Kansas University’s Center for Sustainability promotes a culture of sustainability in order to protect natural ecosystems, create economic prosperity, and treat all people with equality and respect. The center works across campus to support sustainable practices in operations, education, research and campus life.

The center needs volunteers to help with the summer maintenance of the campus rain garden, a 5,200-square-foot home to 2,500 native plants and 18 different species. Volunteers will perform general garden maintenance tasks such as removing excess growth and unwanted vegetation, mulch distribution and weed removal. To volunteer, contact Blaine Bengtson at sustainability@ku.edu or at 785-864-5398.

Immediate needs

• KVC Behavioral Health Care enriches and enhances the lives of children and families by providing medical and behavioral health care, social services and education. KVC needs two to three volunteers to provide child care while parents attend a parent education class from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Lawrence office, located at 1202 E. 23rd St., Suite C. Contact Stacy Yowell at syowell@kvc.org or at 913-956-5320 to volunteer.

• The Lawrence Douglas County Advocacy Council on Aging works to determine the needs of citizens over 60 years of age and to develop a comprehensive plan of services to meet those needs.  In developing this plan, the council examines programs directed toward aging issues implemented by local, state and federal governments.  The council is currently seeking members to serve a three-year appointed term on the council. Volunteers are also needed to serve on various project committees. To volunteer, contact Judy Bellome at 785-760-7892.

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County provides one-to-one relationships for children facing adversity. BBBS is looking for a “Big” for Diamonique, who is 13 years old and attends South Middle School.  Diamonique is kind, sweet, friendly and likes to try different things.  She is a great mix of girly-girl and athlete.  She is very easy to get along with and would match well with a Big Sister who is open to trying new things, confident, outgoing and talkative. To volunteer, contact Stacie Salverson-Schroeder at 785-843-7359, ext. 112, or at sschroeder@ksbbs.org.