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 email 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
• During 9-11 gatherings, the Volunteer Center collected pledges from individuals and families who pledged to volunteer over the coming year in tribute to our troops, veterans, firefighters, police and others.  The Volunteer Center will continue to receive pledges through the end of November.  Visit www.volunteerswmi.org to download your pledge card or send an email to volunteer@volunteerswmi.org.

Adults
• New Beginnings offers volunteers an opportunity to work with individuals who have a disability and help them to improve their skills and opportunities in life.  As a sales associate/trainer, you will work with an assigned program member to operate the 2nd Impressions consignment shop. You will help them operate the touch screen cash register, correctly ring up sales items and give change.  You will also assist in pricing new items and adding them to the inventory.  Assisting and guiding New Beginnings program members is very rewarding. You will receive training in working with people with disabilities but should bring your friendly and patient attitude.
• Do you enjoy talking to people?  The Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph has the perfect oportunity for you at their receptionist desk.  You will greet visitors, answer phones and complete other small tasks.  It is a fun environment with something new going on all the time.  Times are available to volunteer are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 to 4 p.m.
• 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!   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 be able to tell people “Because of my efforts kids are doing better in school!” contact Scott at the Salvation Army in Niles either at www.volunteerswmi.org or give him a call.
• 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 their 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.
•    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
Wednesday — American Red Cross offices, 3838 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, 11 a.m. to  4:45 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.berrienredcross.org

Michigan Blood
Thursday — Christ Evangelical Lutheran School, 4333 Cleveland Ave., Stevensville, 3p.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 24 — Sammie’s Restaurant, 9804 Red Arrow Highway, Bridgman:  11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.miblood.org

Adults and Youth
• Calling all gardeners!  Various organizations can use your help this fall getting their gardens ready for winter.  One of these is the North Berrien Historical Museum in Coloma.  Flexible scheduling available.
• Help bring a smile to the face of a senior living in an area nursing home or adult foster home.  Some of the elders are the sole survivor in their family; others have no family living close enough to visit.  These elders can feel socially isolated and too often lonely.  If you can commit to at least 30 minutes on a regular basis, Child and Family Services would like to talk to you.   Nothing can replace the gift of a one-on-one caring conversation and companionship – it enhances the human experience.  Give that gift.
• 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.

Youth
• Are you involved in a group that wants to do a service project? Why not contact Callie at youth@volunteerswmi.org.  She’ll work with your group to find the opportunity that matches your interests. Interested in hunger – maybe you want to do a food drive and pack boxes at the food warehouse.  Interested in homelessness — you can visit a homelss shelter and play with the kids staying there. Volunteering is an exciting way to learn about your world!