Spotlight of the week
Are you familiar with setting up and taking down websites? The Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan is looking for a skilled volunteer interested in a short time assignment to remove old content that continues to “live” on the World Wide Web. Need to have this done this month and estimate that it will take two to five hours to complete.
Adults
•The mission of the Buddy-to-Buddy Veteran Volunteer Program is to use trained volunteer veterans to help military service members to overcome the stigma that surrounds asking for help and link those who are facing challenges with appropriate re- sources.
No one can be a better source of support than a veteran who has been there. We are seeking veterans to help returning Op-
eration Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom . and Operation New Dawn military service members
– and veterans link to financial, educational, health care and counseling resources throughout the deployment cycle. Veterans with combat experience and mental health training or experience are preferred, but all are encour- aged to apply. Training will be provided in communication skills and available community resources in Michigan. The time commitment required is a minimum of about two to three hours per week and one weekend day per month. Responsibilities include attendance at as- signed armories once per month on drill weekends, providing telephone support to military service members, regular engage- ment in weekly support calls with other volunteers and attendance at military events. Mileage and expenses are reimbursed.
• Harbor Habitat for Humanity is coordinating a group of diverse, enthusiastic and energetic individuals to help plan and organize events. These occasions could be in the form of home dedications, key passing ceremonies, fundraisers and banquets.
In cooperation with the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan, we are pleased to publish opportunities for volunteers each week. To find out more, call 983-0912 in the St. Joseph- Benton Harbor area, 683- 5464 in the Niles area; visit www.volunteerswmi.org; or send email to volunteer@ volunteerswmi.org for further information. To arrange an appointment, please 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.
Volunteers are needed who are organized, have lo-cal contacts and love to plan parties.
• As a member of the board of directors for for Support Our Troops Festival, you will be expected to help with suggestions that will give increase awareness of the plight of not only today’s military veteran, but to all veterans of past and future wars.
The purpose of the festival is to raise funds for donations to area organizations that provide services for veterans, including Lest We Forget of Southwest Michigan, Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 and area veteran’s hospitals. This year’s festival will also be donating to Paws for the (Veterans) Cause. Meetings are held every other Tuesday at the American Legion Post 335 in Baroda.
• Cass County Council on Aging provides adult day care and needs volunteers to care for clients who have varying stages of Al- zheimer’s or dementia. The facility is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Duties include assisting with crafts, meals and other activities. Patience, compassion and empathy are needed volunteer qualities.
The Council also needs volunteers to drive area seniors to out-of-county medical appointments. Mileage reimbursement is available.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass needs community mentors and lunch buddies. Many 6- to 12-year-olds need an extra adult in their lives.
American Red Cross of West
Michigan
• April 16 – Covert High School, 353523 M-140 Highway, Covert: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• April 18 – American Red Cross offices, 3838 Niles Road, Saint Joseph: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Michigan Blood
•April 16 – Lake Michigan College Gym, 2755 Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
•April 18 – Edwardsburg High School Old Gym, 69410 Section Street, Edwardsburg: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.