Spotlight on a Cause:
Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance
The Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation, Inc. (LOLLAF) is an independent, non-profit organization that provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals and senior citizens residing in Illinois. The Firm generally takes cases that match their goals of promoting economic security, providing adequate shelter, education, and health care for individuals and families, and cases involving domestic violence or family issues. They do not take cases involving criminal activity, traffic cases, personal injury, malpractice, or workers’ compensation. LOLLAF relies on volunteers in several ways. First and foremost, volunteer attorneys are requested to help meet their needs and handle a variety of case types. If you do not have a law degree, you can still volunteer by aiding in clerical/office help. The offices also utilize volunteer law students, paralegals, and undergraduate students trying to gain experience in the law field. For those seeking a heftier volunteer position — a volunteer ombudsman is currently being sought to serve as an advocate on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities. The volunteer would serve as a regular presence in long-term care facilities throughout a seven-county area in order to ensure the quality of care and/or quality of life for those residents.
For more information on volunteering, please contact Felicia Voelkel. For additional information on how Land of Lincoln works, how to request services, or how you can help, check out their website.
Volunteers Needed
Prom Benefit Volunteers Needed
Organizers of the 4th annual Prom Benefit for the Eastern Illinois Foodbank are recruiting volunteers. Volunteers will greet guests, sell raffle tickets/man the silent auction table, and assist with other miscellaneous tasks. The prom will be held Saturday, March 10th at the Hilton Garden Inn from 7:00–11:00 p.m. If you’re interested in helping, please email. For more information, please see their website.
University of Illinois School of Law Mock Trials
The Illinois School of Law is seeking last-minute volunteers to help act as jury members during mock trials for students. The trials this year will occur on March 5–6, 8–9, 12, 14–15, 2012. All these trials will be held at the Law School Courtroom, 4 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Champaign. Volunteer jurors are asked to arrive at the law school at 8:30 a.m. Trials will begin promptly thereafter, and will generally conclude in early afternoon, no later than 1:00 p.m. Please contact Julie Campbell or call 333-5842 for more information.
Upcoming Events
Big Brothers Big Sister Bowl for Kids’ Sake
The annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake is March 2–4 at Western Bowl in Champaign. Participants may register as a team or as an individual, with each bowler attempting to raise at least $100. Teams then show up at designated times to bowl, socialize, and have a chance to win prizes. For more information, call 355-2227 or go here.
Read Across America Day
The annual Read Across America event will be held on Saturday, March 3 from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana. Volunteers from the community will take time to read books to youngsters. There will also be other book-related activities planned, including a few special guest appearances from Dr. Seuss stars! For more information call 384-3530 or email.
Bellies for Life
Enjoy an annual belly dance show on March 3 from 7:00–9:00 p.m., with all proceeds benefitting the Illinois breast cancer organization, Network of Strength. This event is raising funds and awareness for breast cancer, as well as trying to encourage young women to perform self exams. This event will be held at the Highdive in downtown Champaign and is for patrons 19 and older, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Find more information here.
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)