Agency: Douglas County CASA

Contact: Maria Butler at 832-5172 or at mbutler@douglas-county.org

Douglas County CASA is looking for volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) for abused and neglected children who have been removed from their homes. CASAs monitor the case, attend hearings and meetings, submit reports to the court and advocate on behalf of the child. Volunteers must be 21, submit an application, pass a background check and complete 30 hours of training. The next informational meetings will be on Jan. 7 and Jan. 8. For more information, go to www.dccasa.org and click on Volunteer, or contact Maria Butler at 832-5172, or at mbutler@douglas-county.org.

The Salvation Army has many holiday programs that need volunteers. The Joy Shop needs helpers on Dec. 11 and Dec. 21, to assist families with gift selections for their relatives. For more details about these opportunities, please contact Jim Evers at 764-0962 or at jim_evers@usc.salvationarmy.org.

Douglas County Toys for Tots needs donations of new, unwrapped toys and/or money to purchase toys for needy children in Douglas County. Toys for Tots often helps families unable to qualify for help from other agencies. Volunteers, especially those who are bilingual, are needed to help with the Christmas Toy Shop December 9-24. Please call Mary Jones at 766-3023 or Bev Hill at 766-0104, for more information.

AARP Tax-Aide provides free income tax assistance for taxpayers with low to moderate income, with special attention to residents age 60 and above. Volunteers should have basic computer skills and the personal drive necessary to become proficient with new tax preparation software provided by the IRS. Volunteers are provided access to all computer equipment and training materials required and will receive comprehensive tax training in January. Tax preparation will begin Feb. 2 and run through April 15. For more information, please contact Sarah Merriman at 813-1136 or at smerriman@swbell.net.

The Lawrence Public Library and United Way of Douglas County will host a Day of Service in conjunction with Martin Luther King Day on Jan. 19, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The library will be filled with projects to benefit families in Lawrence and we need your help. Help decorate and assemble Valentine’s Day cards to be given to homebound seniors. Make a simple winter scarf for a child or adult to be donated to the Lawrence Community Shelter. For specific times, additional information and to sign up, please go to www.volunteerdouglascounty.org and click on “Special Events” or contact Linda Brandenburger at americorps@unitedwaydgco.org or at 843-6626.

StopGap Inc. strives to empower youth aging-out of foster care and at-risk youth by providing them with a foundation of life skills. If you are interested in working with youth, StopGap Inc. is looking for volunteers to help teach classes in its outreach program. This is an eight-week commitment that starts Jan. 20. The classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Please contact Justine Burton at stopgapinc.org@gmail.com or at 856-7833, for more information.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County provides one-to-one relationships for children facing adversity. A male role model is needed to spend a few hours a week with a young boy on the waiting list. He is smart, calm and loves school. Please contact Stacie Salverson-Schroeder at 843-7359, Ext 112, or at sschroeder@ksbbbs.org.

— For more volunteer opportunities, please 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.