Volunteer opportunities: Help needed for upcoming blood drives

Agency: American Red Cross of Douglas County

Contact: Jane Blocher at jane.blocher@redcross.org or at 785-691-8995

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.

The American Red Cross of Douglas County is looking for a volunteer to register blood donors at six community blood drives each year. Drives are held every eight weeks on a Thursday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2104 Bob Billings Parkway. The hours are approximately 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The volunteer must have a welcoming, friendly demeanor while interacting with all donors and other volunteers. This is a desk position. Strong organizational skills a must. Please contact Jane Blocher at (785) 691-8995 or email Jane.Blocher@redcross.org.

Plan an event for United Way

The United Way of Douglas County brings community resources together to support a better life for residents by focusing on improvements in health, education, and financial stability.

The United Way of Douglas County is looking for an energetic and creative volunteer interested in leading an event planning committee responsible for orchestrating a communitywide volunteer engagement event on the afternoon of Sept. 14. The committee chair will recruit a small working committee to plan, organize and execute the volunteer event. The event committee will be responsible for securing a venue, planning the event agenda, and marketing the event. Please contact Colleen Gregoire at development@unitedwaydgco.org or at (785) 843-6626 ext. 340.

Read with students

Are you a book lover? Communities in Schools at Kennedy Elementary School helps students choose success by ensuring their access to the Five Basics that all young people need to succeed, one of which is having a one-on-one relationship with a caring adult.

Communities in Schools is looking for volunteers to listen to beginning readers and read with students from 8:15-9 a.m. at Kennedy Elementary School. This opportunity is available any day of the week. Please contact Stacie Jackson at stacie.jackson@ciskansas.org or at (785) 330-1656.

Look after children

Looking for a fun volunteer opportunity appropriate for youth? Success by 6 needs volunteers to assist with their Parent Education classes by providing child care for children younger than 5 years of age while their parents are attending class.

Two to three volunteers care for nine children from 5:30-8 p.m. at Centennial Adult Education Center, 2145 Louisiana St. Age-appropriate activities will be planned as well as a snack of pizza provided to attendees. Volunteers are needed on Wednesday evenings running through June 29, and also monthly on the second Tuesday, also 5:30-8 p.m. Volunteers may sign up for either Wednesday evenings, Tuesday evenings, or both. For more information, please contact Rich Minder at docofamily2family@gmail.com or at 785-842-8719.

Help keep Lawrence beautiful

The City of Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department has several opportunities for individuals and groups to assist in beautifying our community by helping with flower planting and park cleanup. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age.

Opportunities are on several dates, times, and locations running through May 26. For more information and to sign up to volunteer, go to www.lawrenceks.org/lprd/flowerplanting.

Be a Big Brother

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County provides one-to-one relationships for children facing adversity. Are you looking to make a difference in the life of a young boy in our community? For a few hours, a couple times a month, you can give a “Little” the invaluable gift of your friendship.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for a male mentor 18 years of age or older to spend a few hours a week with a polite, kind and attentive young man. He has had a rough beginning to life, however, he remains a sweet and smart person and is very excited to get a “Big” to try outdoor and sporty activities.

This young man will benefit from a Big who is patient, outgoing and can communicate very well. If you are ready to make a difference in the life of a young person in our community, ask about volunteering today. Please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at (785) 843-7359.

— For more volunteer opportunities, please contact Shelly Hornbaker at the United Way Roger Hill Volunteer Center at 785-865-5030, ext. 301 or at volunteer@unitedwaydgco.org or go to www.volunteerdouglascounty.org.