Agency: United Way of Douglas County

Contact: Shelly Hornbaker at volunteer@unitedwaydgco.org or at 865-5030

Calling all youth, ages 12-18, who are looking for a fun way to spend the summer. The United Way has youth volunteer opportunities with a variety of local agencies–Lawrence Humane Society, Midnight Farm, Baker Wetlands, Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living, Operation Wildlife, Lumberyard Arts, and many more — available through its Summer of Service Program, running June 2 through July 31. For more information and the application form, go to www.unitedwaydgco.org, or contact Shelly Hornbaker at 865-5030, or at volunteer@unitedwaydgco.org.

DCCDA is a non-profit membership and service organization committed to developing programs to support early childhood care and education in Douglas County, Kansas. DCCDA has opened a small preschool classroom, Positive Bright Star, in the Edgewood housing community at 1600 Haskell. The preschool is looking for a volunteer to help with lunch by picking up lunches from the Merc, delivering them to the classroom, helping serve lunch to the children, and cleaning up after the meal is completed. Volunteers are needed from approximately 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact Marci at 785-842-9679 or at marci@dccda.org for additional information.

Independence, Inc. strives to maximize independence for people with disabilities through advocacy, training, and transportation. Independence, Inc. is looking for a volunteer to help with lawn mowing for a woman with disabilities. To volunteer, contact Tara Nelson at tnelson@independenceinc.org or at 785-841-0333.

Douglas County CASA provides comprehensive advocacy for abused and neglected children in need of care and under the protection of the court system. Douglas County CASA is looking for volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) for abused and neglected children. CASAs monitor the case, attend hearings and meetings, submit reports to the court, and advocate on behalf of the child. Volunteers must be 21 years old, submit an application, pass a background check, and complete 30 hours of training. Informational meetings will be held at 5:30 p.m. May 7 and noon May 16 at the CASA office, 1009 New Hampshire St.. For more information, go to www.dccasa.org and click on volunteer, or contact Maria Butler at 785-832-5172, or at mbutler@douglas-county.org.

Just Food serves as the Douglas County food bank for more than 30 partner agencies. Just Food needs volunteers to prepare 30,000 grocery bags for the annual Letter Carriers Union food drive, Stamp Out Hunger. Bags need to be prepared by May 3rd. You can staple bags during regular office hours or from 4-7 p.m. on April 28-May 1. Contact Elizabeth Keever at ekeever@justfoodks.org or at 856-7030, to volunteer.

The Windsor of Lawrence is dedicated to serving the individual needs of senior adults. Volunteers are needed for a variety of interactive activities with the residents — reading and discussing current events, helping in the garden and participating with evening activities and games. The facility is also looking for a volunteer to answer the phone and greet visitors. Contact Suzy Jach at 785-727-0492 or suzy.jach@legendseniorliving.com to volunteer.

Lawrence Parks and Recreation has several fun volunteer opportunities available to help with planting flowers in South Park and downtown on several dates in May, and building a new playground at 1245 15th St. on May 1. Volunteers are asked to bring work gloves. All other materials needed, will be provided. For more information, specific dates and times, and to sign up, please go to https://www.lawrenceks.org/lprd/flowerplanting to volunteer for planting flowers or to https://www.lawrenceks.org/lprd/playgroundvolunteer to assist with the playground build.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County provides one-to-one relationships for children facing adversity. Are you looking to make a difference in the life of a young boy in our community? For a few hours, a couple times a month, you can give a “Little” the invaluable gift of your friendship. We have a 12-year-old boy who is friendly, laid back, and enjoys arts and crafts, video games, and reading. He is so excited to be matched and would like to spend a few hours a week with you. To make a difference in the life of this young man, contact Stacie Salverson-Schroeder at 785-843-7359, extension 112, or at sschroeder@ksbbbs.org.

For more volunteer opportunities, contact Shelly Hornbaker at the United Way Roger Hill Volunteer Center at 785-865-5030 or at volunteer@unitedwaydgco.org or go to www.volunteerdouglascounty.org.