Spotlight of the week

Ready to plant some seeds in the teenagers of today?  Make a difference by helping at Afterschool Rocks! at Berrien Springs High School.  Volunteers are especially sought to act as room monitors. Room monitors should be comfortable talking with teens and be self-directed.  Duties include check in/check out students, supervise the doorway, move throughout the study/work area and make sure students have academic help if needed.

Adults

• Berrien County Cancer Services provides free, skilled home nursing services, equipment, information and supplies at cost for cancer patients and their families. Its annual bike ride in late June not only raises needed funding but is a lot of fun.  Volunteers will help with marking of road signs, helping at sag stops with food and helping with registration of riders.

• Save a Stray is an all-volunteer animal advocacy group committed to the rescue and rehoming of dogs and cats and dedicated to decreasing the pet overpopulation.  You can foster an animal in your home providing socialization and helping assess their needs.  If you are thinking about adopting a pet it is a great way to learn if you are ready to make a long-term commitment to a pet.

• Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center is offering a volunteer opportunity at its Winter Delights Wine Festival from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers will report at 4 p.m. for training and orientation from local wineries.  Learn about wine and have fun as you pour wine at a booth.  Volunteers will be given breaks to tour the event and will receive six food-tasting tickets.  Black or navy slacks and a white collared shirt required.   Comfortable shoes are recommended.

To find out about these or other volunteer opportunities, call 983-0912 in the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor area, 683-5464 in the Niles area; visit www.volunteerswmi.org or email volunteer@volunteerswmi.org.  To arrange an appointment, please call ahead.