Partly Cloudy / 37° FDoris Higgins: Volunteers needed to help with flu clinics
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
• Everyone is talking about the flu. Come be on the front lines and help the Berrien County Health Department at their flu clinic on Tuesday, Oct. 6 in Niles from 3 to 6 p.m. You will help people fill out forms and provide general assistance.
ADULTS
• Be a girl’s hero. Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan is looking for at least 10 troop leaders in Southwest Michigan to lead girls organized by grade level into troops. Guide girls through activities that are girl-led and include cooperative and hands-on learning. Frequency of troop meetings varies depending on leader and troop members.
• Be a volunteer for the young leaders program at Harbor Harvest Urban Ministries in Benton Harbor. This program has been developed to use evidenced based activities to build academics and social skills. Classes run Wednesday evenings.
• The leaves haven’t even turned color, but Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph is gearing up for the holidays. You can volunteer starting in November to make sure the soup’s on and help keep the serving area tidy.
• You may be used to getting in your car and going where you need to go. Many people struggle with transportation especially those with medical problems. You can help veterans, senior citizen, people with chronic illnesses (such as those on dialysis) and those receiving hospice care. You can also deliver meals to the homebound.
• The Red Cross of Berrien County provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. If you are available anytime between 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday you can help enter data at their offices in Benton Harbor.
• The Therapeutic Equestrian Center enriches the lives of those with special needs through horse related activities. Volunteer today as a horse leader or sidewalker. Other non horse volunteer opportunities are also available. Remember “without YOU, they don’t ride.”
• Berrien County Veterans Affairs Office gives veterans a ride to the VA hospital in Battle Creek. You can volunteer one or two days a month to drive their van. All van expenses are provided and drivers get a free lunch at the hospital. This is a full day commitment and days are picked out about a month in advance. Just a normal operator’s license is required with a good driving record.
• Give of yourself…..donate your blood!
BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
Thursday, Oct. 15 – Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 601 Ferry St., Niles: noon to 5:45 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.berrienredcross.org.
MICHIGAN COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER
Tuesday, Oct. 13 – American Legion, 402 N. Main, Galien: 4 – 8 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.miblood.org.
ADULTS & YOUTH
• Lake Michigan College and the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan are committed to volunteerism in Southwest Michigan. Come learn many of the ways you can get involved by visiting the Volunteer Fairs at Lake Michigan College. At least 10 agencies will be represented at each fair offering volunteer opportunities for YOU. The Volunteer Center will also be on hand to offer you a connection to hundreds of agencies and volunteer opportunities.
Monday, Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. & 5 – 6:30 p.m. Napier Campus (Benton Harbor)
Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. South Haven Campus
Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bertrand Crossing Campus (Niles)
A special emphasis will be placed on environmental volunteer opportunities, but all types of organizations will be represented.
• Join First Church of God in St. Joseph in creating a special evening for teens and adults with special needs. The Prom: Evening with the Stars will include dinner, dancing, arcade games, mini golf, karaoke, a comedy club and Deal or No Deal show on Oct. 3rd. As a Prom escort you will receive an hour of training at 4:30 p.m. before the event starts. Volunteers should be at least 15 years old.
• Help children from low income families have a good Christmas. Your help is especially needed this year in Cass County. Plans are being made and the Cass County Department of Human Services and the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan are looking for that special person to lead the project.
Doris Higgins is the executive director of the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan. Reach her at: director@volunteerswmi.org, 210 Main St., Suite 237, 605 Pleasant St., Niles, MI 49120. Call 683-5464, or visit www.volunteerswmi.org.
