In cooperation with the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan, we are pleased to publish opportunities for volunteers each week.  To find out about these or other volunteer opportunities, please call 983-0912 in the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor area, 683-5464 in the Niles area; visit our website at www.volunteerswmi.org; or e-mail us at 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.

Spotlight of the Week
• How would you like the opportunity to talk to dozens of agencies all in one place? Lake Michigan College and the Volunteer Center are again offering volunteer fairs so you can “shop” for the volunteer opportunity that is right for you. Everyone is welcome.  All fairs run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4 LMC Bertrand Campus in Niles; Wednesday, Oct. 5 at LMC Napier Campus in Benton Harbor; and Wednesday, Oct. 12 LMC South Haven. Come and connect to the volunteer opportunity that is right for you!

Adults
• Sometimes people are scared to talk to Michigan Blood because they don’t want to, or aren’t able to donate blood.  There are other ways to get involved and support the mission!  Donate your time by serving snacks to blood donors or by helping with set up and tear down of blood drives.  Office help is also appreciated.
• No it’s not tax time yet, but volunteers interested in putting money back in the pockets of low income families need to start signing up now for training. The Earned Income Tax Coalition is a group of agencies and individuals who know what a difference this project can make.  There are volunteer sites all over southwest Michigan and volunteer opportunities for those who do not want to actually do taxes but want to help in other ways.  Contact the Volunteer Center to learn more details and receive a referral to your local site.
• Come make a difference and help a young person achieve! Helping Our Youth Achieve (HOYA) invites college-age students and adults to volunteer by serving as a tutor to middle school and high school students.  As a tutor, you will be helping students understand basic concepts in: algebra, science, language arts and social studies by using the PASS and NovaNet online delivery systems. Training is provided for this opportunity and the schedule is flexible.
• During 9-11 gatherings, the Volunteer Center collected pledges from individuals and families who pledged to volunteer over the coming year in tribute to our troops, veterans, firefighters, police and others.  The Volunteer Center will continue to receive pledges through the end of November. Visit www.volunteerswmi.org to download your pledge card or send an email to volunteer@volunteerswmi.org.
• New Beginnings offers volunteers an opportunity to work with individuals who have a disability and help them to improve their skills and opportunities in life. As a sales associate/trainer, you will work with an assigned program member to operate the 2nd Impressions consignment shop. You will help them operate the touch screen cash register, correctly ring up sales items and give change. You will also assist in pricing new items and adding them to the inventory. Assisting and guiding New Beginnings program members is very rewarding.  You will receive training in working with people with disabilities but should bring your friendly and patient attitude.
• Do you enjoy talking to people?  The Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph has the perfect opportunity for you at their receptionist desk. You will greet visitors, answer phones and complete other small tasks. It is a fun environment with something new going on all the time. Times are available to volunteer are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 to 4 p.m.
Volunteer by donating blood!

Berrien County Chapter of the American Red Cross
For a complete listing visit www.berrienredcross.org.

Michigan Blood
For a complete listing visit www.miblood.org.

Adults and youth
• Are you a scrapper? Lakeland Hospice volunteers can help keep a scrapbook of patients’ obituaries. They can also work with families to create special memories. You will be able to set your own hours for this volunteer position.
• Mark your calendars — Make a Difference Day is Oct. 22. The Volunteer Center will soon be announcing volunteer projects that you can sign up for. You can also create your own project.  Just drop an email to volunteermi@volunteerswmi.org or post on our Facebook page. Some family friendly ideas include: 1.  decorate a paper grocery bag take it around to your neighbors — you have now done a food drive!  2. Make pictures and cards for meals on wheels .3. Make cookies for someone in your neighborhood 4. Think about someone you know that may have a hard time keeping up with leaves in the fall. Rake their yard. There are hundreds of other ways big and small you can make a difference.
• Calling all gardeners! Various organizations can use your help this fall getting their gardens ready for winter. One of these is the North Berrien Historical Museum in Coloma. Flexible scheduling available.
• Help bring a smile to the face of a senior living in an area nursing home or adult foster home. Some of the elders are the sole survivors in their families; others have no family living close enough to visit. These elders can feel socially isolated and too often lonely. If you can commit to at least 30 minutes on a regular basis, Child and Family Services would like to talk to you. Nothing can replace the gift of a one-on-one caring conversation and companionship — it enhances the human experience. Give that gift.

Youth
• Are you involved in a group that wants to do a service project? Why not contact Callie at youth@volunteerswmi.org? She’ll work with your group to find the opportunity that matches your interests. Interested in hunger — maybe you want to do a food drive and pack boxes at the food warehouse. Interested in homelessness? You can visit a homeless shelter and play with the kids staying there. Volunteering is an exciting way to learn about your world!