By Staff
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Are you looking to make a connection? Are you interested making your community a better place? Would you like to build new skills or use the talents you have developed over the years? For 30 years the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan has promoted, supported and connected volunteers seeking to build strong, caring communities. The Volunteer Center is excited to offer you a new way to connect to volunteer opportunities throughout Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties. Visit www.volunteerswmi.org to visit the new interactive site listing over 60 volunteer opportunities with new ones being added every day. If you are already volunteering, make sure your organization is listed. Welcome to making a personal connection in the technology age!
ADULTS
Are you looking for an exciting weekend? Do you enjoy working with people? If so, the Concessions Coordinator is the position for you. The Krasl Art Center is looking for a person or persons interested in developing and operating concessions during the annual "Krasl Art Fair July 12-12, 2008.
Hospitals always have lots of volunteer opportunities for all ages and abilities. At Community Hospital in Watervliet you can volunteer in the gift shop, patient registration, book cart, radiology, clergy service, outpatient therapy and many other areas as well.
Can we talk? Better yet, can you talk? Have you found your niche within a mentoring organization and have to shout it from the rooftops or you'll burst? Now is your opportunity to share what you know and speak to local groups about your adventures. This opportunity will help others learn what you already know "mentoring changes lives, two at a time" and encourage others to mentor someone today.
Would you like to put money back in the pockets of working families? The Tri-County Earned Income Tax Coalition is gearing up to prepare taxes and make sure low income working families receive all the tax benefits to which they are entitled. You will help families save the money they would spend on tax preparation and also save them from the lending fees associated with receiving early tax return checks. You can help with intake and other small duties needed on tax preparation days or you can choose to receive the IRS training and prepare actual tax returns. No experience is necessary. Training will be provided.
Do you enjoy driving, but have no where to go? The Cass County Council on Aging invites you to drive others to doctor appointments out of the county. Mileage reimbursement is available. Days and times vary so call with your availability.
Are you a Martha Stewart wanna-be? Would you like to plan parties and organize special events? At the Emergency Shelter, Inc. you can do all this and more for families and single parents with children while they search for permanent homes.
What gift is more meaningful than your blood? Give the gift of life this holiday season!
BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS blood drives:
Wednesday, Dec. 19 – Wesley United Methodist Church, 302 Cedar St. Niles: noon to 5:45 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.berrienredcross.org
MICHIGAN COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER blood drives:
For a complete listing visit www.miblood.org
ADULTS AND YOUTH
There are many ways to support a cause you believe in. The Berrien County Council for Children seeks to shape a community that shields children from abuse and neglect. At the Children's Assessment Center they work to reduce the trauma of investigating child sexual abuse and seek to compassionately meet the children's needs. Would you like to be a part of maintaining a pleasant, peaceful environment for victims and their families? It is as easy as spending an afternoon transplanting their thriving house plants into bigger pots.
FAMILIES
Does your family love animals? Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan is looking for 25 temporary homes for rescued dogs and cats until they are adopted. Your current pets must be current on all vaccinations and home visits are required. Volunteers also help out at Saturday adoption days.
YOUTH
Bridges to Digital Excellence changes a family's life by getting a computer into their home. Families receiving a computer must attend classes. You and a partner would co-teach the class.