Agency: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County

Contact: Cathy Brashler at 843-7359 or cbrashler@ksbbbs.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County is seeking volunteers for the “Bigs in Schools” program. Sign up now to be matched with a “Little” starting this fall. A commitment of two consecutive semesters is requested. Volunteer “Bigs” spend 30 minutes to 1 hour a week at their Little’s school doing a variety of one-on-one activities – eating lunch, reading, tutoring, playing games, etc., according to the needs of the child. Kindergarten and elementary students are waiting to be matched in schools all over Lawrence. It’s been proven that mentoring has a real and positive impact on children and their futures – plus their families, their schools and their communities.

This opportunity is perfect for working professionals who can take a lunch break once a week. For more information, please contact Cathy Brashler at 843-7359 or cbrashler@ksbbbs.org.

Immediate needs

• Douglas County AIDS Project (DCAP) is in need of volunteers to work in its office, staff information tables at various community events, adopt condom bowls to stock and maintain, work on fundraising and other special projects. There are plenty of opportunities to help out DCAP. If you are interested in volunteering, download and complete the volunteer application from douglascountyaidsproject.org. Please note that the application includes two reference forms, one of which must be a professional/academic reference. Additionally, all volunteers will participate in an orientation and HIV 101 seminar. If you have other questions or would like more details about available opportunities, contact Chad Steele at 843-0040 or dcap@sunflower.com.

• The 2011 Tour of Lawrence is in need of volunteers for its cycling events July 1-3. Volunteers will help set up and tear down the race routes, act as corner marshals and much more. All volunteers will be provided with T-shirts, meals and lots of fun for what promises to be an exciting race. Numerous shifts are available, so you only need to give a few hours of your time to be a part of the race crew. Find out more about specific volunteer needs and shifts by visiting touroflawrence.com/volunteers.html or by contacting the 2011 Tour of Lawrence volunteer coordinator, Lauren James, at volunteer@touroflawrence.com.

• Independence Inc. is seeking volunteers for its first Champion of Independence Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 26 at Maceli’s, 1031 N.H. Volunteers will help carry plates of food from the kitchen to tables, fill up drinks and help clean up during and after the event. Ability to stand and walk for at least an hour is necessary, but no training is required. Contact Meghan Kinley at 841-0333, ext. 143, to sign up and help.

— For more volunteer opportunities, contact Shannon Reid at the United Way’s Roger Hill Volunteer Center, at 785-865-5030 or volunteer@rhvc.org, or go to volunteerdouglascounty.org.