Agency: Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center and Partnership for Children and Youth

Contact Person: Becky Twedt, 842-5006

The Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center is pairing up with Partnership for Children and Youth to sponsor a community summit, “Building a Better Community: Taking the Next Steps for Our Youth,” from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at Lawrence High School. The event will feature speakers and activities related to youth in Douglas County. Four mayors from the Douglas County area will discuss their views of the future for area children. Youth volunteers will lead participants in two community service projects. Volunteers as well as registered attendees will receive lunch.

Organizers of the summit hope to enlist 185 volunteers to help with the event. Volunteers will work as ushers, greeters and assist with parking and lunch. They also are looking for people to work evenings before and after the event to help with set-up and clean-up. Volunteers are encouraged to work in groups with friends, coworkers and family, and all ages are welcome. Youth volunteers are especially needed for the service project. Scheduling is flexible. There will be a brief orientation session at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11. To volunteer, call Twedt or download a sign-up sheet from www.lawrencedouglascountypromise.org under the news and events link.

Last week’s results

Campfire Club has not had anyone volunteer to assist another adult in teaching an after-school program at Woodlawn School. The program focuses on the environment and allows children to explore nature in a nearby park. It meets once a week for about two hours. To volunteer for this program, call Steve Halbett at (785) 272-0601.

Immediate volunteer needs

• THRIL needs horses that are gentle and could be used in its therapy riding program, volunteers to trailer horses for Thursday night lessons and volunteers willing to board horses for THRIL. Contact Lorretta Zachary at (785) 594-6479.
• Jayhawk Support Services for Elders assists elderly citizens with financial management by matching them with volunteers to help with bill paying, check writing and checkbook balancing. Volunteers visit about once per month. Volunteers are needed for clients living in Douglas and Jefferson Counties. Call Dawn Martin at (785) 354-8531.
• Meals on Wheels needs volunteers for substitute drivers and regular routes. Each route takes about 30 minutes. It also needs a volunteer to staff the meal room for two hours while meals are being delivered. To volunteer, call Kim Cullis at 979-1440.

For more volunteer opportunities call the Roger Hill Volunteer Center, a service of the United Way of Douglas County, at 865-5030 or online at www.rhvc.org.