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, 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
Save a Stray is an all-volunteer advocacy group committed to the rescue and re-homing of dogs and cats and dedicated to decreasing the pet overpopulation.   Their volunteers provide foster homes through Berrien and the surrounding counties. Foster homes are a haven for stray or abandoned pets to recover from being homeless, scared, sick and/or hurt. All pets are fostered in private homes to provide socialization and to better learn about a pet to ensure a good match to a future owner.

ADULTS
n You know the holidays are coming when Krasl kicks off its Holly Market.  As a volunteer host, help patrons with questions about merchandise.  Help others spend their holiday money in support of Krasl Art Center.
n The History Center at Courthouse Square in Berrien Spring could use your help with general indoor and outdoor maintenance. This could include cleaning, painting, lawn care and other outside work.  The site is comprised of the 1839 Courthouse, Sheriff’s Residence, Jail Plaza, Murdock Log House, Bennett’s Forge and County Records Building.  Taking care of the oldest surviving county government complex in the Midwest relies on volunteers like you.
n Gateway increases the life and level of independence of individuals with disabilities.  As an activity aide at its Berrien Springs location, you help people with disabilities socialize and engage in planned activities.
n It is difficult to get to doctor appointments without a car.  Would you consider helping out once a month?   Berrien, Cass and Van Buren County Departments of Human Services are recruiting volunteers to help people get the medical attention they need.
n  There are ways to support Michigan Blood other than donating blood.   Donate your time by serving snacks to blood donors or by helping with set up and tear down of blood drives.  Office help is also appreciated.
n Volunteers interested in putting money back into the pockets of low-income families need to sign up now for training. The Earned Income Tax Coalition is a group of agencies and individuals who know what a difference this project can make.  There are volunteer sites all over southwest Michigan and volunteer opportunities for those who do not want to actually do taxes but want to help in other ways.  Contact the Volunteer Center to learn more details and receive a referral to your local site.
n  Helping Our Youth Achieve (HOYA) invites college-age students and adults to volunteer by serving as a tutor to middle school and high school students.  As a tutor, you will be helping students understand basic concepts in algebra, science, language arts and social studies by using the PASS and NovaNet online delivery systems.  Training is provided for this opportunity and the schedule is flexible.

BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

For a complete listing, visit www.berrienredcross.org.

MICHIGAN BLOOD
Oct. 20 – Cassopolis High School, Auditorium, 22721 Diamond Cover Rd. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Oct. 21 – Orchards Mall, near stage, 1800 Pipestone, Benton Harbor: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 21 – Brandywine High School, Library, 1700 Bell Rd., Niles: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
For a complete listing, visit www.miblood.org

ADULTS AND YOUTH
n The mission of the Ronald McDonald Family Room in South Bend is to provide a “home-away-from-home” for families of seriously ill children in Michiana-area medical facilities.
As a family room volunteer, you will register and greet guests, answer the phone and perform light housekeeping duties.  Teen volunteers are also encouraged to learn about the teen board.
n Hospice at Home and Lakeland Hospice both help the dying and their families.  Did you know there are many ways you can volunteer directly or indirectly with patients?  Let them know your special talent you would like to share or offer to help where needed.  Training is provided.
n Lakeland Hospice volunteers can help keep a scrap book of patients’ obituaries. They can also work with families to create special memories.  You will be able to set your own hours for this volunteer position.

ADULTS
n Make a Difference Day is Oct. 22. The Volunteer Center has started posting volunteer projects that you can sign up for at www.volunteerswmi.org. In Niles, we have an exciting project. A day of preparation to get ready to build a water feature at Niles Riverfront Park next spring. You also can create your own project. Email volunteermi@volunteerswmi.org or post on our Facebook page.  Some family friendly ideas include:
1.  Decorate a paper grocery bag take it around to your neighbors – you have now done a food drive!
2.  Make pictures and cards for meals on wheels.
3.  Make cookies for someone in your neighborhood.
4.  Think about some one you know who may have a hard time raking leaves in the fall.  Rake their yard.  There are hundreds of ways big and small to make a difference.