Agency: Lawrence public schools

Contact person: Susan Butterfield, 832-5008, Ext. 657

The Lawrence school district hosts after-school programs for students to focus on reading and other subjects. Senior citizen volunteers have the opportunity to support students’ learning and enrich their experience at these programs. After-school programs occur in almost every elementary school, beginning at dismissal and lasting until 5:30 p.m. or 6 p.m. Senior volunteers may read with a student, assist with homework or work on other special projects.

Immediate volunteer needs

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County will have open house information sessions about school-based volunteering for interested senior citizens at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Aug. 27. Light breakfast snacks will be followed by a brief presentation and a chance to chat with board members and staff about volunteer involvement opportunities. The open house will be at 211 E. Eighth St., Suite D. For more information or to reserve a place, call Erin Thomas at 843-7359.
• Any time, on any day, when adults or children have a concern, they can talk with one of the counselors at Headquarters Counseling Center. The center provides counseling and information free of charge. Caring adult volunteers are needed to keep this service available 24 hours a day. Good listening and friendship skills are important for this job. The center provides thorough training for adults who will volunteer at the 24-hour counseling center. Informational meetings will be at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the Lawrence Public Library; 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at Community Mercantile; and 6 p.m. Sept. 2 at the Lawrence Public Library. The Fall 2003 training program starts soon. For more information call 841-2345, or 594-6490 from Baldwin.