Smile Politely

The Chambana Volunteer, Jan. 12-19

Spotlight on a Cause:

Project READ

Project READ is an adult literacy program affiliated with Parkland College that provides free tutoring for individuals interested in improving their reading, writing, or ESL skills. Anyone over the age of 16 may join as long as they are not enrolled in school, and will receive tutoring and course materials free of charge. This program relies on volunteer tutors who work with students at local public locations. In order to tutor for Project READ, all interested volunteer tutors must go through twelve hours of training to receive adult tutoring certification. For more information on the program or on how to become a volunteer tutor, contact Jan Sabey at (217) 351-2361.

Volunteers Needed:

Drivers for Senior Transportation & Meals on Wheels

Family Service is in need of drivers to either help bring seniors to their appointments, pick up prescriptions, etc. or to help drive meals to homebound folks. All drivers must have own, insured vehicle and a valid driver’s license. Mileage reimbursement is available. Please call the Family Service Senior Resource Center at (217) 352-5100 to learn more about each program.

TIMES Center Advisory Council

Volunteers interested in issues regarding the homeless and who would like to make an impact in our community may be interested in joining the TIMES Center Advisory Council.  Council members meet the third Monday of each month at 4 PM to discuss the Center’s needs and aid in the implementation of fundraising and decision-making for the Center. To learn more, please email Marsha at [email protected].

Angel Wings at the VA Hospital

Angel Wings volunteers are at the bedside of dying veterans to reassure that “no one dies alone”. Volunteers offer comfort and support to those hospice veterans at the VA Hospital and reinsure that all patients receive a dignified death, even if they have no family members present. For more information on how to get involved with the program, contact Teresa Ard at (217) 554-5700.

Save the date: The Martin Luther King Jr. 2012 Day of Service is on Monday, January 16, 2012.

Disclaimer:  I gather this information based on local community calendars and from colleagues at local service organizations.  Some of the wording is based directly on what I receive and research.  Please feel free to email me if you have any comments, questions, or have anything you would like to see posted.  Thank you.  (MER)

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