Agency: Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center

Address: 200 Maine, Suite A

Contact: Leslie Sharp 842-2624

A group of Lawrence parents of children with special needs is forming a support group with the assistance of Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center. Volunteers are needed to provide child care for two hours in a playroom setting while their parents participate in the support group. The children range in age from infant to 14 years and all have various special developmental or health needs. The support group meets from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of every month at Lawrence Free Methodist Church, 3001 Lawrence Ave.

Immediate volunteer needs

• The Roger Hill Volunteer Center and Lawrence Public Library are having a free Community Volunteer Fair from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the library. Volunteer coordinators from dozens of local nonprofit agencies will be on hand to speak about their programs’ needs and how to get involved. Adults and youths interested in starting volunteering in the community will find this to be a great introduction to opportunities. For more information, contact the Roger Hill Volunteer Center, 865-5030.
• Headquarters Counseling Center needs volunteers to help with its bicycle ride on April 30. The Life Support Rally raises funds for free counseling and information services for kids and adults. To volunteer, contact Melody Carter at melodysarah@yahoo.com. For more information go to www.lifesupportrally.org.
• The 37th Annual March of Dimes WalkAmerica fund-raising event will be at 6 p.m. May 13 at Clinton State Park. Volunteers for the local Logistics Committee are needed in advance of the event and to help on the day of WalkAmerica itself. The March of Dimes mission is the prevention of premature births, birth defects and infant mortality. Volunteer opportunities also are available year-round in the local chapter office. For more information, contact Sarah Briggs at 228-0084 or by e-mail at sbriggs@marchofdimes.com
• The Red Cross will have a blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday at First Christian Church, 221 W. 10th St. The Red Cross needs volunteers to help set up and tear down the blood drive. Setup volunteers will unload equipment at 10:30 a.m. for about 30 minutes. Cleanup volunteers are needed at 6:15 p.m. for 45 minutes. Escort volunteers also are needed to accompany blood donors after giving blood to the hospitality area. Escort volunteers can work as little as one hour or for the duration of the blood drive. For more information, contact Connie Edwards at 841-1020 or Jane Blocher at 843-3550.