Agency: Douglas County Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Task Force

Contact: Jenn Preston at Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department at 843-0721 or Michelle Wilson at Douglas County CASA at 832.5172 or at mwilson@douglas-county.com or at Erika Dvorske at uwdirector@unitedwaydgco.org or at 843-6626

The Douglas County Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Task Force strives to promote awareness and prevention of child abuse and neglect in Douglas County. The task force is looking for a volunteer to serve as Pinwheel Distributor and Prevention Educator. Responsibilities include distributing pre-made vases of awareness pinwheels and associated prevention information to area businesses during April. Volunteers will provide their own transportation. Training is provided. For more information, please contact Jenn Preston at 843-0721, Michelle Wilson at 832-5172, or Erika Dvorske at 843-6626.

l United Way of Douglas County seeks a volunteer to coordinate an ongoing program that provides donated books to children in various schools. Time requirement is two to 10 hours weekly, depending upon how the volunteer sets up the program. Organizational skills and interest in independent work are required. Duties include organizing current book inventory by reading level, identifying book requirements by school, matching requirements with the current inventory and assisting with and tracking book distribution. Duties are primarily at the United Way building, 2518 Ridge Court, during office hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with potential for some work from home. Minimum commitment through the end of this school year is requested. If interested, please contact Lori Johns at info@rhvc.org for a full position description.

l The West Middle School Garden provides produce for the West Middle School cafeteria, as well as clients of Douglas County Health Department, Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, Visiting Nurses Association and Health Care Access. A garden work day is planned at West, 2700 Harvard Road, on April 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please contact Lily Siebert at Lily@TheMerc.coop or at 785-843-8544, to volunteer.

l 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. Big Brothers is looking for a sporty, energetic male willing to spend two to three times a month with a 10-year-old who needs a male mentor. At first, he may be quiet but once you get to know him, he is friendly and helpful. Since he has been waiting for a Big Brother for an entire year, he will be delighted when matched with you. To make a difference, please contact Stacie Salverson-Schroeder at 785-843-7359, ext 112, or at sschroeder@ksbbs.org.