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In cooperation with the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan, file will 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 Web site 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 partner agency.
Spotlight Agency of the Week
• Did you know that low income working families including those who have lost their job during this past year, are eligible to get their taxes done for free by volunteers and may be eligible for earned income tax credits? These same families would normally pay hundreds of dollars to preparers; money that could be used for groceries, utilities, rent, etc. You can be one the volunteers that makes this possible through the EITC (Earned Income Tax Coalition) sponsored by Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency. You can attend a training in person in January or take the IRS training on-line. No prior experience required just a willingness to learn. If taxes aren’t your thing, you can help greet people and make sure they have the proper documents with them. Remember you can play an important role just in telling others about this important service. Wouldn’t it feel good to feel like you are the one putting money in the pocket of families in our community?
• Hospice programs traditionally help families with end of life care. Hospice at Home works in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties and is offering a new program.
“Transitions” brings the same kind of wrap around services and support provided to those with a terminal diagnosis to those dealing with a serious illness. You can be a part of a volunteer driven team that builds a valuable support system for these individuals and their families. You can help provide information and referrals to get them the personalized care they need. You can play a vital part in supporting the Transitions program coordinators and volunteer field representatives by assisting the team with research, making phone calls, doing data entry and providing other office support as needed. This program is being offered to the community at no cost to the client. Be a part of this exciting new service!
• Berrien County MSU Extension is offering their Michigan Master Gardener Volunteer Program starting in January. Master Gardeners provide research-based information and technical assistance in gardening and horticulture at various locations. The 11-week course teaches the basics of gardening and home horticulture that is then put to use by serving the community through the volunteer service requirement. Master Gardeners assist throughout our community with 4-H and youth plant science activities, planting projects, Habitat for Humanity and more! Trainings are held on Saturdays Jan. 16 through March 27 at Fernwood in Niles. There is cost for the classes. A minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service per year are required to maintain one’s Master Gardner Certification and active status. You need to apply by Jan. 4. Classes are available annually so if you can’t make it this year give them a call and make your plans 2011.
• The Refuge of Southwestern Michigan in Buchanan if a ministry that brings mentors into the lives of struggling kids and adults. It is offering volunteers a 16-week mentor training program. Training will be every Tuesday January 12, 2010 through April 27 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and all day Jan. 16
• Michigan Community Blood Centers has a new name, Michigan Blood. Don’t want to donate blood? No problem, you can also volunteer to work at a blood drive serving cookies and juice. They mail out a schedule well in advance and you can pick a blood drive that is at a location and time that is convenient to you. You can also help out at their office answering phones, mailing letters and other tasks. All these duties help give the gift of life that is blood. Volunteers should be at least 18 years old.
During the holidays donations can be down so please consider giving the very personal gift of your blood.
Berrien County Chapter of the American Red Cross
• Saturday, Jan. 10 – River Valley Senior Center, 13321 Red Arrow Highway, Harbert: 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
• Tuesday, Jan. 13 – Holiday Inn Express, 2276 Pipestone Rd. Benton Harbor: noon – 5:45 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.berrienredcross.org.
Michigan Blood (formerly known as Michigan Community Blood Centers)
• Tuesday, Dec. 29 – Community Baptist Church, 3250 E. US 12, Niles: 2 to 7 p.m.