By Staff
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Saturday, Nov. 18 is National Family Volunteer Day sponsored by the Walt Disney Company. Family volunteering is a hands-on way to teach children the values of kindness, compassion, tolerance, community responsibility and good citizenship. Plus it is FUN! Activities are available for all ages and abilities. Contact the Volunteer Center for ideas on how to create memories by spending some quality time together volunteering.
ADULTS
Share your expertise or build your skills when you volunteer to assist staff at Samaritan Counseling Centers with grant writing. Samaritan Counseling Centers provide professional psychological counseling, consultation, and community educational services, integrating spiritual insights with the values and faith of the client. Written communication skills are sought after by nonprofit and for profit businesses and this volunteer opportunity would be a great resume builder.
Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency assists people in economic need and enables them to achieve and sustain self-sufficiency while respecting their diversity. They have very recently taken on a new housing project and must organize a filing system. Two volunteers will work short term on organizing papers and creating a system allowing staff to focus on clients rather than paperwork.
Would you like to take part in preserving the history of Berrien County? Celebrate our region's heritage by volunteering to staff the new exhibit "Love and Marriage" at Orchards Mall in Benton Harbor. As a Docent for The History Center at Courthouse Square/Berrien County Historical Association you will also sell merchandise that helps fund exhibits. You should be comfortable handling cash and enjoy working with the public.
Last year in Michigan 1,500 more men said "I will be a friend to a child. I will let a child know that an adult cares what happens to him." 1,000 more boys are currently on waiting lists across Michigan waiting for a Mentor. You can be a high school student, middle aged, or retired. Being a Mentor is not hard, but means a commitment to a child for at least a year.
Is art your "thing"? Do you enjoy sharing this interest with youth 6 to 18 years of age? Boys and Girls Club in Benton Harbor is searching for you. Volunteer Art Department Aides are responsible for assisting in all aspects of the program including stimulating participation, supervising behavior, helping youth develop group and leadership skills, engaging youth in the art activities, and serving as a role model. Volunteers can assist during the school year in the afternoon anytime between 3:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Are you retired with a passion for reading? Third grade students at Sam Adams Elementary in Cassopolis would like to have you tutor them in reading one or more days a week, Monday-Thursday 9:30-10:30 a.m. As a Cass County Council on Aging volunteer, you will receive training from a reading specialist and take a CPR class. A criminal background check will be done. Reading is one of the key factors in educational success.
What are you thankful for? Share your blessings by donating blood over the Thanksgiving Holiday.
BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS blood drives:
Thursday, Nov. 29 – Buchanan American Legion, 403 E. Front St.: noon to 5:45 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.berrienredcross.org
MICHIGAN COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER blood drives:
Saturday, Nov. 24 – Martin's Supermarket, 720 S. 11th St., Niles: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.miblood.org
ADULTS AND YOUTH
Curious Kids Museum in Saint Joseph needs reliable and lively volunteers, who enjoy interacting with children and are excited about learning. Volunteers will find opportunities to help interact with staff and visitors.