn in your hours to Callie (youth@volunteerswmi.org) at the Volunteer Center for your certification of completion of Youth Summer Serve 2011. This looks great on your college and scholarship applications.