More than 1,000 people will gather June 9 for the Annual Heartland Alliance Home and Garden Tour.  This event features some of Harbor Country’s most beautiful homes and landscapes.

This event benefits struggling families in Benton Harbor, Chicago and around the world.

Docent volunteers are assigned a home to help welcome and manage guests or be assigned to help at the lunch or after-party.  Volunteers will receive a free ticket to go on the tour before or after their shift — a $100 value.

Adults

n The American Red Cross needs volunteer receptionists to answer phones, greet visitpors and help with general office work at its local offices. Openings are available at the Van Buren County office in Hartford and at the Berrien County office in St. Joseph.

n At the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven, volunteers are needed to man its boat as well as help on land with interpretations for exhibits and the tall ship Good Will. Volunteers need good communication skills, be able to work independently and be enthusiastic. Training provided.  During the summer, the museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

n Make a difference in the life of a child by volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club in Benton Harbor.  Computer lab assistants help in all aspects of program operations, including providing instruction and assisting with computer lab activities. 

American Red Cross of West Michigan

May 31 – Hartford United Methodist Church, 425 East Main Street, Hartford: noon – 6 p.m.

For a complete listing and to schedule an appointment visit www.redcross.org

Michigan Blood

May 31– Trinity Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 1733 Glendora Road, Buchanan: 3 to 7 p.m.

For a complete listing visit www.miblood.org

Adult and youth

n  Be a  a carousel assistant at this Silver Beach attraction and help riders enter through the turnstile, make sure riders observe the safety rules, help riders mount and dismount and answer questions about the carousel.  Minimum age is 16.

nWhen the Krasl Art Center starts gearing up for their big Art Fair on the Bluff you know summer is right around the corner.  Sign up for volunteer duties for the Krasl Art Center’s Art Fair on the Bluff, held July 14-15. Everything from water sales to hospitality to helping in the children’s tent is available.

n Visit www.volunteerswmi.org to find a festival near you or contact the Volunteer Center. This is a great way to volunteer with a friend or with your family.

One-day

opportunities

n Join other Chikaming Open Lands volunteers for clean-up days at Grand Beach Marsh in Grand Beach, New Buffalo. Tasks include identifying and eliminating invasive species. Help once a year or get involved on a regular basis. Wear long pants, long sleeves and bring gardening gloves.   Have loppers?  Bring them.

n Girls on the Run and Girls on Track sponsored by United Way of Southwest Michigan are on the move. Join hundreds of girls on May 31 for a 5K race. These programs help build self-esteem and promote healthy choices for girls in third through eighth  grades.

You don’t have to be a runner. You can do everything from registration to food.  ·                The Community Garden movement continues to grow.  Contact Debra at the Volunteer Center to learn how your family can get involved.