SPOTLIGHT ON AN ORGANIZATION:
Meals of Hope C-U
Meals of Hope is a community-involved food packaging event in which volunteers package meals for local families and individuals facing hunger. The packed meals are distributed to soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, snack programs, and other agencies and programs served by the Eastern Illinois Foodbank (EIF).
The First United Methodist Church of Champaign is currently accepting donations on behalf of Meals of Hope CU, which will be used to fund the purchase of ingredients and supplies for packaging the meals. The steering committee that plans the packaging event itself is working now to raise the money to fund the event. The current fundraising goal is $13,000 which would package 55,000 meals; Every 25 cents donated will be another meal for a hungry family in Champaign County.
Visit the Meals of Hope Website at http://mealsofhopecu.org/ for more information on volunteering and how to donate to this cause.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Wesley Evening Food Pantry
Volunteer opportunities are available monthly. Wesley Pantry is every third Thursday of every month, the next one being July 21st. Volunteers are needed for set-up the day before Pantry from 6:30-8:30pm and Pantry night from 1:30-9:30pm. For Pantry job descriptions and to sign up for a shift, please visit http://wesleypantry.org/volunteer-sign-up/. For additional information, email volunteer@wesleypantry.org.
Mahomet Area Youth Club
The Mahomet Area Youth Club (MAYC) is seeking volunteers for its Annual ½ Marathon and 5 K run on August 20, 2011 in Mahomet. Volunteers are needed for manning water stations, hosting mile “entertainment centers”, helping man the beverage/food station for the runners, serving as security, etc. Please contact MAYC at 217-590-2860 or online at maycrace@mchsi.com
http://maycrace.home.mchsi.com/
Community Elements Crisis Line
Help with various situations, including assistance with information, depression, social support, and suicide prevention. Receive ongoing supervision and consultation from mental health professionals. Gain training with active listening, risk assessment for depression and suicide, relationships, community resources and referrals. Volunteering training is required and is on the following dates:
September 12, 14, 19, & 21, 2011
Mondays: Sept. 12, 19, 6:00- 8:30 p.m.
Wednesdays: Sept. 14, 21, 6:00- 8:30 p.m.
It is mandatory for volunteers to attend all sessions–12 hours of on-the-job training is also required. Contact the Crisis Line Coordinator at 373-2430 ext. 2190 or bgay@communityelements.org to complete an application.
http://www.communityelements.org/
UPCOMING EVENTS
Library Book Sale
Champaign Public Library is hosting a book sale July 2-3 from 1:30-4:30 PM. Buy bargain-priced used books, movies, and music to help support the Library. Book shop is located in Library lower level, with most items costing $0.50 to $1.50.
Champaign County Freedom Celebration
Celebrate this Independence Day at the Champaign County Freedom Celebration. This incredible event–executed entirely by volunteers and based on community donations–hosts a local celebration for our country’s birthday.
I.D.E.A. Store Creation Contest
Contest running now through July 10. Post pictures via Facebook of your artistic creations that are made with reused/recycled materials. Tell your friends to “LIKE” your post. The idea with the most “LIKES” in 10 days will be featured in the I.D.E.A. Store newsletter and will receive $10 in I.D.E.A. Store bucks.
Links: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=194884690562100 (Facebook Event),
http://the-idea-store.org/
FYI: The 2012 National Conference on Volunteerism and Service will be held in Chicago. Will you attend?
http://www.volunteeringandservice.org/
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)