SPOTLIGHT ON AN ORGANIZATION:
Monticello Railway Museum
The Monticello Railway Museum strives to preserve the rich history of the railroad in Central Illinois, and is currently in need of dedicated volunteers. There are opportunities here for every type of volunteer: Volunteers are needed to assist with ticket sales and working in the gift shop and downtown depot on weekend afternoons. Museum “docents” are needed to greet guests, answer general questions about exhibits, and to watch over the displays. Those interested in helping with the general maintenance and upkeep of the grounds such as cleaning and gardening are also needed. And finally, for those who would like a more challenging, hands-on kind of job, volunteers are needed to help restore the locomotives. Those with experience in plumbing, electrical, engine work, and/or use of machinery would be fantastic for this position, (but they are willing to train those willing to learn!). For more information, please contact Syl Keller at (217) 493-1688.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Provena Covenant’s Faith in Action Program
Provena Center for Healthy Aging’s Faith in Action program serves Champaign County residents ages 55 and older who are in need. Volunteer opportunities include driving people to doctor’s appointments and the pharmacy, grocery shopping for home-bound seniors, making companionable home visits, providing respite for caregivers, making telephone reassurance calls, light housekeeping/light meal preparation duties, minor household repairs, yard clean up/chores and office assistance. Groups are also encouraged to volunteer for Chore Days, including yard clean up, mowing, pulling weeds, washing windows, and other outside projects.
To find out how you can help seniors who are isolated, lonely or in need of assistance, attend an orientation session on Tuesday, August 23 at 6:00 p.m. or Wednesday, September 14 at 10:30 a.m. at the Provena Center for Healthy Aging,410 E. University Ave. in Champaign. For more information call (217) 337-2022.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks mentors to work with at-risk youth in both community and school settings. As a School-Based Big Brother or Sister you will meet with your “Little” once per week in school & spend time together working on school assignments, playing games, trying new activities and talking about life. As a Community-Based mentor you will meet with your “Little” two-four times per month doing a planned activity outside of school, such as going to the park, the movies, etc.
The BBBS staff gets to know each volunteer individually and then pairs you carefully with the child most fitting your experience and interests. Ongoing match support ensures that our children benefit in the best possible way from seeing their mentor. For more information, contact Eric Batsie at (217) 355-2227 or e.batsie@bbbscil.org
Orpheum Children’s Science Museum
The Orpheum is seeking enthusiastic and energetic volunteers to create a great experience for their visitors. The Orpheum Children’s Science Museum relies on its team of volunteers to accomplish its educational outreach mission. Volunteer opportunities come in all shapes and sizes, depending on the interests and skills of the volunteers and the needs of the museum. Volunteers can belong to the following crews: Education, Exhibits, Fundraising, Promotions, Facilities, and Special Events. We are currently seeking Summer Camp volunteers and volunteers for our Dino Detective Days. If you are interested in volunteering with the Orpheum, please contact Jessica Beckhart at volunteer@orpheumkids.com, or by calling 217.352.5895.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Support the Local Arts at Indigo Artist Co-Op
The Common Mind & Indigo Co-Op present INDICATE, a night of Live Art and Music at Indigo Gallery, Saturday, July 9 at 7 PM. Artists include Matt Harsh, (drawing /video), Ryan Michael Fraser, (live painting), and Georgie, (live painting). Music provided by Lincoln Jones, Kirkwood West, DJ Reflex, and DJ Dif-Eq.
http://www.indi-go-art.com/
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=238097309536086
Champaign County 4-H Project Expo
Champaign County 4-H will host its annual Expo at Market Place Mall beginning on July 12 through July 14. Exhibitions will include something for everyone: Visual Arts, Interior Design, Photography, Robotics, Natural Sciences, Computers/Engineering, Woodworking, and Cake Decorating, among others.
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/champaign
Champaign County Summit of Hope
The primary goal of a Summit of Hope is safety through reduced recidivism. This community expo of services and support supplies and encourages those re-entering back into society with the tools they need to become crime free responsible citizens-To give those hope that have lost their hope. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, July 12 at the Stratford Park Bible Chapel in Champaign, 2801 W. Kirby, from 8am to 3pm.
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)