Before Its Back to School

During the summer, the last thing on the minds of most kids is heading back to school and hitting the books. 

While families are soaking up these last weeks of summer, keep in mind the school bus days are just around the corner and before you know it, the store shelves will all be overflowing with colored pencils and composition books.

But there is more than enough time left to get the kids involved in a few acts of service during their break. Keeping them excited and ensuring the spirit of volunteerism can't just be limited to the day their school dedicated to community service. There is always work to be done, always someone we can reach out to and lend a helping hand.

Be creative! It may help to think about things we often take for granted. For example, school supply shopping. Just think! If everyone in the neighborhood, purchased an extra backpack and filled it with a few supplies for someone else, a student whose family may be at an economic disadvantage will have a need filled.

Let the kids take the reins and decide what a schoolmate may need. Be sure to explain the reason we give to others and encourage them to think of new ways they can help others. Then, coordinate with schools and teachers as they may have a better idea of those students in need of materials.

We invite you to share some other ideas for service projects that kids come up with in hopes that

they will inspire more youth to take initiative as well. Whether its donating outgrown clothing and shoes or bringing lunch to senior citizens, lets bring in the school year the right way by celebrating summer through service!

During the summer, families tend to have more time together. Children are on summer break and parents are planning vacations. If volunteering as a family is part of your summer plans, here are eight tips to make volunteering as a family more fun!

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1) Try it before committing long term!

2) Be prompt, courteous, and eager to help.

3) Praise and encourage kids' efforts!

4) How was it? Swap thoughts and stories.

5) Celebrate! What a great achievement!

6) Scrapbook memories and keep a volunteer calendar.

7) Ready for more? Brainstorm ideas together!

8) Invite other friends and families to come along!

Do you have plans to volunteer as a family this summer? Awesome!

Learn more about the United Way

Do you want to find out more about what the United Way of Greater Lafayette is all about? Visit the website

*On-Going Volunteer Needs*

Be a Light in Someone's Life

Serenity Hospice are in need of volunteers to visit with patients. You can be the light in someone's life for their remaining days or visit with the nursing home residents to help pass the time in their day. Training is provided. If interested, email Linda or call her at 446-9100.

Do You Like to Hang Out with your Elders?

The Center @ Jenks Rest is looking for volunteers of their gift shop and reception.

Gift Shop Volunteer: Tuesday and Thursday (9am to 2pm; full or half day shifts) Volunteer will greet customers, assist customers with merchandise, watch over the gift shop and ring up sales.

Receptionist: Monday to Friday (8:30am to 3:00pm; full or half day shifts) Volunteer will greet all people that enter the building, answer the phone, direct calls/take messages, recourd donation and make calls to verify appointments.  

Book Cycle Seeks Volunteers 

This is your change to assist pre-school children in selecting and exchanging books at Head Start and the Tippecanoe County Childcare Centers. Volunteers must be able to commit to ONE time slot each week for approximately 2 hours. (Thursday is 9-11AM or 1:30-3:30PM and Friday is 9-10:30AM) Please contact Colleen Reader or call 765-567-4088 for more information.  

Delivery Service Needed!  

Meals on Wheels is in need of people who are willing to donate a couple hours of their time either on a weekly or fill-in basis. You will need your own car to deliver meals to elderly and disabled recipients of the program. To volunteer contact  Nichole

Clothes, Clothes Everywhere!

Trinity Mission Outlet Store are looking for volunteers to help sort through clothes that they have at the store. They would like 20 or so volunteers to help for 4 - 5 hours. If interested contact Todd at 765-742-1060.  

Have a couple hours to give?

Caregivers Companions needs volunteers to visit, drive and help the elderly or ill in Tippecanoe County. If you would enjoy helping someone with transportation, errands, light housework, laundry, etc. we have quite a few situations in the area for you to choose from. Volunteers can give as many or as few hours as your schedule will allow.